Questions and Answers
What is the therapeutic classification of donepezil?
What action does donepezil perform in the body?
Inhibits acetylcholinesterase to improve cholinergic function.
The initial dose for mild to moderate Alzheimer's Disease is ___ mg.
5
What is the route of administration for donepezil?
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Which of the following are indications for donepezil?
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Which of the following are common side effects of donepezil?
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What are the nursing implications for donepezil?
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What should patients be taught about taking donepezil?
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Donepezil can cause bradycardia.
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What is a significant potential effect of higher doses of donepezil?
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Study Notes
Classification
- Therapeutic Category: Anti-Alzheimer's agents
- Pharmacologic Category: Cholinergics (cholinesterase inhibitors)
Action
- Inhibits acetylcholinesterase, enhancing cholinergic function by increasing acetylcholine levels.
- Therapeutic effects include temporary reduction of Alzheimer's-associated dementia and cognitive enhancement.
- Does not provide a cure for Alzheimer's disease.
Dose
- Mild to Moderate Alzheimer's Disease: Initial dose 5 mg once daily; may increase to 10 mg after 4-6 weeks (maximum 5 mg/day for frail, elderly females).
- Severe Alzheimer's Disease: Start at 5 mg once daily, possible increase to 10 mg after 4-6 weeks; after three months, can increase to 23 mg once daily.
Route
- Administered orally (PO) for adults.
Indications
- Approved for mild, moderate, or severe dementia/neurocognitive disorder related to Alzheimer's disease.
Side Effects
- Central Nervous System: Headaches, abnormal dreams, depression, dizziness, fatigue, insomnia, drowsiness, syncope, unusual sedation.
- Cardiovascular: Risk of atrial fibrillation, hypertension, hypotension, and vasodilation.
- Gastrointestinal: Possible diarrhea, nausea, anorexia, vomiting, and unusual weight gain.
- Genitourinary: Frequent urination.
- Dermatologic: Ecchymoses (bruising).
- Metabolic: Hot flashes and weight loss.
- Musculoskeletal: Arthritis and muscle cramps.
Toxic Symptoms
- No information provided.
Nursing Implications
- Regularly assess cognitive function (memory, attention, reasoning, language) during therapy.
- Monitor heart rate as bradycardia may occur.
Patient/Family Teaching
- Stress the necessity of daily adherence to dosage; missed doses should be skipped, returning to the regular schedule the next day.
- Inform that higher doses do not enhance effects but may elevate side effects.
- Improvements in baseline behavior may take weeks to manifest.
- Caution about potential dizziness.
- Advise immediate reporting of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in stool color, and any new or worsening symptoms.
- Encourage notification to healthcare providers about all medications (prescription and over-the-counter), vitamins, and herbal products.
- Importance of discussing medication regimen prior to any treatment or surgery.
- Reminder of the need for follow-up exams to monitor treatment progress.
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Description
This quiz consists of flashcards focused on Donepezil, a medication used for treating Alzheimer's disease. Each card covers key aspects such as classification, action, and therapeutic effects. Test your knowledge and enhance your understanding of this important anti-Alzheimer's agent.
