Aricept
Donepezil tablets for Alzheimer's disease and dementia. It works by increasing acetylcholine levels in the brain, but it does not stop the underlying disease.
All strengths and pack prices
| Strength | Pack | Price | Per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5mg | 60 tablets | $94.00 | $1.57 |
| 5mg | 90 tablets | $131.00 | $1.46 |
| 5mg | 120 tablets | $170.00 | $1.42 |
| 5mg | 180 tablets | $241.00 | $1.34 |
| 5mg | 270 tablets | $352.00 | $1.30 |
| 5mg | 360 tablets | $458.00 | $1.27 |
| 10mg | 60 tablets | $104.00 | $1.73 |
| 10mg | 90 tablets | $137.00 | $1.52 |
| 10mg | 120 tablets | $174.00 | $1.45 |
| 10mg | 180 tablets | $243.00 | $1.35 |
| 10mg | 270 tablets | $348.00 | $1.29 |
| 10mg | 360 tablets | $449.00 | $1.25 |
- Conditions
- Alzheimer's Disease · Dementia
- Alternative names
- donepezil
- Therapeutic class
- Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitor
- Pharmacological class
- Cholinesterase Inhibitor
- Known off-label uses
- vascular dementia
- Contraindications
- hypersensitivity to donepezil; hypersensitivity to piperidine derivatives
- Minor side effects
- diarrhoea; nausea; insomnia
- Moderate side effects
- muscle cramps; fatigue; anorexia
- Dosage forms
- Tablet
- Administration route
- Oral use
- Originator
- Eisai
- Onset time
- 2–4 weeks
- Duration
- 24 hours
- Storage instructions
- Store below 25°C.
- Drug interactions
- NSAIDs; Ketoconazole; Quinidine
- Age restrictions
- Approved for adults.
Serious side effects
severe bradycardia, requires immediate medical attention; gastrointestinal haemorrhage, requires immediate medical attention
Patient summary
Donepezil tablets for Alzheimer's disease and dementia. It works by increasing acetylcholine levels in the brain, but it does not stop the underlying disease.
Mechanism of action
Inhibits acetylcholinesterase, leading to increased levels of acetylcholine available in synapses within the central nervous system.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnancy: Use if potential benefit outweighs risk. Breastfeeding: Consult a doctor.
FAQ
Will I receive the original Aricept?
No. Aricept is the original brand, made by Eisai, and Direct Meds uses the name to identify the medicine: you receive a generic with the same active ingredient (donepezil) at the strength you choose. The generic brand and manufacturer depend on available stock.
How much does Aricept cost in South Africa?
It depends on the strength and pack. Aricept comes in 5mg and 10mg strengths, in packs of 60 to 360 tablets, and the price of every option is shown above. Prices are set in US dollars and converted. Larger packs cost less per tablet.
Payment and prices →Is Aricept sold under other names?
In South Africa, donepezil is also sold under brand names such as Donecept, Alzido and Nepizel.
What is Aricept used for?
Aricept contains donepezil, used for Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
How quickly does Aricept work?
Donepezil usually starts to work within 2 to 4 weeks. The exact timing differs between people.
Does Aricept have side effects?
Yes. The common side effects of donepezil are diarrhoea, nausea and insomnia. Less common ones include muscle cramps, fatigue and loss of appetite. Serious but less common side effects include severe bradycardia and gastrointestinal haemorrhage, which need urgent medical attention.
What does Aricept interact with?
Donepezil can interact with NSAIDs, ketoconazole and quinidine. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take before you start taking Aricept.
Is Aricept available over the counter in South Africa?
Online, yes: Direct Meds does not ask for a prescription to order Aricept. We are a broker, not a dispensing pharmacy. We arrange orders and delivery with our affiliated supplier on your behalf.
Ordering without a prescription →Do you deliver Aricept to South Africa?
Yes. Our affiliated supplier delivers across South Africa. Estimated delivery is 7 days with Express Delivery, which includes online tracking, or up to 3 weeks with Regular Delivery.
How ordering works →What you will receive
Aricept names the medicine you are looking for. What ships is a generic version of it.
- A generic containing Donepezil at the strength you pick.
- Which generic brand and maker ships depends on stock and destination.
- Check the active ingredient, strength, form, pack, seal, batch and expiry when it arrives.