Exelon Rivastigmine is an effective acetylcholinesterase inhibitor normally used to treat mild to moderate cases of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. It is orally administered or through a transdermal patch with the latter known to lower the risks of side effects, such as vomiting and nausea. The drug was originally developed by Marta Weinstock-Rosin, a pharmacology professor at Hebrew University of Jerusalem. It was later bought by Novartis for commercial development, and has been available in both liquid formulations and capsules from 1997. In 2006, Exelon was the first medicine to gain global approval for the treatment of between mild and moderate cases of dementia linked to Parkinson’s disease. A year later, in 2007, rivastigmine transdermal patch became the first of its kind in treatment of dementia.
Medical Uses
Exelon tablets, patches and liquid solutions are used to treat mild to moderate dementia related to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Studies have shown that this drug can boost the patient’s cognitive function, improve productivity, and alter behavioral challenges linked to Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease dementias. Patients who use this medicament have recorded impressive improvements, and can be independent for longer durations. It is especially more effective in patients at the aggressive stage of the disorders, particularly during the early stages, those with symptoms like hallucinations and delusions, as well as those whose nutritional status is poor.
Precautions and Side Effects
Vomiting, nausea, low appetite and loss of weight are the most common known side effects of using this medication. The potent nature of Exelon Rivastigmine, especially because of its dual inhibitory abilities is believed to cause serious vomiting and nausea at the titration phase after being administered orally. To minimize cases of such side effects, it is recommended to take this drug with food. On the other hand, a Rivastigmine patch can be applied with or without food without the patient experienced any of the aforementioned adverse effects. Patients and their caregivers are encouraged to watch out for any symptoms of toxicities and call the doctor whenever necessary.
Oral formulations and the patch are also known to cause skin rashes. In such circumstances, you are encouraged to notify the doctor for observation and timely guidance. Treatment through the patch option is also associated with blistering, swelling, itching, or redness of the patch area. If any of the above is observed, you are advised to remove the patch and thoroughly rinse the location then call the physician right away.
Exelon may also cause tremors, worsened seizures that are normally synonymous with Alzheimer’s disease, increased secretion of gastric acid due to enhanced cholinergic activity, changes in heart rate (especially for patients with sick sinus syndrome), and urinary obstruction. Dementia is known to cause impairment, and using this it may worsen the symptoms. It is therefore advisable to avoid driving, operating machinery, or engaging activities that require alertness and focus.
Drug Administration
Exelon Rivastigmine, just like other cholinesterase inhibitors should be first administered in low doses, and then gradually increased over time (normally various weeks). For oral doses, 1.5mg of the drug should be administered twice daily. After about 4 weeks, an additional 1.5mg for each dose is recommended. Gradual increase in https://www.meds4sure.com/buy-exelon-rivastigmine-online.html has to be consistent so long as the patient doesn’t exhibit serious side effects. You are encouraged to take the medicament with food all the time.
Initially, a daily dose 4.6mg is recommended for treatment via transdermal patch. This can be increased to 9.5mg daily after about 4 weeks of medication so long as there are no serious side effects. It is important to remove the patch, change locations and renew the patches on a daily basis. Ideally, apply the patch to the torso or the upper back. In as much as there is no sufficient evidence on the effects of this drug to breastfeeding mothers, it is important to always consult your doctor before using it. Overdose cases can be reversed with atropine.
Overdose and Skipped Doses
The main symptoms of Exelon Rivastigmine overdose are troubled breathing and fainting. Such cases should be reported to any available emergency health care provider for attention. Other symptoms of overdose may include severe vomiting, profuse sweating, slowed heartbeat rate, and seizures. You should take missed doses as soon as you remember but if you remember late and close to the next dose, it is safer to wait and resume normal schedule. Never attempt to compensate a missed dosage as that may lead to an overdose, worsening the situation. Note that Exelon must never be shared with anyone else in the family.
Drug Interaction
As an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, Rivastigmine inhibits both acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase. Discussed herein are some common interactions:
- Exelon shouldn’t be used with metoclopramide because of its extrapyramidal side effects.
- Exelon may increase the effects of Anticholinergic and Cholinomimetic drugs, and therefore shouldn’t be used at the same time, unless deemed really necessary by a medical practitioner.
- Exelon shouldn’t also be used with beta-blockers, specifically cardio-selective ones as it may lead to syncope.
The above list of interactions is not conclusive. To avoid associated side effects, you are encouraged to consult your doctor for precise guidance. Note that you must disclose your medical history, as well as a current medication to the physician before commencing Rivastigmine. Observing all these points, you will not only get the right prescription, but also protect yourself from the aforementioned side effects.
You must disclose if you have any history related to lung complications: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or asthma; intestinal problems: ulcers; heart complications: sick sinus syndrome; challenges urinating, fainting and seizures. Note that Exelon is known to cause drowsiness and dizziness. You are therefore urged not to operate machinery, drive or engage in activities that require high levels of focus. Avoid alcohol and drugs during taking this medicament. You must also disclose that you are taking Rivastigmine before any surgical operation. Generally, disclose all the medicines you are taking to avoid possible interaction. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should only use this drug when deemed really necessary. Otherwise, it is better to shun it altogether. Nevertheless, consult your doctor on the best course of action.
