Proper Use
Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®
Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor in order to improve your condition as much as possible. Do not take more of it or less of it, and do not take it more or less often than your doctor ordered.
Donepezil should be taken at bedtime unless otherwise directed by your doctor. It may be taken with or without food, on a full or empty stomach.
Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
For patients using the oral disintegrating tablet form of this medicine:
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Make sure your hands are dry.
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Do not push the tablet through the foil backing of the package. Instead, gently peel back the foil backing and remove the tablet.
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Immediately place the tablet on top of the tongue.
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Do not swallow the tablet whole. The tablet will dissolve in seconds, and you may swallow it with your saliva. You should drink a glass of water after the tablet has dissolved.
For patients taking the oral solution form of this medicine:
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Shake the bottle well before measuring the dose.
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Use a specially marked measuring spoon, a plastic syringe, or a small marked measuring cup to measure each dose accurately. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.
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If your dose is 5 mg, you should take 5 mL of this medicine.
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If your dose is 10 mg, you should take 10 mL of this medicine.
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
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For oral dosage forms (oral disintegrating tablets, oral solution, and tablets):
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For mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease:
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Adults—5 milligrams (mg) taken at bedtime. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose usually is not more than 10 mg per day.
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Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
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For moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease:
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Adults—10 milligrams (mg) taken at bedtime. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose usually is not more than 23 mg per day.
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Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Portions of this document last updated: March 01, 2024
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