Donepezil
Donepezil is a prescription medication used to treat symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, particularly in the early to moderate stages. It belongs to a class of drugs called acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, which work by increasing levels of a chemical messenger involved in memory and judgment.
Donepezil is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor used to treat cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer's disease by enhancing cholinergic neurotransmission in the brain.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N06DA02
- RxNorm
- 135447
- Generic
- Donepezil
- Class
- atc-n06
- Brands
- Aricept, Namzaric, Adlarity
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- capsule, solution, tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 5mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily (may increase to 10mg daily after 4-6 weeks)
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- not FDA approved for pediatric use
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- not applicable
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 5mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily (may increase to 10mg daily after 4-6 weeks)
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks - only use if clearly needed
regular fetal monitoring recommended
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh risks, consider discontinuation before delivery
monitor fetal growth and development
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue breastfeeding or avoid drug
donepezil is excreted in breast milk - avoid breastfeeding during treatment
monitor infant for adverse effects if exposure occurs
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlystart at low dose (5mg daily)
no dose adjustment needed for age alone, but monitor for side effects due to increased sensitivity
monitor renal function and cardiac status
pediatric_age
children adolescentsnot approved for pediatric use
not recommended in children and adolescents - safety and efficacy not established
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno dosage adjustment required
no dose adjustment needed for mild to moderate renal impairment
routine monitoring
renal_impairment
severeuse with caution
use with caution in severe renal impairment, consider starting at lower dose
monitor renal function regularly
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mildno dosage adjustment required
no dose adjustment needed for mild hepatic impairment
routine monitoring
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severereduce dose to 5mg
use with caution in moderate to severe hepatic impairment, start with 5mg daily
monitor hepatic function and drug levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
FDA approved Donepezil in 1996 for Alzheimer's disease treatment
Drug class
ATC classification: N06DA02
Primary indication
Treatment of dementia associated with Alzheimer's disease
Mechanism of action
Increases acetylcholine levels in the brain by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase enzyme
Donepezil is FDA-approved for the treatment of dementia associated with Alzheimer's disease, from mild to moderate stages. It helps improve memory, awareness, and the ability to function.
Donepezil works by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which normally breaks down acetylcholine in the brain. By preventing this breakdown, donepezil increases acetylcholine levels, enhancing communication between nerve cells that are important for memory and thinking.
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and sleep disturbances. Donepezil is typically taken once daily at bedtime. While it can improve symptoms, it does not cure Alzheimer's disease and effects may diminish over time. Dosage is usually started low and gradually increased.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy