Last reviewed · How we verify
Donepezil HCI (drug)
Donepezil inhibits acetylcholinesterase, increasing acetylcholine levels in the brain to improve cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease.
Donepezil inhibits acetylcholinesterase, increasing acetylcholine levels in the brain to improve cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease. Used for Mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease, Moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease.
At a glance
| Generic name | Donepezil HCI (drug) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Neurognostics |
| Drug class | Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor |
| Target | Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Neurology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Donepezil is a reversible inhibitor of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. By inhibiting this enzyme, donepezil increases acetylcholine concentration in the central nervous system, enhancing cholinergic neurotransmission. This mechanism helps improve memory, attention, and cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer's disease, particularly in early to moderate stages.
Approved indications
- Mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease
- Moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Muscle cramps
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Syncope
Key clinical trials
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Donepezil HCI (drug) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Donepezil HCI (drug) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Neurognostics portfolio CI