Health Library

Rivastigmine (By mouth)

Rivastigmine (riv-a-STIG-meen)

Treats dementia.

Brand Name(s):

Exelon

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule, Liquid

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• It is best to take this medicine with food or milk.
• Capsule: Swallow the capsule whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
• Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. You may swallow the medicine directly from the syringe or mix it with water, soda, or cold fruit juice. Stir the mixture well and drink all of it. The mixture can be stored at room temperature for up to 4 hours.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. Call your doctor right away if you miss your dose for more than 3 days in a row. You may need to go back to a lower dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how rivastigmine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Metoclopramide, oxybutynin, tolterodine
  • Beta-blocker medicine (including atenolol)
  • NSAID pain or arthritis medicine (including aspirin, celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen)

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, heart rhythm problems, asthma or lung disease, or a history of stomach ulcers or seizures.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Stomach or bowel problems
  • Serious skin reactions
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash
• Bloody or black stools, or vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
• Change in how much or how often you urinate, difficult or painful urination
• Seizures, tremors, twitching, or muscle movements you cannot control
• Slow or uneven heartbeat

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Headache, dizziness
• Loss of appetite, weight loss
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain or upset

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024