Exelon

Exelon (Rivastigmine)

General information

Exelon is part of a group of medications known as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. It is used to treat mild to moderate dementia due to Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease. Although the medication is not a cure for these diseases, it can help with some of the symptoms. Its main component is rivastigmine. These medications work by preventing a specific enzyme from breaking down acetylcholine in the brain.

Directions

Take Exelon exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The starting dose for the treatment of Alzheimer's is 1.5 mg twice daily. After two weeks your doctor may increase the dose to 3 mg twice daily. The maximal dose of the drug is 6 mg twice daily. Exelon should be taken with meals at the same times each day.

Precautions

Before using Exelon tell your doctor if you have: liver disease, tremors, asthma, heart rhythm disorder, enlarged prostate, epilepsy, urination problems, loss of appetite, heart problems. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive a car, or do any activity that requires alertness.

Contraindications

You should not use Exelon if you are allergic to rivastigmine. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Possible side effect

Common side effects may include: loss of appetite, shakiness, vomiting, dizziness, stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, insomnia, gas, weakness, runny or stuffy nose, belching. Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: swelling of your face, lips, tongue, hives, difficulty breathing, pale skin, problems with vision or speech.

Drug interactions

Tell your doctor if you are taking: medicines used to treat Parkinson's Disease (levodopa, pergolide, ropinirole), glycopyrrolate, atropine, dimenhydrinate, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, celecoxib, diclofenac), muscle relaxants, propantheline, hyoscyamine, bronchodilators (tiotropium, ipratroprium).

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are hallucinations, nausea, slow heartbeat, diarrhea, muscle weakness, shallow breathing, vomiting, hypotension, sweating.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.