Journals / Acta Medica Alanya / 2026 / Cilt: 10 Sayı: 1

Complete Atrioventricular Block Induced by Donepezil: A Rare Case Report

Donepezil Kaynaklı Tam Atriyoventriküler Blok: Nadir Bir Olgu Sunumu

Halil Koç(ALANYA ALAADDİN KEYKUBAT ÜNİVERSİTESİ, TIP FAKÜLTESİ)0009-0009-3174-7637
Cemal Köseoğlu(ALANYA ALAADDİN KEYKUBAT ÜNİVERSİTESİ)0000-0001-8911-3340
Can Ramazan Öncel(ALANYA ALAADDIN KEYKUBAT UNIVERSITY)0000-0001-5422-6847
Pages
82–85
Publication Date
2026-04-25
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

Herein, we present a case of complete AV block in an 87-year-old woman receiving donepezil therapy, which resolved spontaneously following theophylline treatment.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:Donepezil, a reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that increases parasympathetic activity by enhancing cholinergic tone, is used to preserve cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.
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Key Findings & Data:However, donepezil may slow conduction, particularly at the sinoatrial and atrioventricular nodes, which increases the risk of bradycardia, sinus arrest, or high-grade AV block, particularly in elderly or comorbid patients.
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Conclusion & Impact:Herein, we present a case of complete AV block in an 87-year-old woman receiving donepezil therapy, which resolved spontaneously following theophylline treatment.
🔬Design:Olgu Sunumu
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Donepezil · Alzheimer · Tam AV blok

Abstract

Donepezil, a reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that increases parasympathetic activity by enhancing cholinergic tone, is used to preserve cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. However, donepezil may slow conduction, particularly at the sinoatrial and atrioventricular nodes, which increases the risk of bradycardia, sinus arrest, or high-grade AV block, particularly in elderly or comorbid patients. Complete AV block is rarely seen with donepezil use. Herein, we present a case of complete AV block in an 87-year-old woman receiving donepezil therapy, which resolved spontaneously following theophylline treatment.

Özet

Donepezil, Alzheimer hastalığında bilişsel işlevi korumak için kullanılan geri dönüşümlü bir asetilkolinesteraz inhibitörüdür. Kolinerjik tonusu artırarak parasempatik aktiviteyi artırır. Bu etki, özellikle sinoatriyal ve atriyoventriküler düğümlerde iletimi yavaşlatabilir. Bu nedenle, özellikle yaşlı ve eşlik eden hastalıkları olan hastalarda bradikardi, sinüs arresti veya yüksek dereceli AV blok meydana gelebilir. Donepezil kullanımıyla ilişkili tam AV blok, literatürde oldukça nadirdir. Burada, donepezil tedavisi sırasında gelişen spontan düzelen 87 yaşında bir kadında görülen tam AV blok vakasını sunuyoruz.

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Cite This Article

Koç, H., Köseoğlu, C., Öncel, C. R. (2026). Complete Atrioventricular Block Induced by Donepezil: A Rare Case Report. Acta Medica Alanya, Cilt: 10 Sayı: 1, 82–85. https://doi.org/10.30565/medalanya.1825751

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