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Aricept Ingredients and Uses

Aricept is a brand name for donepezil hydrochloride, and, according to Drugs.com, is classified as a cholinesterase inhibitor. It is used to improve brain function in people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. Dosage usually begins at 5 mg once daily and may reach a maximum of 10 mg daily. The drug has been shown to be effective -- Drugs.com cites success even in some severe cases -- but be aware that there are side effects, interactions and warnings.

  1. Ingredients

    • Besides the active ingredient donepezil hydrochloride, regular Aricept contains, according to RxList, the inactive ingredients lactose monohydrate, corn starch, microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose and magnesium stearate. Tablet coatings consist of talc, polyethylene glycol, hypromellose and titanium dioxide. The 10 mg tablets also contain synthetic yellow iron oxide for artificial coloring. Aricept ODT, an "orally disintegrating tablet," contains the inactive ingredients carrageenan, mannitol, colloidal silicon dioxide and polyvinyl alcohol.

    Uses

    • Aricept is used to treat Alzheimer's-type dementia. As described by Drugs.com, the medication is "a reversible inhibitor of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase." According to CHealth, it is prescribed to improve attentiveness, cognitive function, memory and the ability to do simple tasks for people with Alzheimer's. It is most effective for those with mild or moderate Alzheimer's disease, but it is not a cure. It can be taken with or without food.

    Side Effects

    • The most common side effects include nausea, diarrhea and vomiting, symptoms that are usually mild and transient and disappear with continued use, according to Drugs.com. Other common side effects include muscle cramps, insomnia and loss of appetite. Less common side effects include abnormal dreams, fainting, headaches, joint pain and stiffness, unusual bleeding or bruising and weight loss.

    Interactions and Warnings

    • Drugs that can affect how Aricept works, be affected by Aricept or increase the risk of side effects include atrophine, barbiturates, dexamethasone, phenytoin and quinidine. According to CHealth, however, interactions often can be managed by close monitoring of your condition. More serious complications can occur during administration of anesthesia or if you have cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, neurological, genitourinary or respiratory conditions.

    Considerations

    • Weigh the benefits of Aricept against the side effects and risks. If you're a senior woman with low body weight, the lower dose of 5 mg is recommended. Stick to a regular dosing schedule and do not double-dose. Don't take Aricept if you're allergic to donepezil hydrochloride or to piperidine-type medications. Remember that medications affect people differently, so always consult thoroughly with your doctor before taking or changing medications or dosages.

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