donepezil

Donepezil is a small molecule pharmaceutical drug classified as a cholinesterase inhibitor. It is primarily used to treat dementia associated with Alzheimer's disease, including mild, moderate, and severe stages. Donepezil works by reversibly inhibiting acetylcholinesterase in the brain, thereby increasing acetylcholine concentrations at cholinergic synapses and improving cognitive function such as memory and attention. In addition to its main mechanism of action on acetylcholinesterase, donepezil also acts as an agonist of the sigma-1 receptor and may upregulate nicotinic receptors in cortical neurons. While it can improve symptoms or slow their progression in Alzheimer's disease patients, it does not cure the underlying condition or halt its eventual progression[1][3][5][6][8].

Brand names

AriceptAricept ODTAdlarity

Other names

donepezil hydrochloride