Donepezil
Donepezil may provide modest symptomatic benefit for some people with Alzheimer’s disease. It does not cure dementia or stop the underlying disease from progressing.
Key points
- Benefit should be reviewed using function, cognition, behaviour and caregiver observations.
- Slow heart rate, fainting, weight loss, ulcer risk and interacting medicines require monitoring.
- Fainting, a seizure, vomiting blood or black stools needs urgent care.
Select a listed product and pack to order online. Supply depends on stock and destination rules; ask your doctor or pharmacist whether it suits you.
How it works
Donepezil inhibits acetylcholinesterase, increasing acetylcholine signalling involved in memory and cognition.
Important safety checks
Heart conduction problems, fainting, asthma, seizures, ulcer or bleeding history, low body weight and anticholinergic or rate-slowing medicines require review. Nausea, diarrhoea, vivid dreams and appetite loss may affect continued suitability.
When to seek urgent care
Seek urgent help for fainting, a seizure, a very slow or irregular heartbeat with weakness, vomiting blood, black stools, severe breathing difficulty or facial swelling.
Further reading
What is donepezil used for?
Donepezil is used for Alzheimer's disease and may provide modest benefit for some people. It does not cure dementia or stop the underlying disease from getting worse.
How does donepezil work?
Donepezil blocks the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which normally breaks down acetylcholine. This raises acetylcholine levels in the brain and may help with memory and thinking.
Which donepezil product can I order on SGMeds?
The donepezil product on SGMeds is Aricept, and its page gives the strengths and pack sizes.
How long does donepezil take to work?
Donepezil can take 1 to 4 weeks before you notice a difference. Treatment is usually long term.
What are the side effects of donepezil?
Common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, trouble sleeping and headache. You may also get muscle cramps, tiredness or dizziness, and a very slow heartbeat or a seizure needs urgent medical help.
Can donepezil be taken with other medicines?
Donepezil can interact with anticholinergic medicines and with succinylcholine. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything you take, especially medicines that slow your heart rate.
How much does donepezil cost in Singapore?
The product on this page shows a price for each strength and pack size in Singapore dollars, converted from US dollars, so the exchange rate can change the final amount. Larger packs usually cost less per tablet.
Payment and prices →Can I order donepezil without a prescription?
Yes. SGMeds does not ask for a prescription to order donepezil: we place the order with our pharmacy partner, which prepares it and arranges delivery on your behalf.
Ordering without a prescription →Do you deliver donepezil to Singapore?
Yes. Parcels go to Singapore and Malaysia by Express shipping (tracked, up to 1 week) or Regular shipping (up to 3 weeks).
How ordering works →