Aricept
Pharmacologic class: Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor
Therapeutic class: Anti-Alzheimer's agent
Pregnancy risk category C

Action

Reversibly inhibits acetylcholinesterase hydrolysis in CNS, leading to increased acetylcholine level and temporary cognitive improvement in patients with Alzheimer's disease

Availability

Tablets: 5 mg, 10 mg
Tablets (orally disintegrating): 5 mg, 10 mg
 

➣ Mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease
Adults: Initially, 5 mg P.O. daily at bedtime. After 4 to 6 weeks, may increase dosage to 10 mg.
➣ Severe Alzheimer's disease
Adults: 10 mg P.O. daily

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to drug or piperidine derivatives
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

Precautions

Use cautiously in:
• cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• history of ulcers, GI bleeding, or sick sinus syndrome
• concurrent use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Administration

• Give with or without food.
• For best response, give at bedtime.