Exelon 1.5 mg (Capsule)

Indications

• Symptomatic treatment of mild to moderately severe Alzheimer's dementia
• Symptomatic treatment of mild to moderately severe dementia in patients with Idiopathic Parkinson's disease

Pharmacology

• Carbamate derivative
• Reversibly binds and inactivates cholinesterase
• Increases concentration of acetylcholine at cholinergic synapses
• Relatively specific for brain acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase

Dosage

• Rivastigmine capsule - Initial dose: 1.5 mg twice a day
• Dose titration: Starting dose is 1.5 mg twice a day, may increase to 3 mg, 4.5 mg, and then 6 mg twice a day
• Maintenance dose: Effective dose is 3 mg to 6 mg twice a day
• Re-initiation of therapy: If treatment is interrupted, re-initiate at 1.5 mg twice daily
• Rivastigmine transdermal patch: Initiate treatment with 4.6 mg/24 hours, dose titration to 9.5 mg/24 hours and maximum dosage of 13.3 mg/24 hours

Administration

• Administered twice a day, with morning and evening meals

Interaction

• Exaggerates effects of succinylcholine-type muscle relaxants during anaesthesia
• Should not be given concomitantly with other cholinomimetic substances
• No pharmacokinetic interaction observed with digoxin, warfarin, diazepam, or fluoxetine

Contraindications

• Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to the active substance or other carbamate derivatives

Side Effects

• Most commonly reported adverse reactions: gastrointestinal including nausea and vomiting, especially during titration
• Female patients more susceptible than male patients to gastrointestinal adverse reactions and weight loss

Pregnancy & Lactation

• Not recommended during pregnancy unless clearly necessary
• Excreted into milk, not recommended for breastfeeding women

Precautions & Warnings

• Patients with sick sinus syndrome or conduction defects, respiratory diseases
• Cholinergic stimulation may increase gastric acid secretion
• May exacerbate urinary obstruction and seizures
• Monitor body weight
• Not recommended for use in children
• Monitor carefully in renal and hepatic impairment

Use in Special Populations

• Dosing recommendations for renal and hepatic impairment

Overdose Effects

• Accidental overdose not associated with clinical signs or symptoms in most cases
• Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hypertension, hallucinations
• Bradycardia and/or syncope may occur
• Treatment for other adverse reactions should be given as necessary
• In massive overdose, atropine can be used

Therapeutic Class

• Drugs for Dementia

Storage Conditions

• Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light

Related Brands