This article refers to the oral forms of Exelon (capsules and oral solution). The medication also comes in patch form
(see Exelon Patch for more information), which provides the benefits of once-daily dosing and a continuous release of the medication.
Exelon is made by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.
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. This 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.
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).
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.
- The 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.
The dose of Exelon your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- How you respond to the drug
- 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.
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 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.)
Are There Drug Interactions?
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Exelon?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this drug 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.
What If I Take an Overdose?
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 take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Exelon Be Stored?
Exelon should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children.
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.
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 medication per mL.
Exelon is also available in patch form
(see Exelon Patch for more information).
At this time, Exelon capsules (but not the other forms) are available in generic form
(see Generic Exelon).
