Donepezil
Brand: Aricept (US/EU) / Donepezil (IN/BD)
Neurological
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (centrally acting)
Pharmacokinetics
| Half-life | 70 hours |
| Tmax | 3.5 h |
| Bioavailability | 100 % (approx) |
| Protein Binding | 96 % |
| Volume of Distribution | 12 L/kg (approx) |
| Clearance Route | hepatic |
| Active Metabolites | yes |
| Notes | Vd approx. 12 L/kg; food has minimal effect on absorption; primarily hepatic metabolism (CYP2D6/CYP3A4). |
⚠️ Safety & Warnings
Severity: Moderate
Adverse Effects:
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, weight loss, insomnia, muscle cramps, dizziness, bradycardia, syncope
Contraindications:
Known hypersensitivity to donepezil or piperidine derivatives; caution in sick sinus syndrome/AV block
Precautions:
Risk of vagotonic effects (bradycardia/syncope); GI bleeding risk (esp. with NSAIDs); bladder outflow obstruction; asthma/COPD; seizures; dose-related cholinergic effects—titrate carefully