Generic name:rivastigmine (oral) [ ri-va-STIG-meen ]
Drug class:Cholinesterase inhibitors
What is Exelon?
Exelon improves the function of nerve cells in the brain. It works by preventing the breakdown of a chemical that is important for the processes of memory, thinking, and reasoning. People with dementia usually have lower levels of this chemical.
Exelon is used to treat mild to moderate dementia caused by Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease.
Exelon is not a cure for Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease.
The use of Exelon in in patients under 18 years of age is not recommended.
Warnings
Exelon may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
You should not take oral Exelon if you have ever had severe redness, itching, or skin irritation caused by wearing a Exelon transdermal skin patch.
Call your doctor at once if you have severe or ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, heavy sweating or hot and dry skin, black or bloody stools, coughing up blood, tremors (uncontrolled shaking), or restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck.
Before using Exelon, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, a heart rhythm disorder such as "sick sinus syndrome" (slow heartbeats), recent weight loss or lack of appetite, an enlarged prostate, urination problems, a seizure disorder, asthma or allergies, tremors or uncontrolled muscle movements, or a history of stomach ulcer.
Before taking this medicine
You should not take Exelon if you are allergic to rivastigmine or similar medicines, such as felbamate, meprobamate, or carisoprodol...
