Medication module
Can Aricept (donepezil (5 mg and 10 mg)) be crushed?
Also searched as Aricept · Immediate-release film-coated tablet
Exact formulation checkedImmediate-release film-coated tabletA different strength, suffix, coating, capsule, or manufacturer may have different instructions.
Why
The ISMP “Do Not Crush” list note for Aricept applies only to the 23 mg strength and states the 5 and 10 mg tablets are not affected. FDA labeling places the swallow-whole restriction only on the 23 mg tablet.
What to ask the pharmacist instead
Ask the pharmacist about the orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) form of donepezil as an alternative to crushing.
SourceISMP “Do Not Crush” list (only the 23 mg tablet is affected)
Source checked2026-06-10
Clinical reviewSLP review in progress
Confirm with your pharmacist before changing how any medication is taken. This page never provides dosing guidance.
Confirm the pill before changing it
- Match the generic or brand name and strength on the prescription label.
- Match the exact formulation, especially ER, XR, XL, SR, CR, DR, or EC.
- Use the manufacturer or NDC and imprint as supporting identifiers, then confirm with the pharmacist.
Do not use color or shape alone. FDA guidance notes that approved generic pills can look different while containing the same medicine.
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