How does it work?

This medicine contains the active ingredient rivastigmine, which is a type of medicine called an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. It works by slowing the breakdown of a compound in the brain called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a natural compound known as a neurotransmitter. Neurotransmitters are stored in nerve cells in the brain and nervous system, and are involved in transmitting messages between the nerve cells. They are necessary for the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system. Acetylcholine in the brain is continually being released by nerve cells, and then broken down by another natural chemical called acetylcholinesterase. One of the features of Alzheimer's disease appears to be a lower than normal level of acetylcholine in the brain. This is due in part to degeneration of brain cells, in particular those that normally release acetylcholine. Rivastigmine increases the level of acetylcholine in the brain. It does this by preventing the action of acetylcholinesterase, the compound which normally breaks it down. This slows the breakdown of acetylcholine that is released from remaining undamaged nerve cells in the brain. The result of this is increased activity of acetylcholine in the brain. This improves the cognitive processes of thinking, learning and memory, and improves the symptoms of dementia and daily functioning in Alzheimer's disease. Rivastigmine is used to treat mild to moderately severe dementia in people with Alzheimer's disease. The benefit of the medicine should be reassessed on a regular basis and treatment should be stopped when it is considered that the medicine is no longer providing a beneficial effect.

What is it used for?

Mild to moderately severe Alzheimer's disease

Warning!

This medicine may reduce your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you and you are sure it won't affect your performance.

This medicine is not recommended for use in children.

This medicine may cause weight loss. Body weight should be regularly monitored in people taking this medicine.

If treatment with this medicine is interrupted for more than a few days, you should not start taking it again without first consulting your caregiver or doctor.

Exelon oral solution contains benzoic acid, which is a mild irritant to skin, eyes and mucous membranes.

Use with caution in

A problem common in the elderly, related to poor control of the working of the heart (sick sinus syndrome)

Current or previous peptic ulcer

Decreased kidney function

Defects of the heart's electrical message pathways, causing irregular heartbeats (heart conduction defects)

History of asthma

History of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

History of difficulty passing urine (urinary obstruction)

History of fits (seizures), eg epilepsy

Mild to moderately decreased liver function

Not to be used in

Breastfeeding

Severely decreased liver function

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine in pregnancy has not been established. It should therefore be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the benefits to the mother outweigh any risks to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

It is not known whether this medicine passes into breast milk. Mothers who need to take this medicine should not breastfeed. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

Take this medication with or after food.

This medication is to be swallowed whole, not chewed.

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