About rivastigmine
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor
Used for
- Treats mild to moderate dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease.
- Treats dementia associated with Parkinson’s disease.
Usual adult dose
Usually starts at 1.5 mg twice daily with meals; dose is gradually increased as tolerated, up to 6 mg twice daily.
Common side effects
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite
- Dizziness or headache
- Weight loss
- Slow heartbeat or fainting
Important warnings
- Take with food; doses are increased gradually to reduce side effects.
- After an interruption longer than three days, restarting usually requires the lowest dose and gradual increases.
- Use caution with ulcers, asthma, seizures, urinary obstruction, or heart-rhythm problems.
- Overdose can cause severe vomiting, sweating, weakness, and dangerously slow heartbeat.
Pregnancy
Human pregnancy information is limited; use is generally avoided unless a clinician determines it is necessary.
Breastfeeding
It is unknown whether rivastigmine passes into human milk; breastfeeding use requires clinical assessment.
Interactions
- Beta blockers and other medicines that slow heart rate may increase fainting risk.
- Anticholinergic medicines may oppose rivastigmine’s effects.
- Avoid combining with metoclopramide because movement-related side effects may worsen.
- Other cholinergic medicines may increase side effects.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.