Drug interactions
Donepezil + Meclizine
Severity: Moderate
Donepezil and Meclizine: 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
Meclizine has anticholinergic activity that opposes the cholinesterase inhibition of donepezil. This may reduce the cognitive benefit of donepezil and can worsen confusion in patients with dementia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Donepezil and Meclizine 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.
Donepezil belongs to Central Nervous System; Meclizine belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic antagonism between a cholinesterase inhibitor and a muscarinic antagonist.
What to do
Avoid anticholinergic antihistamines in dementia where possible and choose a non-anticholinergic antiemetic or vertigo treatment. If used, monitor cognition and function.
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
Other interactions of Meclizine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Donepezil with Meclizine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Donepezil and Meclizine 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. Meclizine has anticholinergic activity that opposes the cholinesterase inhibition of donepezil. This may reduce the cognitive benefit of donepezil and can worsen confusion in patients with dementia.
How serious is the interaction between Donepezil and Meclizine?
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 anticholinergic antihistamines in dementia where possible and choose a non-anticholinergic antiemetic or vertigo treatment. If used, monitor cognition and function.
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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