Drug interactions
Donepezil + Huperzine a
Severity: Moderate
Donepezil and Huperzine a: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Both agents inhibit acetylcholinesterase, so taking them together may produce additive cholinergic effects. This can lead to bradycardia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating and bronchospasm.
What this interaction means in plain words
Donepezil and Huperzine a can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Additive acetylcholinesterase inhibition.
What to do
Avoid combining huperzine A with donepezil. If it is used, monitor heart rate and gastrointestinal and cholinergic adverse effects.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Donepezil
- Donepezil + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Donepezil + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Donepezil + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Donepezil + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Donepezil Major
- Amisulpride + Donepezil Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Donepezil with Huperzine a?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Donepezil and Huperzine a can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Both agents inhibit acetylcholinesterase, so taking them together may produce additive cholinergic effects. This can lead to bradycardia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating and bronchospasm.
How serious is the interaction between Donepezil and Huperzine a?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid combining huperzine A with donepezil. If it is used, monitor heart rate and gastrointestinal and cholinergic adverse effects.
What other medicines interact with Donepezil?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Donepezil with, for example, Dronedarone, Pimozide, Thioridazine. The full list is on the Donepezil page.
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