What is the use of Aricept (Donepezil)?

From the Guidelines

Aricept (donepezil) should be considered for patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease to improve cognition and global function assessment, as evidenced by consistent benefits in studies, including a systematic review published in the Annals of Internal Medicine 1. The medication is a cholinesterase inhibitor that increases acetylcholine levels in the brain, which is important for memory and thinking.

• The standard dosing typically starts at 5 mg once daily, usually taken at bedtime, which may be increased to 10 mg daily after 4-6 weeks if well tolerated.
• For patients with mild cognitive impairment, donepezil may reduce rates of conversion to Alzheimer's disease in the short term, but differences relative to placebo disappear by 36 months 1.
• Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, insomnia, muscle cramps, fatigue, and decreased appetite, which are primarily associated with gastrointestinal problems consistent with this class of drugs and are dose-related.
• The effectiveness of Aricept should be evaluated regularly by healthcare providers, and patients should take the medication consistently at the same time each day for optimal benefit.
• Any decision to discontinue the medication should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider to avoid rapid cognitive decline, as the medication works best when started early in the disease course and can temporarily improve cognitive function and help with daily activities in some patients 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

Donepezil is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of dementia of the Alzheimer’s type. Efficacy has been demonstrated in patients with mild, moderate, and severe Alzheimer’s Disease Donepezil hydrochloride tablets are indicated for the treatment of dementia of the Alzheimer’s type. Efficacy has been demonstrated in patients with mild, moderate, and severe Alzheimer’s disease. Donepezil is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of dementia of the Alzheimer’s type. Efficacy has been demonstrated in patients with mild, moderate, and severe Alzheimer’s Disease

The drug Aricept is also known as donepezil and is used for the treatment of dementia of the Alzheimer’s type. The efficacy of donepezil has been demonstrated in patients with mild, moderate, and severe Alzheimer’s disease 2, 2, 2.

• Indication: Treatment of dementia of the Alzheimer’s type
• Key words: Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia
• Dosage:
  • Mild to Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease: 5 mg to 10 mg once daily
  • Moderate to Severe Alzheimer’s Disease: 10 mg to 23 mg once daily
• Contraindications: Known hypersensitivity to donepezil hydrochloride or to piperidine derivatives
• Warnings and precautions: Cholinesterase inhibitors are likely to exaggerate succinylcholine-type muscle relaxation during anesthesia, may have vagotonic effects on the sinoatrial and atrioventricular nodes, can cause vomiting, and may cause generalized convulsions.

From the Research

Aricept (Donepezil) Overview

• Aricept, also known as donepezil, is a medication used to treat mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
• It is a reversible, noncompetitive, piperidine-type cholinesterase inhibitor that works by increasing the amount of acetylcholine in the brain 4, 6.

Efficacy and Safety

• Studies have shown that donepezil improves cognitive function, global clinical function, and activities of daily living in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease 3, 4, 5, 7.
• Donepezil has been found to be safe and well-tolerated, with most adverse events being mild and transient 3, 4, 5, 6.
• The most common adverse events associated with donepezil are nausea, diarrhea, anorexia, and vomiting, which are most likely to occur during dose initiation or adjustment 6.

Dosage and Administration

• The recommended initial dosage of donepezil is 5 mg daily, with a dosage increase to 10 mg after four to six weeks according to the patient's response and tolerance 6.
• Donepezil has been studied at doses up to 20 mg/day, and has been found to be safe and well-tolerated at these higher doses 3.

Comparison to Other Treatments

• Donepezil has been compared to other cholinesterase inhibitors, such as tacrine, and has been found to have a more favorable safety profile 6.
• Donepezil has also been compared to placebo, and has been found to have significant benefits in cognitive function, activities of daily living, and clinician-rated global clinical state 5.