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Rivastigmine Tartrate

 

Rivastigmine Tartrate (generic Exelon) Review

brand name: Exelon
generic names: Rivastigmine tartrate, Rivastigmine, Rivastigmine transdermal

How does it work?

Exelon capsules and oral solution both contain the active ingredient rivastigmine, which is a type of medicine called an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. It works by slowing the breakdown of a compound in the brain called acetylcholine.

Acetylcholine is a natural compound known as a neurotransmitter. Neurotransmitters are stored in nerve cells in the brain and nervous system, and are involved in transmitting messages between the nerve cells. They are necessary for the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system. Acetylcholine in the brain is continually being released by nerve cells, and then broken down by another natural chemical called acetylcholinesterase.

One of the features of both Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease appears to be a lower than normal level of acetylcholine in the brain. This is due in part to degeneration of brain cells, in particular those that normally release acetylcholine.

Rivastigmine increases the level of acetylcholine in the brain. It does this by preventing the action of acetylcholinesterase, the compound which normally breaks it down. This slows the breakdown of acetylcholine that is released from remaining undamaged nerve cells in the brain.

The result of this is increased activity of acetylcholine in the brain. This improves the cognitive processes of thinking, learning and memory, and improves the symptoms of dementia and daily functioning in Alzheimer's disease.

Rivastigmine is used to treat mild to moderately severe dementia in people with Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease. However, it only slows the worsening of the dementia, rather than being a cure. If the medicine has not slowed the worsening of symptoms after three months of treatment at the maintenance dose, it should be stopped. For patients who continue treatment, the benefit of the medicine should be reassessed on a regular basis and stopped when it is considered that the medicine is no longer providing a beneficial effect.

Why is Exelon (Rivastigmine) prescribed?

Exelon (Rivastigmine) is used in the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease causes physical changes in the brain that disrupt the flow of information and interfere with memory, thinking, and behavior. By boosting levels of the chemical messenger acetylcholine, Exelon (Tartrate) can temporarily improve brain function in some Alzheimer's sufferers, though it does not halt the progress of the underlying disease. Exelon may become less effective as the disease progresses.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•asthma or other lung disease
•difficulty passing urine
•head injury
•heart disease, other medicines, foods, dyes, or stomach bleeding
•tobacco smoker
•an unusual or allergic reaction to rivastigmine, ulcers

What side effects may occur?

Side effects from Exelon (Rivastigmine) cannot be anticipated. If any side effects develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe to continue taking Exelon (Tartrate).

• More common side effects may include:
  Abdominal pain, weakness, vomiting, urinary infection, unwell feeling, tremor, nausea, loss of appetite, insomnia, inflamed nasal passages, indigestion, increased sweating, high blood pressure, headache, hallucinations, gas, flu-like symptoms, fatigue, fainting, drowsiness, dizziness, diarrhea, depression, constipation, confusion, aggression, anxiety, accidental injury, weight loss

What is it used for?

• Mild to moderately severe dementia in people with Parkinson's disease
  
  
• Mild to moderately severe Alzheimer's dementia
  
  

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Exelon (Rivastigmine)

If Exelon (Rivastigmine) is taken with certain other drugs, decreased, the effects of either could be increased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Exelon with the following:

Bethanechol (Urecholine)
Drugs that control spasms, Donnatal, such as Bentyl, and Levsin.