This medicine is a cholinesterase inhibitor used to treat dementia (eg, impairment of memory, judgment, and abstract thinking; changes in personality) in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. An additional patient information leaflet is available with this medicine. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this information. BE SURE YOUR HANDS are completely dry before you handle this medicine. Gently remove the tablet from the blister package. ALLOW THIS MEDICINE TO DISSOLVE ON THE TONGUE and follow with water. Do NOT swallow this medicine whole. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C), in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and away from pets. Take this medicine regularly to receive the most benefit from it. Taking this medicine at the same time each day will help you to remember. TAKE THIS MEDICINE in the evening right before you go to bed, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. DO NOT take 2 doses at once. Contact your doctor if you miss several doses (7 or more days) of this medicine. You may need to restart your medicine at a lower dose to avoid side effects.
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking anticholinergics (eg, scopolamine), aspirin, carbamazepine, cholinergic agents (eg, bethanechol), cholinesterase inhibitors (eg, galantamine), dexamethasone, ketoconazole, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen), phenobarbital, phenytoin, quinidine, or rifampin. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including a history of seizures (eg, epilepsy), liver or kidney problems, certain heart problems (eg, fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; sick sinus syndrome), stomach or bowel problems (eg, ulcers, blockage), lung or breathing problems (eg, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease / COPD), urinary blockage, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Tell your doctor if you have Parkinson disease, metabolism problems, brain lesions or tumors, increased pressure in the brain, or a recent head injury. THIS MEDICINE IS NOT APPROVED FOR USE IN CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of giving this medicine to your child. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dizziness, weight loss, muscle cramps, sleeplessness, or tiredness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience bloody or black, tarry stools; chest pain; decreased, difficult, or painful urination; fainting; fever; flu-like symptoms (eg, headache, tiredness, muscle aches); mental or mood problems (eg, depression); new or worsening breathing problems (eg, shortness of breath); seizures; severe dizziness or headache; severe or persistent heartburn or stomach pain; slow or irregular heartbeat; swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet; tremor; unusual bruising; unusual tiredness or weakness; or vomit that looks like blood or coffee grounds. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include fainting, increased sweating or saliva production, loss of consciousness, muscle weakness, seizures, severe dizziness, severe nausea or vomiting, slow heartbeat, or slow or shallow breathing.
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out. CHECK WITH YOUR PHARMACIST about how to dispose of unused medicine.