Rivastigmine (By mouth)
riv-a-STIG-meen
Treats dementia.
Drug classes
Central Nervous System Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Rivastigmine is used to treat mild to moderate dementia (memory loss and mental changes) associated with Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson‘s disease. Rivastigmine will not cure or stop Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease from getting worse, however, rivastigmine can improve the thinking ability in some patients.
In Alzheimer’s disease, many chemical changes take place in the brain. One of the earliest and biggest changes is that there is less of a chemical called acetylcholine (ACh). ACh helps the brain to work properly. Rivastigmine slows the breakdown of ACh, so it can build up and have a greater effect. However, as Alzheimer’s disease gets worse, there will be less and less ACh, so rivastigmine may not work as well.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Capsule, Liquid
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
It is best to take this medicine with food or milk.
Capsule: Swallow the capsule whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. You may swallow the medicine directly from the syringe or mix it with water, soda, or cold fruit juice. Stir the mixture well and drink all of it. The mixture can be stored at room temperature for up to 4 hours.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. Call your doctor right away if you miss your dose for more than 3 days in a row. You may need to go back to a lower dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines can affect how rivastigmine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
Metoclopramide, oxybutynin, tolterodine Beta-blocker medicine (including atenolol) NSAID pain or arthritis medicine (including aspirin, celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen)When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to rivastigmine, or if you had a skin reaction with the rivastigmine skin patch.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, heart rhythm problems, asthma or lung disease, or a history of stomach ulcers or seizures.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Stomach or bowel problems Serious skin reactionsThis medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash
Bloody or black stools, or vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
Change in how much or how often you urinate, difficult or painful urination
Seizures, tremors, twitching, or muscle movements you cannot control
Slow or uneven heartbeat
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Headache, dizziness
Loss of appetite, weight loss
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain or upset
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Exelon
There may be other brand names for this medicine.