Exelon (Rivastigmine)

Exelon (Rivastigmine) Medication Information

Uses

Exelon contains rivastigmine, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor indicated for the: 

• Treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s type dementia
• Treatment of mild to moderate Parkinson’s disease-associated dementia

Dosage

The oral capsules are available in several strengths:

• 1.5 mg
• 3 mg
• 4.5 mg
• 6 mg

Side Effects

The most common side effects of Exelon include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Anorexia
• Dyspepsia
• Asthenia 

For a full list of side effects that apply to you, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Gastrointestinal side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, and weight loss, and may cause treatment interruption. Dehydration may occur from vomiting or diarrhea and can cause serious problems.

Stop rivastigmine in case of disseminated allergic dermatitis, which can happen after oral or transdermal administration.

Interactions

Common medications that interact with Exelon are listed:

• Metoclopramide
• Beta-blockers
• Cholinomimetic
• Anticholinergic drugs

Please contact your doctor or pharmacist, if you would like to receive more information.

Storage

Store at controlled room temperature (77ºF). 

Pharmacist Tips

• There is a high incidence of nausea and vomiting.
• If therapy has been interrupted for more than several days, the next dose should not be taken until you have discussed this with the physician.
• Studies have observed increased incidence or intensity of tremor and worsening in patients with Parkinson’s disease

Rivastigmine FAQs

Should this be given with food?

Should be taken with food.

Can I take this if I am pregnant?

No adequate data is available on the developmental risks associated with the use of Exelon in pregnant women.

How long does rivastigmine take to work?

It can take several weeks to see the benefit of Exelon, but the maximal inhibition of anticholinesterase is seen 5 hours after the dose. 

What are the side effects of Exelon?

The most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, anorexia, dyspepsia, and asthenia.

Does Exelon help dementia?

Exelon is used to treat dementia related to Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease

What happens if you stop taking Exelon?

Stopping Exelon suddenly can cause behavioral changes. Contact your doctor before stopping Exelon.

Related Drugs

• Aricept 
• Exelon Oral Solution
• Exelon Patches
• Namenda
• Razadyne

Reference:

Exelon {package insert}. East Hanover, NJ: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation; 2016.

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/020823s036,021025s024lbl.pdf