Who shows the drug Donepezil

A popular drug for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, various types of dementia is Donepezil. The drug is able to block cholinesterase in the connections between neurons, which improves the functioning of the latter and the cognitive functions of the person( memory, attention, etc.).Instructions for the use of Donepezil explains in detail the mechanism of action of the drug, the way it is used in various groups of people.

It is important to note that adherence to the admission rules described in the instruction allows to minimize the risk of side effects of the drug, and also to increase its effect.

General information and mechanism of action of

Donepezil and analogs( Aricept) on the pharmacological group reversibly inhibit the work of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which destroys acetylcholine in the brain. The drug disrupts the work of this enzyme and affects mainly the cells of the central nervous system. Even a single application of the drug leads to a significant suppression of the action of acetylcholinesterase, improving memory, attention, and other cognitive functions in humans.

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The drug is available in tablets. The active substance is well absorbed from the lumen of the digestive system, and the maximum concentration is achieved already 4 hours after taking the pill. It is important to note that the greatest effect of the drug occurs after 3 weeks of regular use of Donepezil, which is due to the achievement of the optimal concentration of the active substance in the brain.

The drug is almost completely associated with proteins, transported in a similar form through the human circulatory system. It is excreted mainly by the kidneys, and also through the gastrointestinal tract.

Indications and contraindications for the use of

The prescription of the medicine is only possible if the patient has clear indications:

• is an Alzheimer's disease of mild, moderate severity;
• is a dementia of any causation.

However, a list of contraindications excluding the use of the drug is singled out:

• individual intolerance of the components of the drug or hypersensitivity to them;
• period of pregnancy, lactation;
• to 18 years, as there are no studies of Donepezil safety in this age group.

If a patient has chronic lung diseases, pathologies with an allergic component, cardiac arrhythmias, gastritis, gastric ulcer, use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or holinoblockers, then donepezil must be taken with great care, with constant supervision by the attending physician.

Application of the preparation

Price, reviews, analogs and instructions for use of Donepezil indicates that the drug has a high efficiency. However, positive results are possible only in the case of following the rules of taking the medicine.

The drug is used once during the day, the reception falls on the evening time. Patients are advised to start therapy with a starting dosage of 5 mg. A similar dose is taken for one month. This approach allows to achieve an equilibrium concentration of Donepezil in the brain, to evaluate the available therapeutic effect.

If the prescribed dosage does not lead to the desired results, then it is increased to 10 mg. An increase in the dosage of more than 10 mg is not permitted, since drug toxicity studies in a similar dose have not been performed. Use the drug during pregnancy or lactation is not recommended. If a woman is forced to drink Donepezil, then breastfeeding should be discarded.

Side effects of treatment and overdose

Side effects from the use of medication are manifested in a violation of the work of various internal organs:

• from the gastrointestinal tract: dyspeptic phenomena in the form of nausea, vomiting, stools;
• headaches, dizziness, sleep disturbances and rapid physical, intellectual fatigue;
• from the cardiovascular system: slowing heart rate, rhythm disturbances of varying severity.

Recommendation! With the development of side effects, the patient is advised to stop using the drug and contact your doctor to adjust the dosage or choose a Donepezil analogue.

When overdosed with Donepezil, the following symptoms occur:

• vomiting;
• increased salivation and sweating;
• sharp drop in blood pressure;
• breathing disorder;
• convulsive syndrome.

There may be progressive muscular weakness, which can lead to the arrest of respiratory muscles and death of a person from respiratory failure. The main antidote for poisoning Donepezil - Atropine in a dose of 1-2 mg, administered intravenously. And also important is symptomatic therapy.

Additional information

The purpose of the drug and the control of the effectiveness of therapy are performed by neurologists who have experience in treating patients with various types of dementia, including Alzheimer's. Typically, a person receiving treatment should be screened regularly at all stages of therapy to evaluate the effectiveness of the medication. If there is no result, then taking Donepezil should be stopped. In the presence of Alzheimer's disease, it is impossible to predict the severe prognosis for a cure.

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Reviews about Donepezil are positive from treating doctors and patients. The drug improves the functioning of nerve cells, helps reduce the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, and other types of dementia( see Dementia in epilepsy).Proper use of the drug can increase its effectiveness, reduce the risk of side effects and overdose, which is critical during therapy.