What is Exelon?
Exelon enhances the function and health of brain nerve cells. It prevents the breakdown of an important chemical for memory, reasoning, and thinking. This chemical is usually lower in people with dementia.Exelon treats mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson’s disease.Exelon does not cure Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease.Exelon is not recommended for patients younger than 18 years old.
Side effects of Exelon
If you experience any of the following: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat, and/or hives, seek emergency medical attention.
If you experience:
- Weight loss, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea that is severe or persistent;
- Bloody or tarry stools; a cough that produces bloody mucus; or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
- You may experience tremors and restless movements of your jaw, neck, eyes, tongue, or mouth.
- Seizure (convulsions);
- Urination that is painful or difficult
- Severe skin irritation, itching, or redness;
- Symptoms of dehydration: feeling thirsty, hot, or unable to urinate. Heavy sweating or being hot with dry, itchy skin.
Exelon may cause side effects such as:
- Upset stomach, nausea, vomiting;
- Loss of appetite
There may be other side effects.For medical advice regarding side effects, always contact your physician first. To report suspected adverse reactions contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Exelon can impair your reactions or thinking. You should be careful when driving or doing anything else that requires alertness.If you've ever experienced severe skin irritation, redness, or itching caused by wearing a Transdermal Exelon skin patch, then you should avoid taking oral exelon.If you experience severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea, weight loss, excessive sweating, hot and dry skin or black or bloody stool, a bloody cough, tremors or uncontrolled shaking, or restless movements of your tongue, jaw, or neck, call your doctor immediately.Tell your doctor before using Exelon if you suffer from liver disease, heart rhythm disorders such as "sick-sinus syndrome" (slow heartbeats), a recent loss of weight or appetite, an enlarged prostate, urination issues, a seizure problem, allergies or asthma, tremors, uncontrolled muscle movements, or a history of stomach ulcers.
Before you take this drug
Exelon should not be taken if you have an allergy to rivastigmine or other similar medications, such as Felbamate, Meprobamate, or Carisoprodol.
Provide any additional details necessary for them to properly assess whether this medication is safe for you:
- An ulcer or stomach bleeding
- A seizure;
- Heart problems
- Liver or kidney disease
- Urination problems can be caused by a number of factors.
- Asthma (a chronic respiratory disease) or any other breathing disorder.
This medicine is not known to harm an unborn child.Inform your physician immediately if you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant.Breastfeeding may not be possible while taking this medication. You should consult your doctor if you are concerned about any risks.
Similar/related drugs
Donepezil, memantine, ropinirole, pramipexole, Aricept, benztropine, carbidopa, and levodopa
How to take Exelon?
Exelon should be taken twice a day. Read all the instructions and directions that come with your prescription. Sometimes your doctor will change the dose.Exelon oral liquid or capsules should not be taken at the same time as a transdermal skin patch.Exelon can be taken with food.Please read and follow all instructions for use that come with your medication.If you don't understand the instructions, contact your physician or pharmacist immediately for clarification.Measuring liquid medicine is important. Use the provided dosing device or a dose-measuring tool (not a spoon).The liquid medicine can be swallowed directly from the syringe or mixed with water, juice, or soda. Mix the liquid medicine with water, fruit juice, or soda, and drink it within four hours. Pour a little water into the glass and swirl it gently. Drink immediately.After use, wipe it clean with a tissue. Then place the syringe in its protective case. Closing the medicine bottle with the child-resistant cap is the best way to ensure that it stays closed.If you have diarrhea or nausea, call your doctor. Exelon can cause you to become dehydrated.The dose of Rivastigmine is based on your weight. Your dose requirements could change as your weight changes, particularly if you gain or lose weight.Tell your surgeon, if you are planning surgery, that you use this medication.Do not start the medication again without first consulting your doctor. You may have to start at a lower dosage.Store upright at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Don't allow liquid medicines to freeze.
Details on dosage
Adult dosage for Alzheimer's disease:
Azheimer's Disease:
Oral:
Initial dosage: 1.5 mg twice daily orally
Maintenance dosage: If the initial dose is tolerated well, after 2 weeks, the dosage can be increased to three milligrams twice daily. Subsequent increases to six milligrams twice daily should only be attempted after two weeks at the original dosage.
Adult dosage for Parkinson's disease:
Mild to moderate Parkinson’s disease dementia
Oral:
Initial dose: Take 1.5 mg twice daily with breakfast and dinner.
Maintenance dose: The dose may be increased to 3 mg orally twice daily, 4.5mg twice daily, and 6 mg twice per day (based upon tolerability), with a minimum 4-week interval between each dose.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.Call your doctor if you have missed several doses of this medication.Refill your prescription before you run out.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 immediately if you suspect any poison exposure and seek immediate medical advice.Overdose symptoms include nausea, vomiting, sweating, and slow heartbeats. Other symptoms include fainting or convulsions.
What should be avoided?
Do not drive or engage in hazardous activities until you have determined how the medicine will affect you. You may be unable to react properly.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor about your other medications, including:
- Medicine to treat depression or anxiety;
- Cold or allergy medication (Benadryl and others);
- Beta-blocker blood pressure or heart medication.
- Parkinson's Disease Treatment;
- Medicine to treat nausea, vomiting, or stomach problems; motion sickness; or irritable bowel syndrome
- Medicine to treat overactive urinary bladder
- Asthma medication that acts as a bronchodilator
- Nsaids (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.
This list isn't complete, and other drugs can interact with rivastigmine. These include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all drug interactions.
