Rivastigmine: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What Drug Rivastigmine?

What is rivastigmine for?

Rivastigmine is commonly used to treat confusion and dementia (dementia) associated with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Rivastigmine does not cure either of these diseases, but it can improve memory, awareness, and the ability to perform daily functions. This drug belongs to a class of neurodegenerative drugs called cholinesterase inhibitors. These drugs work by balancing natural substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain and controlling memory and motor skills.

How to use rivastigmine?

Follow the medication instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist before using this medication. If you have questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Read the patient information leaflet if available from your pharmacist before using the medicine and each time you take a medicine for a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication according to your doctor's instructions, usually twice a day in the morning and evening. The dose given is adjusted to the health condition and response to treatment. To reduce the risk of side effects (such as nausea and diarrhea), your doctor will give you a low dose at the start of treatment and increase the dose after 2-4 weeks. The maximum dose given is 6 milligrams twice a day.

For optimal results, use this remedy regularly. To remind yourself, use it at the same time every day in the morning and evening. Do not stop use unless your doctor instructs you to. Do not use this medication more often than prescribed.

If you haven't used rivastigmine for 3 or more consecutive days, talk to your doctor before using it again. You may have to start with a low dose again.

Tell your doctor if condition worsens.

How to store rivastigmine?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Rivastigmine dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of rivastigmine for adults?

Dosage in adults with Alzheimer's:

Mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease:

Oral

Initial dose: 1.5 mg orally 2 times a day with breakfast and evening.

Maintenance dose: After at least 2 weeks of treatment, if the initial dose is well received, the dose may be increased to 3 mg 2 times a day. Additional to 4.5 mg and 6 mg 2 times a day can only be given after 2 weeks of the previous dose.

Transdermal

Initial dose: 4.6mg / 24 hours transdermal patch given to the skin once a day.

Maintenance dose: After at least 4 weeks of treatment and acceptable, dose patch may be increased to 9.5 mg / 24 hr as long as the dose is beneficial. The dose can be increased up to 13.3 mg / 24 hours.

Maximum dose: 13.3 mg / 24 hr. Transdermal patch is applied to the skin daily. Higher doses will not provide more benefit and will increase the risk of unwanted effects.

Severe Alzheimer's disease:

13.3 mg / 24 hours transdermal patch given to the skin a day; over patch new every 24 hours.

Comment:

• If doses are interrupted for 3 days or less, repeat treatment with doses transdermal patch the lower one.
• If the interrupted dose is more than 3 days, repeat treatment with 4.6 mg / 24 hours transdermal patch and titration.

Oral

Initial dose: 1.5 mg orally twice daily with breakfast and evening.

Maintenance dose: The dose can be increased to 3 mg orally 2 times a day or 4.5 mg 2 times a day and 6 mg 2 times a day (based on ability) with a minimum of 4 weeks per dose.

Transdermal

Initial dose: 4.6mg / 24 hour transdermal patch applied to the skin once daily.

Maintenance dose: After at least 4 weeks of treatment and acceptable, dose patch may be increased to 9.5 mg / 24 hr as long as the dose is beneficial. The dosage can be increased up to 13.3 mg / 24 hours.

Maximum dose: 13.3 mg / 24 hours transdermal patch given to the skin a day. Higher doses will not provide more benefit and will increase the risk of unwanted effects.

What is the dose of rivastigmine for children?

There is no provision for the dosage of this drug for children. This medicine can be dangerous for children. It is important to understand the safety of drugs before use. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

In what dosage is rivastigmine available?

Rivastigmine is available in the following dosages:

• Capsules, liquid medicine: 1.5 mg, 3 mg, 4.5 mg, 6 mg
• Liquid medicine: 2mg / mL
• Transdermal patch: 4.6 mg, 9.5 mg, 13.3 mg

Rivastigmine side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to rivastigmine?

Seek medical help right away if you experience any of the following signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using rivastigmine and call your doctor if you experience serious side effects such as:

• stomach pain, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite
• black, or bloody stools
• coughing up blood or vomiting like blood or coffee grounds
• head feels light, passed out
• chest pain
• confused, restless, excessive fear
• pain or burning sensation when you urinate

Less serious side effects:

• abdominal pain, diarrhea
• loss of weight
• weak, dizzy
• swollen hands and feet
• bone pain
• cough, runny or congested nose
• excessive sweating
• difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
• headache

Not everyone experiences the above side effects. There may be some unspecified side effects. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Rivastigmine Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using rivastigmine?

Before using certain drugs, consider the risks and benefits first. This is a decision you and your doctor will have to make. For this drug, pay attention to the following:

Allergy

Tell your doctor if you have any unusual or allergic reactions to rivastigmine or other drugs. Also tell your doctor if you have any other types of allergies such as to food, coloring, preservatives, or animal allergies. For over-the-counter products, read the labels on the packaging carefully.

Children

Further studies of the relationship between age and the effects of rivastigmine in children have not been found. The safety and efficiency of the drug has not been determined.

Elderly

There are no studies on the use of this drug in the elderly with age problems that can limit the usefulness of rivastigmine in the elderly. However, elderly patients may very well develop kidney or liver disease, which requires monitoring and adjustments to the dosage for patients taking rivastigmine.

Is rivastigmine safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There is no adequate research on the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category B according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = No risk,
• B = not at risk in several studies,
• C = May be risky,
• D = There is positive evidence of risk,
• X = Contraindicated,
• N = Unknown

Rivastigmine Drug Interactions

What drugs may interact with rivastigmine?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase your risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

The use of rivastigmine with some of the following drugs is not usually recommended, but in some cases it may be necessary. If these two drugs are prescribed for you, your doctor will usually change the dosage or determine how often you should take them.

• Metoclopramide

Using rivastigmine with some of the following drugs is not usually recommended, but in some cases it may be necessary. If these two drugs are prescribed for you, your doctor will usually change the dosage or determine how often you should take them.

• Acrivastine
• Bupropion

Taking rivastigmine with the following drugs can increase your risk of side effects, but in some cases, a combination of these two drugs may be the best treatment. If both drugs are prescribed for you, your doctor will usually change the dosage or determine how often you should take them.

• Oxybutynin
• Tolterodine

Can food or alcohol interact with rivastigmine?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or at certain foods because they can cause drug interactions. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with rivastigmine?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

• asthma, history
• chronic lung disease (COPD), history
• heart problems
• seizures
• sinus symptoms (heart rate problems)
• ulcers of the stomach or intestines
• difficulty urinating — use with caution as this can make this condition worse
• kidney disease, moderate to severe
• liver disease, moderate to severe — use with caution as it can increase side effects due to the slow removal of the drug from the body. The use of lower doses may be required.
• low body weight (under 50 kg — use with caution as it can increase the risk of side effects. Use of lower doses may be necessary.

Rivastigmine overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of emergency or overdose, contact your local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Overdose symptoms include:

• nausea
• gag
• increased saliva
• sweating
• slow heart rate
• difficulty holding urine
• slow thinking and moving
• dizzy
• passed out
• blurry vision
• difficulty breathing
• loss of consciousness
• seizures

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.