How To Use Donepezil (Aricept)

Donepezil comes in the form of an oral tablet and an orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) to be taken once a day in the evening before retiring. Try to take your medicine at around the same time every day. You can take it with or without food. 

The tablet should be swallowed whole with water. Do not cut, crush, or chew the 23 mg tablet because this can increase how fast the medicine is absorbed. The orally disintegrating tablet should be placed on the tongue and allowed to dissolve, followed by a sip of water. The patch should be placed on the back, thigh, or buttock and changed every week.

Read the prescription label carefully and take donepezil exactly as prescribed. Do not change the dose or dosing frequency without your doctor’s approval. Your doctor may start you on a low dose of donepezil HCl, then increase the dose after 4-6 weeks and again 3 months after initiating treatment.

Donepezil can control the symptoms of Alzheimer disease and improve mental function but it will not cure the condition. Continue taking donepezil even if you feel well. Talk to your doctor before stopping this medicine.

Missed dose: If you miss a dose of donepezil, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose or extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. If you forget to take donepezil for a week or longer, call your doctor before restarting the medication.

Storage: Store donepezil at room temperature (between 15-30° C or 59-86° F) away from moisture, heat, and direct light in a tightly closed container. Do not store medications in the bathroom where they can be exposed to moisture and heat. Keep all medications safely out of reach of children and pets.

Unused medicine: Unused donepezil should be disposed of in a way that children, other people, and pets cannot get to them. Do not throw donepezil in the trash or flush it down the toilet. The best way to dispose of expired or unneeded donepezil is through a drug take-back program. Learn more about proper medication disposal. 

NOTE: This medication guide is a summary and may not contain all possible drug information on donepezil. The information contained here may not be up-to-date. This sheet is for information purposes only. If you have questions about donepezil, talk to your doctor for medical advice.

Discounted prices for donepezil (Aricept)
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