Common Use

Exelon contains rivastigmine tartrate, a selective inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase in the brain. This drug increases acetylcholine levels in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Acetylcholine is essential for memory, thinking, and reasoning processes, and its levels are typically low in individuals with dementia. Exelon is prescribed to treat dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease. It enhances cognitive function, daily activity levels, and reduces the severity of Alzheimer's symptoms.

Dosage and Direction

The initial dose of Exelon is 1.5 mg taken twice daily, spaced 12 hours apart. If well-tolerated after two weeks, the dose may be increased to 3 mg daily, divided into two doses. Further increases to 4 mg twice daily and a maximum of 6 mg twice daily are also possible.

Precautions

Exercise caution when treating patients with:

• Sick sinus syndrome
• Severe arrhythmias
• Respiratory diseases
• Predisposition to gastrointestinal ulcers
• Urinary tract obstruction
• Convulsions

Contraindications

Exelon should not be administered to patients with hypersensitivity to its components. Breastfeeding should be discontinued during treatment.

Possible Side Effects

The most commonly reported side effects of Exelon include:

• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Anorexia
• Abdominal pain
• Black, bloody, or tarry stools
• Coughing up blood or vomit resembling coffee grounds
• Light-headedness
• Fainting
• Chest pain
• Headache
• Confusion
• Agitation
• Extreme fear
• Pain or burning during urination

Drug Interaction

Exelon may reduce the effectiveness of anticholinergic drugs and enhance the activity of cholinomimetics, including succinylcholine-type muscle relaxants during anesthesia. Inform your doctor about all prescribed drugs, herbal products, and supplements you are taking, including:

• Atropine (Donnatal, and others)
• Clidinium (Quarzan)
• Belladonna
• Dicyclomine (Bentyl)
• Glycopyrrolate (Robinul)
• Mepenzolate (Cantil)
• Methscopolamine (Pamine)
• Methantheline (Provocholine)
• Propantheline (Pro-Banthine)
• Hyoscyamine (Anaspaz, Cystospaz, Levsin, and others)
• Scopolamine (Transderm-Scop)

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not take it if it is almost time for your next dose. Avoid doubling the dose. Take doses at the same time daily to maintain consistency.

Overdose

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, fainting, light-headedness, drooling, muscle weakness, sweating, slow or irregular heartbeat, shallow breathing, or convulsions.

Storage

Store Exelon at room temperature between 20°C and 25°C (68°F and 77°F). Keep it away from moisture and heat.

Disclaimer

This information provides a general overview of Exelon and does not cover all directions, possible drug interactions, or precautions. It should not be used for self-treatment or self-diagnosis. Always consult your healthcare provider for specific instructions tailored to your condition. We disclaim responsibility for the accuracy of this information and any consequences of its use.