Memantine, Donepezil Hydrochloride Oral capsule, extended-release

What is this medicine?

DONEPEZIL; MEMANTINE (doe NEP e zil; MEM an teen) is used to treat dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• difficulty passing urine

• head injury

• heart disease

• irregular heartbeat

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• lung or breathing disease, like asthma

• seizures

• stomach or intestinal disease, ulcers or stomach bleeding

• an unusual or allergic reaction to donepezil, memantine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You may take this medicine with or without food. Swallow the capsules whole. Do not chew or crush. If swallowing is difficult, you may open the capsules and sprinkle the entire contents on cool applesauce before swallowing. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Continue to take your medicine even if you feel better. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you've taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. If you do not take your medicine for several days, contact your health care provider. Your dose may need to be changed.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• certain medicines for fungal infections like itraconazole, fluconazole, posaconazole, and voriconazole

• cisapride

• dextromethorphan; quinidine

• dofetilide

• dronedarone

• pimozide

• quinidine

• thioridazine

• ziprasidone

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• acetazolamide

• antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold

• atropine

• bethanechol

• carbamazepine

• certain medicines for bladder problems like oxybutynin, tolterodine

• certain medicines for Parkinson's disease like benztropine, trihexyphenidyl

• certain medicines for stomach problems like dicyclomine, hyoscyamine

• certain medicines for travel sickness like scopolamine

• cimetidine

• dexamethasone

• hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)

• ketamine

• ipratropium

• metformin

• methazolamide

• nicotine

• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen

• other medicines for Alzheimer's disease

• other medicines that prolong the QT interval (cause an abnormal heart rhythm)

• phenobarbital

• phenytoin

• ranitidine

• rifampin, rifabutin or rifapentine

• sodium bicarbonate

• succinylcholine

• triamterene

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check with your doctor or health care professional if there is no improvement in your symptoms or if they get worse.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

If you are going to need surgery or other procedure, tell your doctor that you are using this medicine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• changes in vision

• depressed mood

• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

• hallucinations

• problems with balance

• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

• seizures

• slow heartbeat, or palpitations

• stomach pain

• unusual bleeding or bruising, red or purple spots on the skin

• vomiting

• weight loss

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (Report these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea

• dizziness

• headache

• indigestion or heartburn

• loss of appetite

• nausea

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.