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Detailed medicine guidance

Who can and cannot take donepezil

NHS medicines information on who can take donepezil and who may not be able to take it.

About this information

This NHS content is written for people in England. Medicine names, availability, prescribing and services may differ in other countries.

Who can take donepezil

Most adults aged 18 years old and over can take donepezil.

Who may not be able to take donepezil

Donepezil is not suitable for some people. To make sure this medicine is safe to take, tell your doctor if you or the person you're caring for have:

  • ever had an allergic reaction to donepezil or any other medicine
  • liver problems
  • ever had an ulcer in your gut or intestines, or a stomach ulcer
  • heart problems, such as an irregular or slow heartbeat
  • asthma or other lung disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • ever had a seizure or fit
  • a condition that makes it difficult to pee

View the original NHS website page ↗. Refreshed 19 August 2026.

Licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0 ↗. MyPHU is independent and is not endorsed by the NHS.

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