Donepezil: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Donepezil is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor used for dementia of the Alzheimer's type. It is prescribed most commonly to help manage symptoms associated with mild, moderate, or severe Alzheimer's disease.

Donepezil requires a prescription in the United Kingdom, and generic versions have been available since 2011-05-31. It is available as oral tablets, film-coated tablets, and orally disintegrating tablets.

Donepezil is indicated for dementia of the Alzheimer's type. Label evidence covers people with mild, moderate, and severe Alzheimer's disease. The medicine is used to manage this form of dementia rather than to treat unrelated memory problems or other causes of cognitive symptoms.

Alzheimer's disease can affect memory, thinking, communication, and everyday activities, but the product information specifically identifies dementia of the Alzheimer's type as the condition treated. A doctor assesses whether donepezil is appropriate for an individual and monitors the response and tolerability during treatment.

The label lists 5 mg, 10 mg, and 23 mg tablets, including film-coated tablets, and 5 mg and 10 mg orally disintegrating tablets. The label lists 5 mg to 10 mg once daily for mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. The label lists 10 mg to 23 mg once daily for moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease.

The usual starting dose is 5 mg once daily in the evening, just prior to retiring. The label lists a maximum of 10 mg per day for mild to moderate disease. The label lists a maximum of 23 mg per day for moderate to severe disease.

The label states that 10 mg follows 5 mg for 4 to 6 weeks, and 23 mg follows 10 mg for at least 3 months. The label states that the tablet can be taken with or without food.

Donepezil is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. Acetylcholinesterase is an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, a chemical messenger involved in memory and other thinking processes. By inhibiting this enzyme, donepezil increases the availability of acetylcholine in the brain.

This may support communication between nerve cells affected by Alzheimer's disease and help manage symptoms. The medicine does not remove the underlying cause of Alzheimer's disease, and its effects can vary between individuals.

There are no adequate data on the developmental risks associated with donepezil in pregnant women. Animal studies found increased stillbirths and reduced offspring survival when donepezil was given to rats during late pregnancy and throughout lactation.

There are no data on the presence of donepezil or its metabolites in human milk, the effects on a breastfed infant, or milk production. Pregnancy or breastfeeding should be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist.

A missed dose should not usually be replaced by taking extra medicine. General pharmacy advice is to take the missed dose when remembered unless it is nearly time for the next scheduled dose, then omit the missed dose and continue with the regular schedule.

A pharmacist or doctor can advise if several doses have been missed, because restarting may require clinical guidance. Any uncertainty should be checked before changing the schedule.

Store donepezil tablets at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F), as directed on the label. Keep the medicine in its packaging, protected from moisture, and out of the reach of children. Follow the product label for any additional storage instructions.