Generic name:rivastigmine (transdermal route) [ riv-a-STIG-meen ]
Drug class:Cholinesterase inhibitors
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 11, 2022.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Exelon
Available Dosage Forms:
- Patch, Extended Release
Therapeutic Class: Central Nervous System Agent
Pharmacologic Class: Cholinesterase Inhibitor, Centrally Acting
Uses for Exelon
Rivastigmine patch is used to treat dementia (memory loss) associated with mild, moderate, or severe Alzheimer's disease, or mild to moderate dementia associated with Parkinson's disease. Rivastigmine will not cure these diseases and it will not stop these diseases from getting worse. However, rivastigmine can improve thinking ability in some patients with these diseases.
In Alzheimer's disease, many chemical changes take place in the brain. One of the earliest and biggest changes is that there is a decrease in a chemical called acetylcholine (ACh). ACh helps the brain to work properly. Rivastigmine is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. It 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.
Before using Exelon
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of rivastigmine in the pediatric popul...
