Content
Rivastigmine is a drug used to treat Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, as it increases the amount of acetylcholine in the brain, an important substance for the functioning of memory, learning and orientation of the individual.
Rivastigmine is the active ingredient in medicines like Exelon, produced by the Novartis laboratory; or Prometax, produced by the Biossintética laboratory. The generic medicine for this substance is produced by the pharmaceutical company Aché.
What is it for
Rivastigmine is indicated for the treatment of patients with mild to moderate dementia of the Alzheimer's type, or associated with Parkinson's disease.
How to use
Rivastigmine should be used according to the recommendation of the general practitioner or neurologist according to the characteristics of the patient, and may be indicated:
- Initial dose: 1.5 mg twice daily or, in the case of patients sensitive to cholinergic drugs, 1 mg twice daily.
- Dose adjustment: after 2 weeks of treatment the medicine is well tolerated, the dose may gradually increase to 3 mg, 4 mg or 6 mg.
- Maintenance dose: 1.5 mg to 6 mg twice daily.
It is important that the person is aware of the presence of any adverse effect, because if it happens it is important to communicate to the doctor and return to the previous dose.
Side effects and contraindications
Side effects of Rivastigmine can be nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, dizziness, tremor, falling, increased saliva production or worsening of Parkinson's disease.
Rivastigmine is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to any component of the formula and with liver failure, in addition to not being indicated for pregnant or breastfeeding women and for children.
Created by: Tua Saúde Editorial Team