EXELON (Rivastigmine) is a para-sympathomimetic drug that is prescribed for the treatment of mild to moderate dementia in Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. In both of these disorders, acetylcholine level is abnormally low that leads to decreased cognitive functions and mental abilities. EXELON (Rivastigmine) broadly inhibits both types of cholinesterases and thereby prevents acetylcholine degradation and increase the activity in brain neurons. EXELON (Rivastigmine) consistently improve the symptoms of dementia in Alzheimer’s diseases and Parkinson’s disease and also the day-to-day life activities.
Who should not take EXELON (Rivastigmine)?
EXELON (Rivastigmine) is contraindicated in patients with pre-existing medical problems including seizures, asthma or perennial allergy, liver and/or kidney disorders with problems in micturition, eating disorder, gastritis, duodenal or gastric ulcers with or without perforation, excessive vomiting or nausea due to any other disease, skeletal muscular movement problems, slow-paced heart beats or arrhythmia and benign prostatic hyperplasia or cancerous prostate etc. If you are taking medicines such as bromocriptine, levodopa, pramipexole, oxybutynin, darifenacin, flavoxate, atropine, hyoscine, Ipratropium bromide, scopolamine, smooth-muscle relaxants including dicyclomine and NSAIDs, you should not take EXELON (Rivastigmine). Some of the herbal supplements such as St.Johns Wort may cross react with EXELON (Rivastigmine) and hence it should be used only with Physician’s advice. According to Food and Drug Administration and pre/para-clinical research reports, EXELON (Rivastigmine) is classified as a pregnancy category – B drug and it may not cause adverse effects in pregnancy and lactation. If you are a pregnant woman or nursing mother, you should consult your Physician before taking EXELON (Rivastigmine).
EXELON (Rivastigmine) Side Effects:
EXELON (Rivastigmine) can cause nausea or vomiting, slow-paced heart beats, fainting, orthostatic hypotension, seizures, problems in urination, prostatic enlargement, sleep disorders, allergic manifestations including rashes and hives, numbness or weakness in the extremities, tremors, delirium with dizziness, abdominal distension with or without diarrhoea, headache, itchy and/or watery eyes, muscular pain, sudden confusion, ear ringing, gastric bleeding with symptoms of black, brown or tan coloured stools or vomit. Generally, these are symptoms are uncommon and nausea or vomiting is more common. A life-threatening, serious anaphylaxis is reported with the use of EXELON (Rivastigmine) and this is extremely rare.
How should I take EXELON (Rivastigmine)?
The daily recommended dose of EXELON (Rivastigmine) is 6 mg, twice daily. The treatment usually starts with a low dose of 2 mg and then the Physician may standardize the optimal dose for the patient. Then it can be gradually increased up to 6mg, according to the requirement. The following instruction should be followed to take the EXELON (Rivastigmine) – 6 mg (Daily): (1) You can take EXELON (Rivastigmine) anytime disregard of food intake. 2) Take EXELON (Rivastigmine) while you are sitting or standing up. 3) Take EXELON (Rivastigmine) with 6 to 8 ounces (about 1 cup) of plain water. Do not take EXELON (Rivastigmine) with any other drink besides plain water. Do not take EXELON (Rivastigmine) with coffee, tea, juice, milk or other dairy drinks. 4) Swallow EXELON (Rivastigmine) on a whole. Do not chew the tablet or keep EXELON (Rivastigmine) in your mouth to melt or dissolve. After taking EXELON (Rivastigmine) you must wait at least 30 minutes BEFORE: 1) lying down. You may sit, stand, or do normal activities like read the newspaper or take a walk. 2) Eating or drinking anything except plain water.
Keep taking EXELON (Rivastigmine) for as long as your health care provider tells you. To treat your dementia or to keep you away from these problems, you have to take EXELON (Rivastigmine) as often and in the way EXELON (Rivastigmine) as prescribed.
What should I know before I take EXELON (Rivastigmine)?
- Take EXELON (Rivastigmine) exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- You should take EXELON (Rivastigmine) preferably after your food to avoid nausea and vomiting.
- If you have surgery while taking EXELON (Rivastigmine) or in the near future, you should inform your Surgeon about your EXELON (Rivastigmine) treatment.
- For EXELON (Rivastigmine) dosage one must follow his doctor's instructions.
- If you experience abnormal or uncontrolled vomiting or nausea, stop taking EXELON (Rivastigmine) and consult your Physician immediately.
- It is important to take EXELON (Rivastigmine) regularly to get the most benefit, as directed by the Physician.
- Do not stop taking EXELON (Rivastigmine) without first talking to your doctor, even if you are feeling well. Even after your symptoms improve, you may require continuous treatment for quite some time, as directed by the Physician.
- EXELON (Rivastigmine) may impair your judgement. Do not drive vehicles or handle hazardous industrial machineries after you took EXELON (Rivastigmine).
- If you stopped or missed the medication more than two doses, you should consult your Physician before restarting your course. You may need to start with an adjusted low dose.
- Store EXELON (Rivastigmine) as per the instructions on the label and keep away from children and pets.
What happens if I miss a dose of EXELON (Rivastigmine)?
Take the missed dose of EXELON (Rivastigmine) as soon as you remember, during the same day. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and take EXELON (Rivastigmine) next day as routine dose. Do not take a double dose of the medication.
What happens if I overdose of EXELON (Rivastigmine)?
If you feel abnormal nausea or vomiting or changes in heart beats with profuse sweating, it may be a symptom of EXELON (Rivastigmine) overdose. In case of EXELON (Rivastigmine) overdose, try to seek emergency medical attention immediately.
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