Generic name: donepezil (oral) [ doe-NEP-e-zil ]
Brand names: Aricept, Aricept ODT
Dosage forms: oral tablet (10 mg; 23 mg; 5 mg), oral tablet, disintegrating (10 mg; 5 mg)
Drug class: Cholinesterase inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Oct 26, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is donepezil?

Donepezil is used in adults to treat dementia related to Alzheimer's disease. Donepezil can help improve mental function, but it does not work the same in all people.

Donepezil is not a cure for Alzheimer's disease. This condition will worsen over time, even in people who take donepezil.

Donepezil may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Donepezil side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Donepezil may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• slow heartbeats;

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• new or worsening stomach pain, heartburn, nausea, or vomiting;

• a seizure;

• painful or difficult urination;

• new or worsening breathing problems; or

• stomach bleeding--bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

You may be more likely to have serious stomach problems while taking medicine that contains an NSAID.

Common side effects of donepezil may include:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;

• loss of appetite;

• muscle cramps;

• sleep problems (insomnia); or

• feeling tired.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Leqembi, memantine, Aricept, Namenda, rivastigmine, vitamin e, Exelon

Warnings

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Before taking this medicine

You should not take donepezil if you are allergic to donepezil or certain other drugs. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any medicines.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• heart problems including fast, slow or uneven heart rate;

• a stomach ulcer or bleeding;

• urination problems;

• a planned surgery or procedure;

• asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sleep apnea, or other breathing disorder;

• seizure or epilepsy;

• trouble swallowing tablets; or

• liver or kidney disease.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I take donepezil?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Donepezil oral is taken once per day. You may take donepezil with or without food.

Do not change your dose or stop taking donepezil without your doctor's advice.

Swallow the 23-mg tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.

Allow the orally disintegrating tablet to dissolve in your mouth without chewing. After it dissolves completely, drink a full glass of water.

If you need surgery or any medical or dental procedure, tell the surgeon or dentist ahead of time that you are taking donepezil.

Store donepezil oral at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Donepezil dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Alzheimer's Disease:

Initial dose: 5 mg orally once a day, in the evening prior to retiring

Mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease:
-Maintenance dose: 10 mg orally once a day, after the patient has been on an initial dose of 5 mg once a day for 4 to 6 weeks

Moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease:
-Maintenance dose: 23 mg orally once a day, after the patient has been on a dose of 10 mg once a day for at least 3 months

Comments: A higher dose of 10 mg may or may not provide a statistically significantly greater clinical benefit than a 5 mg dose. Prescriber and patient's preference should be considered.

Uses: For mild, moderate, and severe Alzheimer's type dementia

What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses at one time. Call your doctor for instructions if you miss your dose for more than 7 days in a row.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking donepezil?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What other drugs will affect donepezil?

Ask your doctor before taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others. Using an NSAID with donepezil may increase your risk of stomach ulcer.

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medicines at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you use, which may increase side effects or make the medicines less effective.

Other drugs may affect donepezil, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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