Exelon

Exelon is a medication that is used for treating mild to moderate dementia in people with Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease. Although the drug is not a cure for either condition, it can help improve cognitive function. Exelon is available by prescription only and comes in capsule and liquid form. Side effects that have been reported with the drug include dizziness, vomiting, and diarrhea.

 

What Is Exelon?

Exelon® (rivastigmine tartrate) is a prescription medication approved to treat mild to moderate dementia due to Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease. Although Exelon is not a cure for these diseases, it can help with some of the symptoms.
 
This article refers to the oral forms of Exelon (capsules and oral solution). Exelon also comes in patch form (see Exelon Patch for more information). The Exelon Patch provides the benefits of once-daily dosing and a continuous release of the medication.
 
(Click Exelon Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Exelon?

Exelon is made by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.
 

How Does Exelon Work?

Exelon is part of a group of medications known as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. These medications work by preventing a specific enzyme (known as acetylcholinesterase) from breaking down acetylcholine in the brain. Acetylcholine is a chemical that aids in many brain functions, including memory, attention, reason, and language. It is thought that problems with inadequate acetylcholine in the brain may contribute to some of the symptoms of dementia due to Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease.
 
Exelon is the only acetylcholinesterase inhibitor approved to treat dementia due to Parkinson's disease. The other medications in this class are approved to treat dementia associated with Alzheimer's disease only.
 

Effects of Exelon

Exelon has been evaluated for Alzheimer's or Parkinson's dementia in several different studies. These studies showed that people taking the drug often experience an improvement in cognitive function ("thinking" functions, such as memory, language, and social interaction), compared to people taking a placebo (a "sugar pill" with no active ingredients).
 

When and How to Take Exelon

General considerations for when and how to take Exelon include the following:
 
  • The medication comes in capsule and oral solution (liquid) form. It is taken by mouth, usually twice a day.
     
  • Exelon should be taken with meals.
     
  • Exelon oral solution can be taken directly or may be mixed with a small glass of water, cold fruit juice, or soda. After a dose is mixed with such beverages, it is stable at room temperature for four hours.
     
  • Be sure to take Exelon at the same times each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Exelon will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Dosing Information for Exelon

The dose of Exelon that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • How you respond to Exelon
  • Other medications you may take
  • Other medical conditions you may have.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Exelon Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Exelon

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Exelon. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, many people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, they are often minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
Common side effects of Exelon include but are not limited to:
 
(Click Exelon Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions With Exelon

Exelon can potentially interact with a number of other medicines (see Exelon Drug Interactions).
 

Exelon: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Exelon if you have:
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Exelon Warnings and Precautions to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose of Exelon?

People who take too much Exelon may have overdose symptoms that could include:
 
  • Severe nausea and vomiting
  • Increased salivation and sweating
  • Slow heart rate (bradycardia)
  • Low blood pressure (hypotension)
  • Seizures
  • Muscle weakness, including life-threatening weakness of the muscles used for breathing
  • Loss of life.
     
If you happen to overdose on Exelon, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Exelon Overdose for more information.)
 

How Should Exelon Be Stored?

Exelon should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep Exelon and all other medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Exelon?

If you forget to take a dose of Exelon, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, simply skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
 

Strengths of Exelon

Exelon is available in the following strengths and forms:
 
  • Exelon 1.5 mg capsules
  • Exelon 3 mg capsules
  • Exelon 4.5 mg capsules
  • Exelon 6 mg capsules
  • Exelon oral solution (liquid), which contains 2 mg of Exelon per mL.
     
Exelon is also available in patch form (see Exelon Patch for more information).
 

Generic Exelon

At this time, Exelon capsules (but not other forms of Exelon) are available in generic form (see Generic Exelon).
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;