DONEPEZIL HYDROCHLORIDE

82/100 · Critical

Manufactured by Camber Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Donepezil Hydrochloride Reports High Incidence of Serious Adverse Events, Particularly Falls and Confusion

69,498 FDA adverse event reports analyzed

Last updated: 2026-05-12

About DONEPEZIL HYDROCHLORIDE

DONEPEZIL HYDROCHLORIDE is a medication tracked in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), manufactured by Camber Pharmaceuticals, Inc.. Based on analysis of 69,498 FDA adverse event reports, DONEPEZIL HYDROCHLORIDE has a safety score of 82 out of 100. This score indicates a relatively favorable safety profile, with fewer or less severe adverse events compared to many other tracked medications. The most commonly reported adverse reactions for DONEPEZIL HYDROCHLORIDE include FALL, DEATH, CONFUSIONAL STATE, DIARRHOEA, DIZZINESS. This page provides a comprehensive breakdown of reported side effects, safety signals, patient demographics, and AI-powered safety analysis for DONEPEZIL HYDROCHLORIDE.

AI Safety Analysis

Donepezil Hydrochloride has a safety concern score of 82 out of 100, placing it in the high concern category based on analysis of FDA adverse event data. The FDA has received approximately 69,498 adverse event reports for this medication, which is primarily manufactured by Camber Pharmaceuticals, Inc..

The most commonly reported adverse events include Fall, Death, Confusional State. Of classified reports, 75.9% were designated as serious by the FDA, meaning they involved hospitalization, disability, or other significant medical outcomes. Donepezil hydrochloride reports a high number of serious adverse events, including falls and confusion.

The drug is associated with a wide range of reactions, indicating potential for diverse side effects. Report volume is substantial, with over 69,000 reports, providing a comprehensive dataset for analysis.

Patients taking Donepezil Hydrochloride should monitor for the commonly reported side effects and contact their healthcare provider if they experience any unusual symptoms. Donepezil hydrochloride is known to interact with other drugs, potentially leading to adverse effects. Patients should be warned about the risk of drug interactions and should consult their healthcare provider before starting any new medications. This analysis is based on voluntary FDA adverse event reports and should not replace professional medical advice.

Safety Score: 82/100

Donepezil Hydrochloride received a safety concern score of 82/100 (high concern). This is based on a 75.9% serious event ratio across 35,136 classified reports. The score accounts for 69,498 total adverse event reports and 100 distinct reaction types. This high score reflects a significant proportion of serious adverse events in the reporting data.

Top Adverse Reactions

FALL2,966 reports
DEATH2,018 reports
CONFUSIONAL STATE1,894 reports
DIARRHOEA1,740 reports
DIZZINESS1,733 reports
FATIGUE1,686 reports
NAUSEA1,601 reports
DRUG INEFFECTIVE1,532 reports
HALLUCINATION1,481 reports
ASTHENIA1,476 reports
SOMNOLENCE1,331 reports
VOMITING1,276 reports
DRUG INTERACTION1,205 reports
DECREASED APPETITE1,172 reports
DYSPNOEA1,069 reports
DEMENTIA1,063 reports
SYNCOPE1,059 reports
OFF LABEL USE1,042 reports
HEADACHE1,033 reports
INSOMNIA987 reports
BRADYCARDIA980 reports
URINARY TRACT INFECTION975 reports
GAIT DISTURBANCE973 reports
MALAISE954 reports
CONDITION AGGRAVATED894 reports
PNEUMONIA894 reports
TREMOR886 reports
HYPOTENSION800 reports
WEIGHT DECREASED762 reports
AGITATION760 reports
DEHYDRATION760 reports
MEMORY IMPAIRMENT746 reports
PYREXIA721 reports
PAIN638 reports
DEPRESSION629 reports
LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS625 reports
CONSTIPATION617 reports
BALANCE DISORDER604 reports
ARTHRALGIA595 reports
COUGH593 reports
COGNITIVE DISORDER570 reports
ANXIETY563 reports
PRODUCT DOSE OMISSION ISSUE555 reports
PRURITUS545 reports
BLOOD PRESSURE INCREASED541 reports
CEREBROVASCULAR ACCIDENT532 reports
SEPSIS530 reports
AGGRESSION520 reports
DELIRIUM511 reports
ABDOMINAL PAIN510 reports
ABDOMINAL PAIN UPPER503 reports
HYPERTENSION498 reports
ANAEMIA493 reports
GASTROINTESTINAL HAEMORRHAGE489 reports
DELUSION462 reports
GENERAL PHYSICAL HEALTH DETERIORATION458 reports
ATRIAL FIBRILLATION449 reports
PARKINSON^S DISEASE449 reports
ALTERED STATE OF CONSCIOUSNESS448 reports
HYPERHIDROSIS448 reports
RASH448 reports
ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY444 reports
ABNORMAL BEHAVIOUR442 reports
DYSPHAGIA440 reports
RENAL FAILURE429 reports
FEELING ABNORMAL422 reports
BACK PAIN411 reports
HALLUCINATION, VISUAL408 reports
LETHARGY408 reports
ELECTROCARDIOGRAM QT PROLONGED395 reports
MUSCLE SPASMS394 reports
TOXICITY TO VARIOUS AGENTS392 reports
CHILLS390 reports
DYSKINESIA387 reports
TACHYCARDIA378 reports
SEIZURE377 reports
CARDIO RESPIRATORY ARREST374 reports
COMA373 reports
URINARY INCONTINENCE362 reports
DEMENTIA ALZHEIMER^S TYPE360 reports
CONTUSION358 reports
PAIN IN EXTREMITY357 reports
CONVULSION351 reports
HAEMATEMESIS349 reports
MUSCULAR WEAKNESS348 reports
PERIPHERAL SWELLING347 reports
OEDEMA PERIPHERAL346 reports
MYALGIA345 reports
OVERDOSE345 reports
DISORIENTATION336 reports
DEPRESSED LEVEL OF CONSCIOUSNESS330 reports
MOBILITY DECREASED328 reports
CHEST PAIN326 reports
VISION BLURRED321 reports
AMNESIA310 reports
ABDOMINAL DISCOMFORT307 reports
EYE PAIN306 reports
BLOOD PRESSURE DECREASED304 reports
HAEMATURIA304 reports
HAEMORRHAGIC STROKE302 reports

Key Safety Signals

  • Falls (2966 reports)
  • Death (2018 reports)
  • Confusion (1894 reports)

Patient Demographics

Adverse event reports by sex: Female: 17,416, Male: 14,684, Unknown: 64. The most frequently reported age groups are age 80 (1,184 reports), age 79 (1,167 reports), age 83 (1,140 reports). These demographics reflect reporting patterns and may not represent the full patient population.

Report Outcomes

Out of 35,136 classified reports for DONEPEZIL HYDROCHLORIDE:

  • Serious: 26,660 reports (75.9%) — includes hospitalization, disability, life-threatening events, or death
  • Non-Serious: 8,476 reports (24.1%)
Serious 75.9%Non-Serious 24.1%

The FDA classifies an adverse event as “serious” if it results in death, hospitalization, disability, congenital anomaly, or requires intervention to prevent permanent damage.

Demographics Breakdown

Reports by Sex

Female17,416 (54.1%)
Male14,684 (45.7%)
Unknown64 (0.2%)

Reports by Age

Age 801,184 reports
Age 791,167 reports
Age 831,140 reports
Age 821,096 reports
Age 841,067 reports
Age 781,065 reports
Age 751,043 reports
Age 811,025 reports
Age 77994 reports
Age 85982 reports
Age 76914 reports
Age 86889 reports
Age 87853 reports
Age 74824 reports
Age 73700 reports
Age 88696 reports
Age 72649 reports
Age 70624 reports
Age 71602 reports
Age 89553 reports

Demographics reflect voluntary FDA adverse event reporting patterns and may not represent the full patient population.

Drug Interactions & Warnings

Donepezil hydrochloride is known to interact with other drugs, potentially leading to adverse effects. Patients should be warned about the risk of drug interactions and should consult their healthcare provider before starting any new medications.

What You Should Know

If you are taking Donepezil Hydrochloride, here are important things to know. The most commonly reported side effects include fall, death, confusional state, diarrhoea, dizziness. While many of these may be mild and temporary, you should contact your healthcare provider if any symptoms are severe or persistent. Patients should be informed about the potential for serious adverse events such as falls and confusion, and should seek medical attention if these symptoms occur. Regular monitoring of cognitive and physical health is recommended, especially in elderly patients. If you experience a serious adverse reaction, seek emergency medical attention immediately or call 911. You can report side effects to the FDA's MedWatch program at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Regulatory Context

The FDA continues to monitor the safety of donepezil hydrochloride. Healthcare providers should report any adverse events to the FDA's MedWatch program.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many adverse event reports has the FDA received for Donepezil Hydrochloride?

The FDA has received approximately 69,498 adverse event reports associated with Donepezil Hydrochloride. These reports come from healthcare professionals, consumers, and manufacturers through the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Note that the number of reports does not directly indicate the frequency of side effects, as adverse events are voluntarily reported and may be underrepresented.

What are the most commonly reported side effects of Donepezil Hydrochloride?

The most frequently reported adverse events for Donepezil Hydrochloride include Fall, Death, Confusional State, Diarrhoea, Dizziness. By volume, the top reported reactions are: Fall (2,966 reports), Death (2,018 reports), Confusional State (1,894 reports). These figures reflect FDA adverse event reports and may not represent the true incidence rate of these side effects in all patients taking Donepezil Hydrochloride.

What percentage of Donepezil Hydrochloride adverse event reports are serious?

Out of 35,136 classified reports, 26,660 (75.9%) were classified as serious and 8,476 as non-serious. The FDA classifies an event as "serious" if it results in death, hospitalization, disability, or other medically significant outcomes. A higher serious-event ratio warrants closer attention but does not necessarily mean the drug is unsafe.

Who reports adverse events for Donepezil Hydrochloride (by sex)?

Adverse event reports for Donepezil Hydrochloride break down by patient sex as follows: Female: 17,416, Male: 14,684, Unknown: 64. This distribution reflects reporting patterns rather than actual risk differences between groups. Reporting rates can be influenced by prescribing patterns, disease demographics, and reporting behavior.

What age groups report the most side effects for Donepezil Hydrochloride?

The most frequently reported age groups for Donepezil Hydrochloride adverse events are: age 80: 1,184 reports, age 79: 1,167 reports, age 83: 1,140 reports, age 82: 1,096 reports, age 84: 1,067 reports. Age-related reporting patterns can reflect both the demographics of the patient population and potential age-related susceptibility to certain side effects.

Who manufactures Donepezil Hydrochloride?

The primary manufacturer associated with Donepezil Hydrochloride adverse event reports is Camber Pharmaceuticals, Inc.. Multiple manufacturers may produce generic versions of this drug. The manufacturer listed reflects the most frequently reported brand in FDA adverse event data.

What other side effects have been reported for Donepezil Hydrochloride?

Beyond the most common reactions, other reported adverse events for Donepezil Hydrochloride include: Fatigue, Nausea, Drug Ineffective, Hallucination, Asthenia. Less common side effects can still be clinically significant. Patients should report any unusual symptoms to their healthcare provider.

How do I report a side effect from Donepezil Hydrochloride?

You can report adverse events from Donepezil Hydrochloride to the FDA through their MedWatch program at www.fda.gov/medwatch, by calling 1-800-FDA-1088, or by completing Form FDA 3500. Healthcare professionals, consumers, and manufacturers can all submit reports. Reporting helps the FDA monitor drug safety after approval.

What is Donepezil Hydrochloride's safety score and what does it mean?

Donepezil Hydrochloride has a safety concern score of 82 out of 100 (high concern). This score is calculated from the ratio of serious to non-serious adverse events, the diversity of reported reactions, and the overall volume of reports relative to usage. Donepezil hydrochloride reports a high number of serious adverse events, including falls and confusion.

What are the key safety signals for Donepezil Hydrochloride?

Key safety signals identified in Donepezil Hydrochloride's adverse event data include: Falls (2966 reports). Death (2018 reports). Confusion (1894 reports). These signals are derived from patterns in FDA reports and should be discussed with a healthcare provider for personalized assessment.

Does Donepezil Hydrochloride interact with other drugs?

Donepezil hydrochloride is known to interact with other drugs, potentially leading to adverse effects. Patients should be warned about the risk of drug interactions and should consult their healthcare provider before starting any new medications. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs you are taking before starting Donepezil Hydrochloride.

What should patients know before taking Donepezil Hydrochloride?

Patients should be informed about the potential for serious adverse events such as falls and confusion, and should seek medical attention if these symptoms occur. Regular monitoring of cognitive and physical health is recommended, especially in elderly patients.

Are Donepezil Hydrochloride side effects well-documented?

Donepezil Hydrochloride has 69,498 adverse event reports on file with the FDA. The drug is associated with a wide range of reactions, indicating potential for diverse side effects. The volume of reports for Donepezil Hydrochloride reflects both the drug's usage level and the vigilance of the reporting community.

What is the FDA's position on Donepezil Hydrochloride?

The FDA continues to monitor the safety of donepezil hydrochloride. Healthcare providers should report any adverse events to the FDA's MedWatch program. For the most current regulatory information, check the FDA's drug labeling database or consult your pharmacist.

Other Drugs by Camber Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Explore other medications manufactured by Camber Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and compare their safety profiles:

PRAMIPEXOLE (72/100)

View all Camber Pharmaceuticals, Inc. drugs →

Related Drugs

Drugs related to DONEPEZIL HYDROCHLORIDE based on therapeutic use, drug class, or shared indications:

Donepezil HydrochlorideOther cholinesterase inhibitorsAntipsychoticsAntidepressantsAntihypertensives
Important Disclaimer: This content is generated by AI analysis of FDA adverse event reports and is provided for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Adverse event reports submitted to the FDA do not prove that a medication caused the reported side effect. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you experience a serious side effect, contact your doctor or call 911 immediately.