Drug NameExelon (Rivastigmine)
Drug UsesThis medicine is a cholinesterase inhibitor used to treat loss of memory and thinking problems due to Alzheimer or Parkinson disease. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Drug Class and MechanismExelon is an oral medication used to treat patients with Alzheimer's disease. Exelon is in a class of drugs called cholinesterase inhibitors that also includes tacrine (Cognex), donezepil (Aricept), and galantamine (Reminyl). Cholinesterase inhibitors inhibit (block) the action of acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the destruction of acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is one of several neurotransmitters in the brain, chemicals that nerve cells use to communicate with one another. Reduced levels of acetylcholine in the brain are believed to be responsible for some of the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. By blocking the enzyme that destroys acetylcholine, exelon increases the concentration of acetylcholine in the brain, and this increase is believed to be responsible for the improvement in thinking seen with exelon.
Warnings/PrecautionsDo not stop using this medicine without first checking with your doctor. Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. This medicine may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. For women: it is unknown if this medicine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.
Possible Side EffectsSide effects, that may go away during treatment, include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dizziness, drowsiness, increased sweating, tremor, weakness, unusual fatigue, weight loss, stomach pain, indigestion, or gas. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
More InformationYour pharmacist can provide more information about Exelon.