Rivastigmine
About
Rivastigmine belongs to a group of medicines called 'anti-dementia agents' used to treat mild to moderate dementia caused by Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease. Alzheimer's disease is a neurological disorder, which causes dementia (memory loss) and slowly destroys the ability to think, learn, communicate and handling daily activities. Parkinson's disease is a central nervous system disorder that affects movement leading to shaking, stiffness and difficulty with walking, balance and coordination.
Rivastigmine contains 'Rivastigmine' that belongs to the class of 'Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors'. Rivastigmine increases acetylcholine (a brain chemical) levels allowing the nerve cells to communicate. It restores the balance of neurotransmitters and improves mental function, such as memory and thinking. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit the message from one nerve cell to another nerve cell, muscle cell or a gland cell.
Your doctor will decide the dose and duration based on the severity of your disease. Common side effects of Rivastigmine include nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, dizziness, drowsiness, shakiness (tremor), weakness and loss of appetite. These side effects are not familiar to everyone and vary individually. If you notice any side effects that are not manageable, please consult your doctor.
Let your doctor know if you use any prescription and non-prescription medications you are taking, including other vitamins, before starting Rivastigmine. Please tell your doctor if you are allergic to any medicines. Inform your doctor beforehand if you have a history of liver or kidney diseases, breathing problems (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)), stomach/intestinal problems (ulcers, bleeding), heart diseases (sick sinus syndrome and other conduction disorders), fainting, fits, urination problems or enlarged prostate. It is essential to let your doctor know if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or a breastfeeding mother. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Rivastigmine as it can make you dizzy or drowsy.
Uses of Rivastigmine
Medicinal Benefits
Rivastigmine treats mild to moderate dementia caused by Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. It contains 'Rivastigmine', an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. Rivastigmine increases acetylcholine (a brain chemical) levels in the central nervous system involved in transmitting nerve signals that play an essential role in memory. Rivastigmine is not a cure for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, but improves memory, thinking, awareness and the ability to perform daily functions.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Rivastigmine
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Upset stomach
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Shakiness (tremor)
- Weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Trouble passing urine
- Slow heartbeat
- Black, tarry or bloody stools
- Low mood (depression)
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Let your doctor know if you use any other medicines or supplements before using Rivastigmine. Brief your medical history if you have any liver or kidney diseases, breathing problems (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)), stomach/intestinal problems (ulcers, bleeding), heart diseases (sick sinus syndrome and other conduction disorders), fainting, fits, urination problems and enlarged prostate. Please consult your doctor know if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or a breastfeeding mother. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Rivastigmine as it might lead to increased side effects. Do not drive or operate machinery as this medicine may cause dizziness and sleepiness. Rivastigmine is not recommended for children below 18 years as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Store this medicine below 25°C away from direct sunlight.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Rivastigmine may interact with pain killers (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen), cough and cold medicines (Benadryl), vomiting medicine (metoclopramide), drugs treating frequent urination (oxybutynin, tolterodine) and high blood pressure medicine (atenolol).
Drug-Food Interaction: Do not consume alcohol while taking Rivastigmine as it could lead to increased dizziness and drowsiness.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Before using Rivastigmine, let your doctor know if you have any liver or kidney diseases, breathing problems (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)), stomach/intestinal problems (ulcers, bleeding), heart diseases (sick sinus syndrome and other conduction disorders), fainting, fits, urination problems and enlarged prostate.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is advised to limit alcohol consumption while taking Rivastigmine. Alcohol intake, along with Rivastigmine, may cause increased dizziness and drowsiness. Please consult your doctor for more information.
Pregnancy
cautionRivastigmine should be used during pregnancy only if the benefit outweighs the risk. Please consult your doctor before taking Rivastigmine if you are pregnant or planning to conceive.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is not known if Rivastigmine is excreted into the breast milk. Please consult your doctor before taking Rivastigmine if you are a breastfeeding mother.
Driving
cautionRivastigmine may make you feel dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Liver
cautionPlease consult your doctor before using Rivastigmine if you suffer from any liver impairment/liver disease.
Kidney
cautionPlease consult your doctor before using Rivastigmine if you suffer from any kidney impairment/kidney disease.
Children
unsafeRivastigmine is not recommended in people below 18 years of age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintain proper weight by following a healthy diet.
- Exercise regularly as it helps in less cognitive decline and brain volume loss.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Try to avoid stress by practising meditation or yoga.
- Include fruits and vegetables in your diet as they contain anti-oxidants.
- Eat nutritious food as it helps in cognitive stimulation.
- Limit foods with high cholesterol and saturated fats.
- Cut down on sugar, salt and processed foods.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Follow a healthy lifestyle as it helps in improving overall health and possibly protects the brain.
Special Advise
- Let your doctor know that you are taking Rivastigmine if you are undergoing any medical tests.
- It is advised to monitor your blood pressure and blood sugar levels regularly.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Alzheimer's disease: The disease is named after Dr Alois Alzheimer, who was the first to discover the disease. Alzheimer's disease is a neurological disorder that causes dementia (memory loss) and slowly destroys the ability to think, learn, communicate and eventually, the ability to handle daily activities. It is the most common cause of dementia (memory loss) in adults. Dementia is the loss of cognitive functioning, such as remembering, thinking and reasoning. The causes of this disease are abnormal functioning of brain cells which cause a disturbance in communication between them. The risk factors are age, family history and genetics of a person. Alzheimer's disease symptoms include memory loss, trouble with familiar tasks, difficulties with problem-solving, trouble with writing or talking, disorientation, problems with reasoning or judgment, mood and personality changes. In most people, the symptoms of Alzheimer's appear in their mid-60's.
Parkinson's disease: It is a central nervous system disorder that affects movement leading to shaking, stiffness and difficulty with walking, balance and coordination. This disease affects the nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine (neurotransmitter). Parkinson's disease symptoms include dementia, muscle rigidity, tremors and changes in speech and gait (pattern of limb movement). This disease generally occurs in people aged 60 years and over. Risk factors of this disease include genetics, environmental triggers and certain toxins.
FAQs
Rivastigmine contains 'Rivastigmine', an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. It treats dementia in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases by increasing acetylcholine levels in the central nervous system and enhancing the neurotransmission process. Thus, Rivastigmine improves memory, thinking and awareness.
Rivastigmine should be used with caution in the medical history of liver or kidney diseases, breathing problems (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)), stomach/intestinal problems (ulcers, bleeding), heart diseases (sick sinus syndrome and other conduction disorders), fainting, fits, urination problems and enlarged prostate. Please let your doctor know if you have any other medical problems before starting Rivastigmine.
It is advised to take Rivastigmine with food to avoid any stomach upset. Please consult your doctor for more information.
Take the medicine as soon as possible. However, if it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular dosing schedule.
