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Author Details
Written By
Sakshi Anil More
B. Pharm
Reviewed By
Dr. Tejashwin Adiga
MBBS
Last updated : 31 Mar 2026 | 09:31 AM (IST)
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Quick Summary
RIVASTIGMINE
Last updated on 31 Mar 2026 | 09:31 AM (IST)
RIVASTIGMINE
Background and Date of approval RIVASTIGMINE
Rivastigmine is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor which was approved for its medical use in 2000.
Uses of RIVASTIGMINE
Rivastigmine has been developed to treat mild to moderate dementia in adults with either Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease.
How is RIVASTIGMINE administered?
Rivastigmine is available in the form of capsules, oral solution and transdermal patches. Your healthcare provider will tell you which dosage form and dose to take depending on your health condition. The starting dose is 1.5mg twice a day for oral solution and capsule.
The transdermal patches are available in the doses 4.6 mg/24 h, 9.5 mg/24 h and 13.3 mg/24 h. Take the previous patch before using the new one. Use only one patch a day and do not cut them into pieces. Ensure that your skin is clean and dry before using a patch.
Side Effects of RIVASTIGMINE
The most common side effects that are likely to occur with Rivastigmine treatment are nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, asthenia, etc. People taking Rivastigmine oral solution are more likely to experience anxiety, sweating, headache, heartburn, stomach pain, weight loss, agitation, tiredness, weakness, confusion and nightmares. Loss of appetite, dizziness, agitation and urinary incontinence are more common among people using Rivastigmine patch.
Warnings
Discuss with your healthcare provider if you have or had irregular heartbeat, heart problems, stomach ulcer, difficulty passing urine, seizures, asthma, problem with liver or kidneys. Your healthcare provider will monitor you closely to prevent complications.
Precautions
Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to have a baby. Your healthcare provider will prescribe Rivastigmine only if it is necessary for you.
Word of Advice
Rivastigmine can cause dizziness and confusion, hence it is advisable to avoid driving or using machines during this treatment. If you are using a patch, make sure that you do not expose it to excessive heat for long periods of time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1.
What should you not take with Rivastigmine?
Rivastigmine might interact with dicyclomine, amantadine, diphenhydramine, scopolamine, meclizine, metoclopramide and medications for hypertension, angina and other heart conditions. Tell your physician before taking Rivastigmine if you are taking any of the above medications.
Q2.
How long does it take for Rivastigmine to work?
The time for people to respond to Rivastigmine treatment varies but it typically takes 12 weeks for the drug to start showing effects on the body.
Q3.
What is the best time to take Rivastigmine?
It is best to take Rivastigmine in the morning and evening at the same time each day.
Q4.
What are the common side effects of Rivastigmine?
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, loss of appetite and weight loss are the most common side effects of Rivastigmine.
Q5.
Does Rivastigmine slow down dementia?
Rivastigmine works to maintain the acetylcholine levels in the brain. This effect shows improvement in the symptoms and ultimately slows down the progression of dementia.
Q6.
How long is Rivastigmine patch effective?
Rivastigmine patch is said to be effective in maintaining brain’s function for 18 months in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.
Q7.
What does Rivastigmine do to the brain?
In dementia, the neurotransmitter acetylcholine levels drop in the brain due to death of nerve cells. Rivastigmine blocks the breakdown of enzymes acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase to maintain the levels of acetylcholine and ultimately reduces the symptoms of dementia.
References
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd., Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Nov 2020] [Accessed on 10th Aug 2022], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.7764.pdf
- Rosemont Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Sep 2019] [Accessed on 10th Aug 2022], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.6903.pdf
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Dec 2018] [Accessed on 10th Aug 2022], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/020823s036,021025s024lbl.pdf
- Serge Gauthier et al., Real-life effectiveness and tolerability of the rivastigmine transdermal patch in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease: the EMBRACE study, Curr Med Res Opin, 2013 Aug;29(8):989-1000, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23647369/
Disclaimer
The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice, it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.
