98291

Donepezil

DESCRIPTION

ARICEPT® (donepezil hydrochloride) is a reversible inhibitor of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase,    known    chemically    as

(±)-2,3-dihydro-5,6-dimethoxy-2-[[l-(phenylmethyl)-4-piperidinyl]methyl]-lH-inden-l-one hydrochloride. Donepezil hydrochloride is commonly referred to in the pharmacological literaturę as E2020. It has an empirical formula of C24H29NO3HCI and a molecular weight of 415.96. Donepezil hydrochloride is a white ciystalline powder and is freely soluble in chloroform, soluble in water and in glacial acetic acid, slightly soluble in ethanol and in acetonitrile and practically insoluble in ethyl acetate and in n-hexane.

Modę of action

Donepezil, marketed under the trade name Aricept® (Eisai), is a centrally acting reversible acetyl cholinesterase inhibitor. Its main therapeutic use is in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease where it is used to increase cortical acetylcholitie. it is well absorbed in the gut with an orał bioavailability of 100% and easily crosses the blood-brain barrier. Because it has a half life of about 70 hours, it can be taken once a day. Initial dose is 5 mg per day, which can be increased to 10 mg per day after an adjustment period of at least 4 weeks.