Questions and Answers
What is the prototype drug?
What is the therapeutic class of Donepezil?
Anti-Alzheimer's agent
What is the pharmacologic class of Donepezil?
Reversible cholinesterase inhibitor
How does Donepezil work on the body?
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Who should receive Donepezil?
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Who should NOT receive Donepezil?
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What are some adverse effects of Donepezil?
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What should a nurse know before administering Donepezil?
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What should a nurse assess for after giving Donepezil?
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What are potential drug interactions with Donepezil?
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What pre-existing conditions should be considered with Donepezil?
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How can adverse effects of Donepezil be decreased?
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What patient education is necessary for those prescribed Donepezil?
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Where is Donepezil metabolized?
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Where is Donepezil excreted?
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Study Notes
Donepezil (Aricept) Overview
- Prototype medication for Alzheimer's Disease treatment.
- Classified as an anti-Alzheimer's agent.
Mechanism of Action
- Functions as a reversible cholinesterase inhibitor.
- Increases acetylcholine (Ach) concentrations in the brain.
- Slows progression of dementia; does not cure or prevent Alzheimer's.
- Can cross the blood-brain barrier.
Indications
- Prescribed for patients with mild to severe Alzheimer's Disease (AD).
Contraindications
- Not suitable for patients with bradycardia, asthma, COPD, ulcers or GI bleeding, urinary or intestinal obstruction, or hypotension.
- Can worsen conditions associated with cholinergic effects.
Adverse Effects
- Common: Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, muscle cramps, syncope, ecchymosis, fatigue, arthralgia, abnormal dreams, headache.
- Life-threatening: Atrial fibrillation, sinus bradycardia, seizures.
Nursing Considerations Before Administration
- Conduct a comprehensive health history and lab assessments (hepatic or renal function).
- Evaluate vital signs and mental status prior to offering the medication.
Nursing Assessments After Administration
- Monitor vital signs and mental status post-medication.
- Assess patient's functional ability in activities of daily living (ADL).
- Watch for gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) and changes in heart rate or rhythm.
Drug Interactions
- May be affected by drugs altering CYP enzymes.
- Phenytoin, phenobarbital, rifampin, dexamethasone, and carbamazepine can decrease Donepezil's effectiveness.
- NSAIDs pose a risk of GI ulceration and bleeding.
- Synergistic effects with cholinergic agonists and other cholinesterase inhibitors.
Pre-existing Conditions
- Contraindications may include bradycardia, asthma, COPD, ulcers or GI bleeding, urinary or intestinal obstruction, hypotension, and history of seizures.
Minimizing Adverse Effects
- Ensure patient safety by monitoring vitals and mental status.
- Conduct fall risk assessments and encourage adherence to medication regimen.
- Evaluate patient's nutritional and fluid intake.
Patient Education
- Advise against taking the medication at bedtime to reduce sleep disturbances.
- Warn against abrupt discontinuation as symptoms may worsen.
- Clarify that while some symptoms may decrease, the disease itself cannot be cured.
Metabolism and Excretion
- Metabolized in the liver to active metabolites.
- Excreted predominantly through the kidneys (73%) and in feces (15%).
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Description
This quiz features flashcards on Donepezil (Aricept), an anti-Alzheimer's medication. Learn important terminology, including its prototype, therapeutic class, and pharmacologic class, along with its mechanism of action in the brain. Perfect for students and healthcare professionals looking to enhance their pharmacology knowledge.
