Donepezil

• reversible inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase

• given once daily

Others in class

• galantamine

• rivastigmine

Indications

• mild to moderate dementia in Alzheimer's' disease

Cautions

• sick sinus syndrome

• conduction abnormalities

• susceptibility to peptic ulcers

• asthma

• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

• may exacerbate extra-pyramidal symptoms

Contra-indications

• pregnancy & breastfeeding

Side-effects

• GI symptoms

  • nausea & vomiting

  • diarrhoea

  • anorexia

  • gastric and duodenal ulcers

  • GI haemorrhage

• Neurological

  • fatigue

  • insomnia

  • headaches

  • convulsions

  • psychiatric disturbances

• Cardiac

  • dizziness

  • syncope

  • bradycardia

  • SA node block

  • AV node block

• Other

  • muscle cramps

  • hepatitis

  • urinary incontinence

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