Aricep 5 Tablet (donepezil 5mg): Complete Medicine Guide
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Fainting or severe dizziness
- Irregular or very slow heartbeat
- Seizures or convulsions
- Black, tarry stools or vomiting blood
- Difficulty urinating or inability to urinate
- Severe abdominal pain
- Signs of allergic reaction such as rash, itching, swelling of face, lips, or throat
- Fever with muscle rigidity and confusion
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is donaz 5mg tablet used for?
This medicine is a 5 mg donepezil tablet used to treat Alzheimer's disease. It works by increasing acetylcholine in the brain to improve memory and thinking. It is taken once daily at bedtime.
- Generic Name: Donepezil
- Manufacturer: Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 donaz 5mg tablet के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा डोनेपेज़िल 5 मिलीग्राम टैबलेट है, जिसका उपयोग अल्जाइमर रोग के इलाज के लिए किया जाता है। यह मस्तिष्क में एसिटाइलकोलीन नामक रसायन को बढ़ाकर याददाश्त और सोचने की क्षमता में सुधार करने में मदद करती है। यह दवा अल्जाइमर रोग के लक्षणों को कम करने में सहायक हो सकती है, लेकिन यह बीमारी का इलाज नहीं है।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा के सामान्य दुष्प्रभावों में मतली, दस्त, उल्टी, भूख में कमी, सिरदर्द, अनिद्रा और थकान शामिल हैं। गंभीर दुष्प्रभावों में धीमी हृदय गति, दौरे, पेट में रक्तस्राव और मूत्र त्याग में कठिनाई हो सकती है। यदि आपको कोई गंभीर दुष्प्रभाव महसूस हो, तो तुरंत डॉक्टर से संपर्क करें।
सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को लेने से पहले अपने डॉक्टर को अपनी सभी चिकित्सीय स्थितियों के बारे में बताएं, विशेष रूप से हृदय रोग, पेट के अल्सर, अस्थमा या दौरे। अपनी सभी दवाओं की सूची प्रदान करें। इस दवा को डॉक्टर के निर्देशानुसार ही लें, आमतौर पर रात को सोने से पहले एक बार। यदि आपको चक्कर आते हैं या नींद आती है, तो वाहन चलाने या मशीनरी चलाने से बचें। शराब का सेवन न करें।
💊 donaz 5mg tablet Uses & Benefits
- [{"condition":"Alzheimer's disease","description":"This medicine is used to treat mild, moderate, and severe dementia of the Alzheimer's type.
- It helps improve cognitive function and daily living activities.","evidence":"Well-established"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Lewy body dementia","description":"Sometimes prescribed off-label to manage cognitive symptoms in Lewy body dementia.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Vascular dementia","description":"May be used off-label for cognitive impairment associated with vascular dementia, though evidence is mixed.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Traumatic brain injury","description":"Occasionally used off-label to improve cognitive function after traumatic brain injury.","evidence":"Insufficient"}]
Primary treatment for: Alzheimer's disease
Also treats: Lewy body dementia, Vascular dementia
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Donepezil |
| Brand Name | Aricep 5 Tablet |
| Manufacturer | Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | NEURO CNS |
| Action Class | Cholinesterase inhibitors - Alzheimer's disease |
| Route of Administration | Oral |
| Storage | Store at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F). Keep away from moisture and heat. |
| Shelf Life | 24 months from the date of manufacture. |
| WHO Guideline | Not established from the available information. |
| ICMR Guideline | Not established from the available information. |
👨⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips
Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians
🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?
Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.
🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works
This medicine is a reversible inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for breaking down acetylcholine in the brain. By inhibiting this enzyme, it increases the concentration of acetylcholine at cholinergic synapses, enhancing cholinergic neurotransmission. This action is thought to be responsible for the symptomatic benefits in Alzheimer's disease.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take donaz 5mg tablet
Strength: 5 mg immediate-release tablet
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The recommended initial dose of this medicine for adults is 5 mg taken once daily at bedtime. After 4 to 6 weeks, the dose may be increased to 10 mg once daily if tolerated and clinically indicated. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician. |
| Elderly Dosage | No specific dosage adjustments are required for elderly patients based on age alone. However, elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine, and dose should be individualized by a qualified clinician. |
| Renal Impairment | No dosage adjustment is necessary for patients with renal impairment, as this medicine is primarily metabolized in the liver. |
| Hepatic Impairment | Dose adjustment may be necessary in patients with hepatic impairment. Consult a qualified clinician for individualized dosing. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | 10 mg per day |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of donaz 5mg tablet
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Anticholinergics | Major | |
| Beta-blockers | Major | |
| Cholinergic agonists | Major | |
| CYP2D6 inhibitors | Moderate | |
| CYP3A4 inhibitors | Moderate | |
| CYP3A4 inducers | Moderate | |
| NSAIDs | Minor | |
| Warfarin | Minor | |
| Grapefruit juice | Moderate | |
| Alcohol | Moderate |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Anticholinergic drugs (e.g., atropine, benztropine)
- Beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol)
- Cholinergic agonists (e.g., bethanechol)
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- CYP2D6 inhibitors (e.g., fluoxetine, paroxetine)
- CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, clarithromycin)
- CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine)
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness caused by this medicine. It is advisable to avoid or limit alcohol consumption while taking this medicine.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Hypersensitivity to donepezil or any component of the formulation","Sick sinus syndrome or other supraventricular cardiac conduction abnormalities, unless a pacemaker is present"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["This medicine may cause bradycardia; monitor heart rate closely.","May increase gastric acid secretion; caution in patients with a history of ulcer disease.","May cause seizures; caution in patients with a history of seizure disorder.","May cause difficulty urinating; caution in patients with urinary outflow obstruction.","May cause dizziness and drowsiness; avoid driving or operating machinery until effects are known.","Use with caution in patients with asthma or obstructive pulmonary disease.","May cause weight loss; monitor weight regularly."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
It is not known whether this medicine is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when this medicine is administered to a nursing woman.
💊 Overdose Management
Overdose with this medicine can cause cholinergic crisis, characterized by severe nausea, vomiting, salivation, sweating, bradycardia, hypotension, respiratory depression, and seizures. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. Atropine may be used as an antidote for severe bradycardia or cholinergic symptoms. Immediate medical attention should be sought in case of overdose.
⏰ Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Additional Safety Advice
Before starting this medicine, inform your doctor about all your medical conditions, especially heart problems, stomach ulcers, asthma, or seizures. Also, provide a complete list of all medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal supplements. Do not start or stop this medicine without consulting your doctor. Take this medicine exactly as prescribed, usually once daily at bedtime. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose. This medicine may cause dizziness or drowsiness; avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you. Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine as it can increase drowsiness and other side effects. Keep this medicine out of reach of children and store it at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medicine, particularly bradycardia, nausea, and dizziness. Close monitoring is recommended. Dose adjustments should be made cautiously.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
If you are planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor before taking this medicine. The safety of this medicine during pregnancy is not well established. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and risks.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
Inform your surgeon and anesthesiologist that you are taking this medicine before any surgery. It may interact with anesthetic agents and affect heart rate. Your doctor may advise you to stop the medicine temporarily before surgery.
🦷 Dental Procedures
Inform your dentist that you are taking this medicine before any dental procedure. It may cause dry mouth or affect heart rate, which could impact dental treatment. Your dentist may take precautions.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
This medicine may cause dizziness or fatigue. Avoid strenuous exercise or activities that require alertness until you know how the medicine affects you. Gentle exercises like walking or yoga are generally safe, but consult your doctor before starting any new exercise program.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or fatigue, which can affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. It is important to assess your alertness before performing such tasks. The medicine may also cause nausea or loss of appetite, which can impact your work performance. Discuss with your doctor if you experience side effects that interfere with your daily activities.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor. If you experience serious side effects or if the medicine is no longer effective, your doctor may decide to discontinue it. Abrupt withdrawal may lead to worsening of symptoms. Your doctor will provide a tapering schedule if needed.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of this medicine may continue to provide symptomatic benefits in Alzheimer's disease. However, its effectiveness may diminish over time as the disease progresses. Regular monitoring of cognitive function, cardiac status, and gastrointestinal symptoms is recommended. Some patients may experience weight loss with long-term use. Periodic reassessment by a clinician is necessary to determine if continued treatment is appropriate.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
Can complement medication to improve cognitive function and quality of life.
Evidence: Well-establishedRegular physical activity may help slow cognitive decline.
Evidence: ModerateA diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats may support brain health.
Evidence: Moderate💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
There are no specific vaccine interactions reported with this medicine. However, consult your doctor before receiving any vaccinations while on this medicine.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store at room temperature (15-30°C)
❌ DON'T
Do not refrigerate unless specified
✅ DO
Keep in original container
❌ DON'T
Do not transfer to unmarked containers
✅ DO
Keep away from direct sunlight
❌ DON'T
Do not store in bathroom cabinet
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
When traveling, carry this medicine in its original packaging along with a copy of your prescription. This is especially important for international travel, as customs may require documentation. Keep the medicine in your carry-on luggage to avoid loss or exposure to extreme temperatures. If you are crossing time zones, consult your doctor about how to adjust the timing of your doses. Store the medicine at room temperature and avoid leaving it in hot or humid places, such as a car glove compartment.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: It may take several weeks to see improvement in symptoms. Full effects may take up to 12 weeks.
A: Yes, you can take it with or without food. Taking it with food may reduce stomach upset.
A: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
A: Yes, it is generally safe for long-term use under medical supervision. Regular monitoring is recommended.
A: No, do not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor. Abrupt discontinuation may worsen symptoms.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🔄 Substitutes for donaz 5mg tablet
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
-
donetaz ods 5 orally disintegrating stripSun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd ₹12.30 81.8% CHEAPER
-
davaindia donepezil 5mg tabletDavaindia Generic Pharmacy ₹20.63 69.4% CHEAPER
-
nozil 5 mg tabletMankind Pharma Ltd ₹46.78 30.7% CHEAPER
-
bonzil 5mg tabletBondane Pharma ₹56.25 16.7% CHEAPER
-
donz 5mg tabletLogos Pharma ₹67.50 SAME PRICE
Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: This medicine can cure Alzheimer's disease.
Fact: This medicine does not cure Alzheimer's disease; it may help manage symptoms temporarily. - Myth: This medicine works immediately.
Fact: It may take several weeks to see improvement. - Myth: This medicine is safe for everyone.
Fact: It is not safe for people with certain heart conditions or allergies to donepezil.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Donepezil 5 mg tablet
Brand Alternatives
- Aricep 5 Tablet
- Donecept 5 Tablet
- Donep 5 Tablet