Aricept^®

Donepezil hydrochloride
Click here for the Aricept Medicines Guide

Background

Aricept^® (donepezil hydrochloride) belongs to a group of medicines called acetyl-cholinesterase inhibitors. It is used to treat the symptoms of dementia in people diagnosed as having mild to moderately severe Alzheimer's disease (AD). It is for use only in adult patients.

Alzheimer’s Disease

AD is a progressive, degenerative brain disease and the most common cause of dementia. It is characterised by the gradual deterioration of memory and other cognitive functions, which interferes with activities of daily living, and by changes in behaviour, personality and judgment. The Alzheimer’s Society estimate 750,000 people suffer from dementia in the UK, expected to rise to 870,000 by 2010 and 1.8 million by 2050. They estimate that 5 million people suffer from dementia across Europe.

Clinical Action

Donepezil produces its therapeutic effect by inhibiting the action of acetyl-cholinesterase, an enzyme that breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is involved in memory and learning. In a number of clinical studies, it has been shown that donepezil can help improve the symptoms of mild to moderately severe dementia for a time.

Further Information

Donepezil was launched in the UK & Germany in 1997 and in France 1998 in co-promotion with Pfizer, and is now sold in 76 countries around the world.

The Summary of Product Characteristics and the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL), can be found at www.emc.medicines.org.uk.

If you are not a healthcare professional and have any questions or concerns, please consult your healthcare professional directly

Adverse Events

All medicines may have side-effects. Please consult the patient information leaflet for a full list of side effects associated with the use of Aricept - see link above.