Exelon

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• QAre there any risks in taking Exelon (rivastigmine)?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Exelon (rivastigmine) may cause seizures or other neurological effects, so it is especially important to avoid potentially seizure-inducing activities. This drug has also caused many people to develop stomach or intestinal problems, such as nausea, vomiting, pain, or a loss of appetite. Exelon may cause urinary problems, bleeding in the stomach or intestines. This medication is used with caution in those with COPD, asthma and those who have low body weight. If you overdose on Exelon, you could risk having a seizure or going into shock.

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• QHow does Exelon interact with other medications or foods?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Exelon is not known to be affected by any foods. The following drugs may also interact with Exelon: atropine, scopolamine, belladonna, bethanechol, propantheline, clidinium, methscopolamine, metaclopramide, oxybutynin, beta blockers, dicyclomine, methantheline, glycopyrrolate, mepenzolate and hyoscyamine. The doctor should know about all of the prescription or over-the-counter medications, vitamins, supplements or herbs being taken.
   
• QWhat is Exelon?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Exelon is the brand name for the active ingredient rivastigmine. It is a central nervous system (CNS) drug used to treat people with dementia or memory loss caused by mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease. This drug is not a cure for either disease, but is an aid in treating the symptoms. Exelon works by inhibiting cholinesterase, an enzyme that is needed for the breakdown of acetylcholine, a CNS chemical that plays a big part in brain function.
  
  
• QWhat should I know about Exelon before taking it?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  You should know that Exelon may alter your thinking and reaction times, so you should use caution when driving or operating machinery. Exelon should not be taken with oxybutynin or tolterodine, because these two medicines may increase the risk of side effects. Tell your doctor if you develop a skin rash while taking Exelon. Before taking Exelon, you should notify your doctor if you have asthma, an enlarged prostate, obstructive pulmonary disease, a seizure disorder, heart block, sick-sinus syndrome, stomach ulcers or urination problems. These conditions may alter the effectiveness of Exelon.
  
  
• QWhat are the side effects of Exelon (rivastigmine)?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  The most common side effects of Exelon (rivastigmine) are diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, which in most cases do not need medical attention. Other less serious side effects include cough, insomnia, headache, constipation, fainting, weakness, joint pain, elevated sweating, or swelling in the hands or feet. Skin reactions may develop where the patch is applied; tell your doctor if they spread or are severe.

  Exelon may cause more serious side effects, such as weight loss, chest pain, stomach pain, irregular stools (black, sticky, or bloody), light-headedness, fainting, loss of appetite, confusion, depression, burning sensation while urinating, vomiting blood or a black substance, or coughing up blood. If you experience any of these side effects, you should stop taking the drug and call your doctor as soon as possible. If you experience any signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, hives, or difficulty breathing, get medical attention immediately, call 911.

• QWho should take Exelon?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Exelon is intended for people suffering from dementia-induced memory loss and a diagnosis of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. Exelon may be able to help improve your ability to think. Exelon is also for people who are suffering from dementia related to Parkinson's disease.
  
  
• QWho should avoid taking Exelon?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  People with a urinary tract blockage who have difficulty urinating, may want to avoid taking Exelon because it may worsen those symptoms. People suffering from a heart or respiratory condition should avoid Exelon. Those with low body weight (below 110 pounds) should make sure that the prescribing doctor knows, because of increased risk for side effects.
  
  
• QIs there a generic version of Exelon?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Exelon is the brand name for the active ingredient rivastigmine that is available as a capsule, an oral solution and a skin patch. Only the capsule formulation is available in a generic version.  
  
  
• QWhat should I avoid while taking Exelon?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Since Exelon may alter your thinking and reaction time, avoid participating in any potentially dangerous activities, such as driving or anything that requires your full and direct attention. Avoid smoking tobacco while taking Exelon.
  
  
• QHow should I take Exelon?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  You should take Exelon exactly as directed by your doctor. Typically, this will be twice a day with food for the capsule dosage form and the oral solution. If you take the oral solution, use an oral dosing syringe to measure the dose accurately. It may be swallowed as is or mixed with water. The skin patch is applied once a day. Change the skin patch at the same time each day. Remove the old patch and apply the new patch to a different area of skin each time.