Exelon (Rivastigmine) belongs to a family of medications known as cholinesterase inhibitors. It is used to treat symptoms of mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's Disease. It is also used to treat mild-to-moderate Dementia (problems with brain functions such as memory, language, and thinking) associated with Parkinson's Disease.

Alzheimer's disease is caused by the constant degeneration of certain nerve cells in the brain that make a chemical called acetylcholine. This chemical is thought to be important for the processes of learning and memory. Parkinson's disease dementia is also believed to be related to a shortage of acetylcholine. Exelon (Rivastigmine) prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine, thereby increasing its levels in the brain. Exelon (Rivastigmine) provides the most benefit when there are enough cells producing adequate levels of acetylcholine (i.e., in mild-to-moderate disease) but provides little benefit when the disease becomes severe.

Exelon (Rivastigmine) may improve cognitive function (memory, orientation, and language) and general ability to perform activities of daily living. Exelon (Rivastigmine) may take up to 12 weeks to begin working, but individual response varies.

Exelon (Rivastigmine) may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of Exelon (Rivastigmine) may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of Exelon (Rivastigmine) may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested Exelon (Rivastigmine) for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking Exelon (Rivastigmine), speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking Exelon (Rivastigmine) without consulting your doctor.

Do not give Exelon (Rivastigmine) to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

The dose of Exelon (Rivastigmine) can vary, but the recommended starting dose is 1.5 mg twice daily with food, increased gradually to the best tolerated dose. The highest dose recommended is 6 mg twice a day.

Exelon (Rivastigmine) should be taken twice a day, once with breakfast and once with the evening meal. The capsules must be swallowed whole and should be taken on a regular basis every day in order to be effective.

The oral solution can be withdrawn from its container using the syringe provided. It can be swallowed directly from the syringe or mixed with a small amount of water, cold fruit juice, or soda. If you mix it into a beverage, make sure to stir and drink the full amount.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take Exelon (Rivastigmine) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Exelon (Rivastigmine) at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Exelon (Rivastigmine). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Exelon (Rivastigmine) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

Although most of these side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Exelon (Rivastigmine).

1.5 mg
Each yellow hard-gelatin capsule with the strength (1.5 mg) and "Exelon" printed in red on the body of the capsule contains 1.5 mg of Exelon (Rivastigmine) (as Exelon (Rivastigmine) hydrogen tartrate). Nonmedicinal ingredients: hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and silicon dioxide; capsule: gelatin, red iron oxide and/or yellow iron oxide, and titanium dioxide.

3 mg
Each orange hard-gelatin capsule with the strength (3 mg) and "Exelon" printed in red on the body of the capsule contains 3 mg of Exelon (Rivastigmine) (as Exelon (Rivastigmine) hydrogen tartrate). Nonmedicinal ingredients: hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and silicon dioxide; capsule: gelatin, red iron oxide and/or yellow iron oxide, and titanium dioxide.

4.5 mg
Each red hard-gelatin capsule with the strength (4.5 mg) and "Exelon" printed in white on the body of the capsule contains 4.5 mg of Exelon (Rivastigmine) (as Exelon (Rivastigmine) hydrogen tartrate). Nonmedicinal ingredients: hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and silicon dioxide; capsule: gelatin, red iron oxide and/or yellow iron oxide, and titanium dioxide.

6 mg
Each orange and red hard-gelatin capsule with the strength (6 mg) and "Exelon" printed in red on the body of the capsule contains 6 mg of Exelon (Rivastigmine) (as Exelon (Rivastigmine) hydrogen tartrate). Nonmedicinal ingredients: hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and silicon dioxide; capsule: gelatin, red iron oxide and/or yellow iron oxide, and titanium dioxide.

Do not take Exelon (Rivastigmine) if you:

• are allergic to Exelon (Rivastigmine) or any of the ingredients of the medication
• are allergic to medications that are similar to Exelon (Rivastigmine)
• have severely reduced liver function

There may be an interaction between Exelon (Rivastigmine) and any of the following:

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin taking a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should take this medication.

Breathing conditions: Exelon (Rivastigmine) may cause breathing problems to worsen. If you have a history of Asthma or obstructive lung disease (e.g., emphysema, chronic Bronchitis), discuss with your doctor how Exelon (Rivastigmine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Exelon (Rivastigmine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Exelon (Rivastigmine) may cause dizziness or drowsiness, mainly when starting treatment or increasing the dose. Your doctor will advise you whether it is safe for you to drive vehicles and operate machinery. If you feel dizzy or drowsy, do not drive, use machines, or perform any other tasks that require your attention.

Heart disease: People with certain types of heart disease (e.g., Congestive Heart Failure, Coronary Artery Disease) are more likely to experience symptoms of heart disease as a result of Exelon (Rivastigmine) slowing down the heart rate. If you have heart disease, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Exelon (Rivastigmine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Kidney function: If you have reduced kidney function or Kidney Disease, discuss with your doctor how Exelon (Rivastigmine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Exelon (Rivastigmine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Liver function: If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Exelon (Rivastigmine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Exelon (Rivastigmine), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Exelon (Rivastigmine). People with severely reduced liver function should not use Exelon (Rivastigmine).

Low body weight: People who weigh less than 50 kg may experience more side effects than people who weigh more than 50 kg. Discuss with your doctor any concerns you may have about using Exelon (Rivastigmine).

Seizures: People who have a history of seizures may experience an increase in seizures when using Exelon (Rivastigmine). If you have a history of seizures, discuss with your doctor how Exelon (Rivastigmine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Stomach problems: The use of Exelon (Rivastigmine) is associated with significant stomach side effects including nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and weight loss. If these side effects persist or bother you, speak to your doctor. If you have a history of stomach ulcers or are at risk of developing ulcers discuss with your doctor how Exelon (Rivastigmine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Exelon (Rivastigmine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Stopping and restarting treatment: If you miss more than several days' worth of treatment, talk to your doctor about how to safely restart the medication.

Surgery: If you are going to have surgery, make sure you let all the doctors, including dentists, know that you are using Exelon (Rivastigmine).

Pregnancy: Exelon (Rivastigmine) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Exelon (Rivastigmine), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if rivastigimine passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Exelon (Rivastigmine), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Exelon (Rivastigmine) have not been established for children.