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Are there any interactions with Aricept?

Aricept (generic name donepezil) helps improve memory in people with Alzheimer’s disease. It belongs to a group of medicines called cholinesterase inhibitors.

Certain drugs such as ketoconazole (Nizoral), bethanechol (Urecholine), erythromycin (Ery-Tab), and quinidine increase the risk of side effects from Aricept. Other medications, including oxybutynin (Ditropan) and tolterodine (Detrol), may not work as well when combined with Aricept.

If you take Aricept, check with your doctor before using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain medicines such as ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin), naproxen (Naprosyn or Aleve), or ketoprofen (Orudis). These drugs can increase your risk of stomach ulcers or stomach bleeding when you take them with Aricept.

Sources:
Aricept product information, Eisai Inc., 1998.
Drug Facts and Comparisons. Facts and Comparisons, 2000.
Birks J S, Melzer D. “Donepezil for Mild and Moderate Alzheimer's Disease (Cochrane Review).” The Cochrane Library, Issue 3, 2000. Oxford: Update Software.
Micromedex Healthcare Series. Micromedex, Inc., 2000.

This answer prepared: 8/24/00.