Memantine/Donepezil (By mouth)
me-MAN-teen hye-droe-KLOR-ide, doe-NEP-e-zil hye-droe-KLOR-ide
Treats Alzheimer disease.
Drug classes
Central Nervous System Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Memantine and donepezil combination is used to treat dementia (memory loss and mental changes) associated with moderate or severe Alzheimer’s disease. Memantine and donepezil will not cure Alzheimer’s disease, however, it may improve thinking ability, behavior, or functional ability.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Delayed Release Capsule
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed. This medicine should be taken at bedtime.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Swallow the capsule whole. Do not crush, divide, or chew it.
If you cannot swallow the extended-release capsule, you may open it and pour the medicine into a small amount of soft food such as pudding, yogurt, or applesauce. Stir this mixture well and swallow it without chewing.
Missed dose: Skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some foods and medicines can affect how memantine/donepezil works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
Amantadine, bethanechol, carbamazepine, dexamethasone, dextromethorphan, ketoconazole, phenobarbital, phenytoin, quinidine, rifampin, or sodium bicarbonate NSAID pain or arthritis medicine (such as aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen)When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to memantine, donepezil, or medicines that contain piperidine.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, heart disease, stomach ulcers or bleeding, trouble urinating, or a history of asthma or lung or breathing problems.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Stomach or bowel bleeding SeizuresTell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.
Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
Bloody or black, tarry stools
Chest pain, fainting, trouble breathing
Decrease in how much or how often you urinate
Slow, fast, or uneven heartbeat
Seizures
Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds, severe stomach pain
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Loss of appetite, weight loss
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Namzaric
There may be other brand names for this medicine.