Patient/caregiver was educated on the side-effects of using Donepezil as follows:
General allergic reactions
- Donepezil use can result in general allergic reactions, such as, skin rashes, hives, and itching.
- Some patients can present with symptoms of severe allergic and anaphylactic response with donepezil, such as, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, throat, and tongue, with consequent difficulty breathing. Seek emergency medical help for such findings, especially with difficulty breathing, for any appropriate measures to be considered.
Respiratory side-effects
- Potentiation of acetylcholine action in the body, secondary to donepezil use, can result in narrowing of airways and increased effort of breathing.
- This side-effect of donepezil intake can lead to complications, as individuals can present with episodes of exacerbation of dyspnea and shortness of breath, especially those with history of asthma, COPD, and other breathing disorders. Observe compliance with inhalation or nebulizer medications prescribed, if any.
