What is the pregnancy category of Donepezil (Aricept)?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: May 4, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

From the Guidelines

Douneb is not a recognized medication name in medical practice, and therefore, its pregnancy category cannot be determined. Given the information provided in the study 1, the US Food and Drug Administration classification system for drugs during pregnancy and breastfeeding categorizes medications from A (safest) to X (known danger—do not use!). However, without the correct medication name, it's impossible to classify Douneb into one of these categories. Some key points to consider about pregnancy categories include:

  • Category A: safest, with controlled studies showing no risk
  • Category B: either animal reproduction studies have not demonstrated a fetal risk but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women, or animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect that was not confirmed in controlled studies in women
  • Category C: either studies in animals have revealed adverse effects on the fetus and there are no controlled studies in women, or studies in women and animals are not available
  • Category D: there is evidence of human fetal risk, but the benefits from use in pregnant women may be acceptable despite the risk
  • Category X: studies in animals or human beings have demonstrated fetal abnormalities, or there is evidence of fetal risk based on human experience, or both, and the risk of the use of the drug in pregnant women clearly outweighs any possible benefit It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider using the correct medication name to get accurate information about potential risks and benefits based on the most current clinical evidence, as seen in the European Heart Journal study 1.

From the Research

Pregnancy Category of Douneb

There is no information available in the provided studies regarding the pregnancy category of Douneb.

  • The studies provided discuss the classification systems for drug use during pregnancy, such as the FDA and Swedish systems, and the inconsistencies between them 2, 3, 4.
  • They also discuss the importance of medication safety in pregnancy and the need for more research in this area 5, 6.
  • However, none of the studies mention Douneb specifically, and therefore, it is not possible to determine its pregnancy category based on the available evidence.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

[An update in drug use during pregnancy: risk classification].

Farmacia hospitalaria : organo oficial de expresion cientifica de la Sociedad Espanola de Farmacia Hospitalaria, 2014

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.