Rivastigmine Tartrate(riv ah stig’ meen)
Exelon, Exelon Oral Solution, Exelon Patch
PREGNANCY CATEGORY B
Drug Classes
Alzheimer disease drug
Cholinesterase inhibitor
Therapeutic Actions
Centrally acting, selective, long-acting reversible cholinesterase inhibitor; causes elevated acetylcholine levels in the cortex, which slows the neuronal degradation that occurs in Alzheimer disease.
Indications
Treatment of mild to moderate dementia of the Alzheimer type
Treatment of mild to moderate dementia associated with Parkinson disease
Unlabeled use: Treatment of behavioral effects of Lewy-body dementia
Contraindications and Cautions
Contraindicated with hypersensitivity to rivastigmine.
Use cautiously with sick sinus syndrome, GI bleeding, seizures, asthma, COPD, pregnancy, lactation.
Available Forms
Capsules—1.5, 3, 4.5, 6 mg; oral solution with dosing syringe—2 mg/mL; transdermal patch—4.6 mg/24 hr, 9.5 mg/24 hr, 13.3 mg/24 hr
Dosages
Adults
Alzheimer disease: Initial dosage, 1.5 mg PO bid with food. If tolerated, may adjust to higher doses at 1.5-mg intervals every 2 wks. Usual range, 6–12 mg/day; should not exceed 12 mg/day. If dose is not tolerated, stop drug for several doses and then restart at the same or a lower level. For transdermal patch, initially, one 4.6 mg/24-hr patch once/day; after 4 or more wk, may be increased to one 9.5 mg/24-hr patch. Maximum dose, 13.3 mg/24-hr patch.
Parkinson dementia: 3–12 mg/day PO in divided doses bid. Initial dose, 1.5 mg PO bid; increase every 4 wk based on patient tolerance. For transdermal patch, initially, one 4.6-mg/24 hr patch once/day; after 4 or more wk, may be increased to one 9.5-mg/24 hr patch. Maximum dose, 13.3 mg/24-hr patch.
Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel
Full access? Get Clinical Tree
