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Donepezil bradycardia — GPhC CRA MCQ

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ModerateCNS TherapeuticsDonepezil bradycardiaGPhC CRA

A 77-year-old man taking donepezil for dementia reports dizziness and two near-faints. His pulse in the pharmacy is 48 bpm. He also takes bisoprolol for atrial fibrillation. What is the most appropriate action?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: A — Refer for same-day clinical review because bradycardia may be medicine-related

Donepezil can cause bradycardia and syncope, and beta-blocker use may increase this risk. A pulse of 48 bpm with near-fainting requires timely clinical assessment. The pharmacist should not simply treat dizziness symptomatically.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS