FDA pharmacologic class
Cholinesterase inhibitors
6 medicines are in FDA's class of cholinesterase inhibitors (cholinesterase inhibitors): donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), neostigmine methylsulfate (Bloxiverz), galantamine, pyridostigmine (Mestinon) and malathion (Ovide); 2 combination products also contain one. 7 of the 8 are listed from generic labelers (FDA NDC Directory, October 8, 2026). The lowest pharmacy cost is donepezil hcl 10 mg tablet at $0.0484 per tablet (NADAC).
Which medicines are cholinesterase inhibitors?
| Medicine | Brand names | Generic labelers (all forms) | Pharmacy cost | Boxed warning | Shortage | Recalls since 2012 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Donepezil | Aricept | 31 labelers | $0.0484 per tablet 10 mg tablet | No | No current entry | 5 |
| Rivastigmine | Exelon | 18 labelers | $0.164 per capsule 1.5 mg capsule | No | A presentation being discontinued | 2 |
| Neostigmine methylsulfate | Bloxiverz | 21 labelers | n/a | No | A presentation being discontinued | 7 |
| Galantamine | none listed | 9 labelers | $0.294 per tablet 4 mg tablet | No | No current entry | 0 |
| Pyridostigmine | Mestinon, Regonol | 16 labelers | $0.249 per tablet 60 mg tablet | No | No current entry | 3 |
| Donepezil and memantine | Namzaric | 5 labelers | $8.44 per unit 28-10 mg | No | A presentation being discontinued | 1 |
| Malathion | Ovide | 1 labeler | $3.19 per mL 0.5% lotion | No | No current entry | 0 |
| Glycopyrrolate and neostigmine methylsulfate | Prevduo | none listed | n/a | No | No current entry | 0 |
Source: FDA Established Pharmacologic Class (NDC Directory, openFDA); CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026; FDA shortages and recalls (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What do pharmacies pay?
Each medicine's most widely listed form, per unit, in the NADAC survey: what pharmacies paid, not what a patient pays; strengths differ, so compare like with like.
Source: CMS National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC) survey, October 7, 2026: what retail pharmacies paid per unit; not a counter price