Donep-sr 23 Tablet

DONEP-SR 23 TABLET

DONEP-SR 23 TABLET is a prescription medication manufactured by Alkem Laboratories Ltd. The common generic name for its active ingredient is Donepezil Hydrochloride, and other brand names for donepezil include Aricept.

Composition

DONEP-SR 23 TABLET contains Donepezil Hydrochloride 23 mg. It is formulated as a sustained-release (SR) tablet, designed for gradual release of the medicine to ensure long-lasting effectiveness.

Uses

DONEP-SR 23 TABLET is primarily used for the treatment of moderate to severe dementia associated with Alzheimer's disease. It works as a cholinesterase inhibitor, which helps to increase the levels of acetylcholine in the brain, a neurotransmitter crucial for memory and cognitive function. This action can improve memory, thinking ability, attention, and overall daily functioning in patients with Alzheimer's disease, though it does not cure the disease or stop its progression.

Dosage and Administration

DONEP-SR 23 TABLET is typically taken once daily, usually in the evening just before bedtime, with or without food. The 23 mg tablet should be swallowed whole and not be chewed, cut, or crushed, as this may alter its absorption rate. Dosage may be gradually increased by a healthcare provider, often starting at 5 mg daily and increasing to 10 mg after 4 to 6 weeks, and then to 23 mg daily after at least 3 months, based on patient tolerability and symptom severity. If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered, unless it is almost time for the next dose; in that case, the missed dose should be skipped to avoid doubling the dose.

Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Fatigue/Tiredness
• Loss of appetite
• Muscle cramps or pain
• Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
• Dizziness

Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention include:

• Allergic reactions (skin rash, itching, swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat)
• Peptic ulcer or stomach bleeding (burning stomach pain, black or tar-like stools, vomiting blood or material resembling coffee grounds)
• Slow heartbeat or other heart rhythm changes (dizziness, fainting, confusion, trouble breathing)
• Seizures
• Difficulty or pain when urinating, or trouble passing urine
• New or worsening breathing problems

Precautions

Before taking DONEP-SR 23 TABLET, inform your healthcare provider about any history of:

• Hypersensitivity to donepezil hydrochloride or piperidine derivatives
• Stomach ulcers, bleeding problems, or use of NSAIDs, as donepezil may increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding
• Heart conditions, irregular heartbeat, or bradycardia, as donepezil can affect heart rhythm
• Seizures
• Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other lung/breathing disorders
• Liver or kidney disease
• Bladder outflow obstruction or difficulty urinating
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding Donepezil may interact with other medications, including anticholinergics and drugs that affect the QTc interval. It may also exaggerate succinylcholine-type muscle relaxation during anesthesia. Patients should be monitored for weight loss while on donepezil 23 mg. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you, as it may cause dizziness or affect coordination.

Storage

DONEP-SR 23 TABLET should be stored at room temperature, typically between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), with excursions permitted between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Store it in a cool, dry place, away from excessive heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep the medicine out of the reach of children.

DONEP-SR 23 TABLET is a medication primarily used in the management of dementia associated with Alzheimer's disease. It contains Donepezil Hydrochloride 23mg as its active ingredient and is manufactured by Alkem Laboratories Ltd. This medication is a sustained-release formulation.

Here are some frequently asked questions about DONEP-SR 23 TABLET:

What is DONEP-SR 23 TABLET used for?

DONEP-SR 23 TABLET is used to treat dementia, including memory loss and mental changes, associated with mild, moderate, and severe Alzheimer's disease. It aims to improve cognitive function, such as memory, attention, thinking ability, and the capacity to perform daily activities. While it does not cure Alzheimer's disease, it can help manage its symptoms and slow their progression.

How does DONEP-SR 23 TABLET work?

DONEP-SR 23 TABLET contains Donepezil, which is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. It works by preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine, a natural chemical messenger in the brain crucial for memory and learning. By inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, Donepezil increases the levels of acetylcholine in the brain, thereby enhancing communication between nerve cells and improving cognitive and behavioral symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

What is the usual dosage for DONEP-SR 23 TABLET?

DONEP-SR 23 TABLET contains 23 mg of Donepezil. This specific dosage is typically prescribed for moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease after a patient has been on a 10 mg once-daily dose for at least three months and has shown tolerance. The usual starting dose for Donepezil is 5 mg once daily, which may be increased to 10 mg after 4 to 6 weeks. The 23 mg tablet should be swallowed whole; it should not be split, crushed, or chewed, as this can affect its absorption rate. It is usually taken once daily in the evening, just before bedtime, and can be taken with or without food.

What are the possible side effects of DONEP-SR 23 TABLET?

Common side effects can include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, muscle cramps, and difficulty sleeping.

More serious, but less common, side effects require immediate medical attention. These include severe allergic reactions (such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or trouble breathing), stomach bleeding (indicated by black or tarry stools, vomiting blood or material resembling coffee grounds, or severe stomach pain), seizures, a slow heartbeat, fainting, chest pain, new or worsening breathing difficulties, or trouble passing urine.

Is DONEP-SR 23 TABLET safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

There is limited information regarding the safety of Donepezil during pregnancy, and its use is generally not recommended as safety has not been established. Animal studies have shown potential harm to the fetus. It is also unknown if Donepezil passes into breast milk, and therefore, it is generally not recommended for use while breastfeeding. It is important to discuss with your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Can DONEP-SR 23 TABLET be taken with other medications?

Donepezil can interact with various other medications. It should generally not be taken with certain antifungal medications (e.g., itraconazole, fluconazole), dextromethorphan, quinidine, dronedarone, pimozide, or thioridazine.

Caution is advised when taking Donepezil with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, as this combination can increase the risk of stomach bleeding or ulcers. Anticholinergic medications can interfere with Donepezil's effectiveness. Additionally, taking Donepezil with beta-blockers or certain other heart rhythm medications may increase the risk of a slow heart rate or other heart rhythm changes. It can also exaggerate muscle relaxation effects if used with anesthesia. Always inform your doctor or pharmacist about all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are currently taking.

What precautions should be taken while taking DONEP-SR 23 TABLET?

Before starting DONEP-SR 23 TABLET, inform your doctor if you have a history of heart problems (such as slow heart rate or irregular rhythms), lung conditions (like asthma or COPD), stomach ulcers or bleeding, seizures, difficulty urinating, or liver or kidney problems. Due to potential dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision, exercise caution when driving or operating machinery until you understand how the medication affects you. Remember to swallow the 23 mg tablet whole and avoid chewing, crushing, or splitting it.

What happens if a dose of DONEP-SR 23 TABLET is missed?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you stop taking Donepezil for seven days or longer, contact your doctor before restarting the medication.

How should DONEP-SR 23 TABLET be stored?

DONEP-SR 23 TABLET (oral tablets) should be stored at room temperature, typically between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C), and can withstand temperatures between 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C) for brief periods. Keep the medicine in its original closed container, away from excessive heat, moisture, and direct light. Ensure it is kept out of the reach of children.