Donepezil Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 26, 2023.

Applies to the following strengths: 5 mg; 10 mg; 23 mg; 5 mg/24 hr; 10 mg/24 hr

Usual Adult Dose for:

Alzheimer's Disease

Additional dosage information:

Renal Dose Adjustments
Liver Dose Adjustments
Dose Adjustments
Precautions
Dialysis
Other Comments

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

Renal Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Liver Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Dose Adjustments

In clinical studies, the increase to a 10 mg dose with a one week titration was associated with a higher incidence of cholinergic adverse events compared to a 5 mg dose. The type and frequency of these adverse events were similar for both the 5 mg and 10 mg dose when using a 6 week titration.
Recommended titration rate:

A dose of 10 mg once a day can be administered after patients have been on a daily dose of 5 mg for at least 4 to 6 weeks.
A dose of 23 mg once a day can be administered after patients have been on a dose of 10 mg once daily for at least 3 months.

Precautions

Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 18 years.

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Administration advice:

This drug should be taken in the evening, just prior to retiring.
This drug can be taken with or without food.
The 23 mg tablet should not be split, crushed or chewed because this action may increase its rate of absorption.
Allow the orally disintegrated tablet (ODT) to dissolve on the tongue and follow with water.