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Exelon

Generic name: rivastigmine (oral) [ ri-va-STIG-meen ]
Drug class: Cholinesterase inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Aug 23, 2023.

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.

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

How should I take Exelon?

Exelon is usually taken twice per day. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.

Do not wear a Exelon transdermal skin patch at the same time you are taking Exelon capsules or oral liquid.

Take Exelon with food.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

You may swallow the liquid medicine directly from the syringe or mix the medicine with a small glass of water, fruit juice, or soda. Stir and drink this mixture within 4 hours after mixing. Add a little more water to the glass, swirl gently and drink right away.

After using the syringe, wipe the outside of it with a clean tissue and put the syringe back into its protective case. Close the medicine bottle using the child-resistant closure.

Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual. You can easily become dehydrated while taking Exelon.

Rivastigmine doses are based on weight. Your dose needs may change if you gain or lose weight.

If you need surgery, tell your surgeon you currently use this medicine.

If you stop taking this medicine for any reason, do not restart the medicine without talking to your doctor first. You may need to start with a lower dose.

Store in an upright position at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Do not allow the liquid medicine to freeze.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Alzheimer's Disease:

Mild to moderate Azheimer's disease:
Oral:
-Initial dose: 1.5 mg orally twice a day
-Maintenance dose: After a minimum of 2 weeks of treatment, if the initial dosage is well tolerated, it can be increased to 3 mg twice a day; subsequent increases to 4.5 mg and 6 mg twice a day should be attempted only after a minimum of 2 weeks at the previous dosage.

Usual Adult Dose for Parkinson's Disease:

Mild to moderate Parkinson's disease dementia:
Oral:
Initial dose: 1.5 mg orally twice a day with morning and evening meals
Maintenance dose: Subsequently, the dose can be increased to 3 mg orally twice a day and further to 4.5 mg twice a day and 6 mg twice a day (based on tolerability) with a minimum of 4 weeks at each dose.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

If you miss several doses in a row, call your doctor before taking any more of this medicine.

Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include severe nausea, vomiting, salivation, sweating, slow heartbeats, weak or shallow breathing, fainting, or seizure (convulsions).

What to avoid

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Exelon side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Exelon: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

Common Exelon side effects may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Exelon?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

This list is not complete and many other drugs may interact with rivastigmine. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Exelon only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.