Exelon
Exelon Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Exelon is a brand name. Its generic name is Rivastigmine.
etcIntroduction
Exelon is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor belonging to the class of drugs called cholinomimetics. It is prescribed for treatment of mild to moderate dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease. It is also used to slow the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, including aggression, anxiety, confusion, mood swings, and hallucinations.Uses
Exelon is approved to treat mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. It may help to improve the overall mental functioning by slowing the decline of thinking and memory skills caused by these diseases.Mechanism of Action
Exelon works by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. By doing so, it increases the amount of this neurotransmitter that is available to transmit signals between nerve cells in the brain. This can help to improve the overall mental functioning.How Long Does It Take To Work?
The effects of rivastigmine may be felt within 1 to 2 weeks after starting treatment, although it may take up to 6 weeks to reach maximum effectiveness.Absorption
Exelon is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and reaches peak plasma concentrations within 1-2 hours of oral administration.Route of Elimination
Exelon is metabolized by the liver into a number of metabolites which are subsequently eliminated through the urine and feces. The drug has an elimination half-life of 3-6 hours.Dosage
The usual recommended starting dose for adults is 1.5 mg taken twice daily with food. The dosage may subsequently be increased at intervals of at least 2 weeks up to a maximum of 12 mg/day, taken as 4 mg three times a day.Administration
Exelon is available as a capsule, as an oral solution, or as a patch with the active ingredient n-octanol. It is usually taken twice a day with food. The patch is applied to a clean and dry area of the skin once a day.Side Effects
Common side effects associated with rivastigmine include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, dizziness, and headache. Rare side effects may include slowed heart rate, decreased blood pressure, and muscle spasms.Toxicity
Exelon is generally considered to be a safe medication, with a low potential for toxicity in humans. Overdose may cause symptoms such as slowed heart rate, decreased blood pressure, and muscular twitching or spasms.Precautions
Exelon should be used with caution in patients with epilepsy, renal insufficiency, moderate to severe hypertension, and in those with a known hypersensitivity to the drug. It may also interact with other drugs, including MAO inhibitors, site ergot alkaloids, and warfarin.Interactions
Exelon may interact with other medications, including MAO inhibitors, anticonvulsants, digitalis, ergot alkaloids, and warfarin. It is also known to interact with foods such as cheese and alcoholic beverages.Disease Interactions
Exelon may interact with certain medical conditions, such as epilepsy, renal dysfunction, moderate to severe hypertension, and hypersensitivity to cholinomimetic drugs.Drug Interactions
Exelon may interact with many other medications, including MAO inhibitors, anticonvulsants, digitalis, ergot alkaloids, and warfarin. It is also important to note that rivastigmine interacts with certain foods, such as cheese, which can increase the risk of side effects.Food Interactions
Exelon should be used with caution when taken with certain foods. These include cheese, alcoholic beverages, and certain medications, such as MAO inhibitors.Pregnancy Use
Exelon is classified as a Pregnancy Category C medication, which means it is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks.Lactation Use
Exelon is not recommended for use during lactation due to insufficient data on the safety of the drug in this population.Acute Overdose
Acute overdose of rivastigmine can be fatal and can lead to serious side effects, such as slowed heart rate, decreased blood pressure, and muscle spasms.Contraindication
Exelon is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to cholinomimetic drugs, known renal failure, moderate to severe hypertension, or known hypersensitivity to the active ingredient n-octanol.Use Direction
Exelon should be taken as directed by your doctor. It is available as a capsule, an oral solution, and a patch. The usual starting dose is 1.5 mg twice daily with food, and the maximum recommended dose is 12 mg/day.Storage Condition
Exelon should be stored at room temperature and protected from heat and light. It should also be kept away from moisture.Volume of Distribution
The approximate volume of distribution of Exelon is 21 L/kg.Half Life
Exelon has an elimination half-life of 3-6 hours.Clearance
The clearance of Exelon is approximately 65.3 L/h/kg.Here you find in details version of Exelon
Some Frequently Asked Questions About Exelon
What is Exelon?
Exelon is a prescription medication used to treat mild to moderate dementia caused by Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease. It is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, which means it works by increasing the amount of a chemical in the brain called acetylcholine, which is believed to help improve memory and thinking. It is available as a capsule, oral solution, or dermal patch.
What form does Exelon come in?
Exelon is available as a capsule, oral solution, or dermal patch.
What are the possible side effects of Exelon?
Common side effects of Exelon may include nausea, dizziness, vomiting, and weight loss. More serious side effects may include confusion, muscle weakness, breathing problems, and increased risk of seizures. Contact your doctor right away if you experience any unusual or severe side effects.
Who should not take Exelon?
Exelon is not suitable for everyone, so you should always tell your doctor about any medical conditions you have or any medications you are taking before starting Exelon. Some people should not take Exelon, such as those with severe kidney or liver problems, certain heart conditions, a recent history of stomach or intestinal bleeding or ulcer disease, or those taking certain other medications.
Can Exelon be used to treat dementia other than Alzheimer’s?
Exelon is also approved to treat mild to moderate dementia caused by Parkinson’s disease, but it is not approved to treat other forms of dementia.
Is Exelon safe for long-term use?
Yes, Exelon is generally considered safe for long-term use, although side effects may increase with extended use. Be sure to speak to your doctor regularly, as they will be able to monitor your progress and adjust your dose as necessary.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Exelon?
It is not recommended to drink alcohol while taking Exelon, since alcohol can interact with the medication and could increase your risk of side effects. Speak to your doctor if you are considering drinking alcohol while taking Exelon.
Can I drive or operate heavy machinery while taking Exelon?
It is recommended to avoid operating heavy machines or driving while taking Exelon, as it can affect your vision and reaction time, potentially leading to accidents. Speak to your doctor if you have any concerns about driving or operating heavy machinery while taking Exelon.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Exelon?
If you miss a dose of Exelon, take your next dose as soon as you remember. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
What should I do if I overdose on Exelon?
If you think you or someone else may have taken an overdose of Exelon, contact your local poison control center immediately or seek emergency medical attention right away.
How should Exelon be stored?
Exelon should be stored at room temperature, between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C). Keep the medication away from light, excessive humidity, and extreme temperatures. Do not store Exelon in the bathroom.
What should I do if I forget to replace my Exelon patch?
If you forget to replace your Exelon patch, do it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next patch to be applied, skip the missed patch and apply the next one as scheduled.
Can Exelon be used in children?
Exelon is only approved to treat mild to moderate dementia in adults. It should not be used in children.
What other medications should I avoid while taking Exelon?
It is important to tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking before starting Exelon, especially anticholinergic drugs, antianxiety medications, sleeping pills, muscle relaxants, seizure medications, and pain medications. You may need to adjust the doses of any other medications you are taking if you start taking Exelon.
Can I take other supplements while taking Exelon?
In general, it is best to avoid taking other supplements while taking Exelon, as they can interact with the medication and increase your risk of side effects. If you are considering taking any other supplements, speak to your doctor first.
Can I take Exelon while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Exelon should be avoided during pregnancy, as it has been shown to cause harm to the developing fetus. Exelon is also excreted in breast milk, so it should be avoided while breastfeeding. Speak to your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding before taking Exelon.
Does Exelon cause any interaction with other drugs?
Yes, Exelon can interact with other drugs. Before beginning Exelon, tell your doctor about any other medications or supplements you are taking, as certain drugs can interact with Exelon and increase your risk of side effects.
When should I start to see improvements from taking Exelon?
It may take several weeks for Exelon to take effect. Be sure to take your medication as prescribed and inform your doctor if you do not experience any improvements after a few weeks of treatment.
Can Exelon be used to prevent Alzheimer's disease?
No, Exelon is not approved to help prevent Alzheimer's disease. It is only approved to treat mild to moderate dementia caused by Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease.
Does Exelon cause weight gain?
In some cases, Exelon may cause weight loss, although weight gain is also possible. Speak to your doctor if you experience unexpected changes in your weight while taking Exelon.
When should I take Exelon?
Exelon can be taken with or without food, but it is generally recommended to take it with food. For the oral solution and dermal patch, follow the instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist. For the capsule form, take one capsule three times per day, with meals.
What should I do if I get a skin rash while taking Exelon?
If you get a skin rash while taking Exelon, stop taking the medication and contact your doctor right away. A skin rash could be a sign of an allergic reaction, which could be serious.
Does Exelon cause insomnia?
Insomnia is a possible side effect of Exelon, so if you experience difficulty sleeping while taking Exelon, speak to your doctor. They may be able to adjust your dosage or recommend other treatments to help you sleep.
What are the most common side effects of Exelon?
The most common side effects of Exelon are nausea, vomiting, dizziness, loss of appetite, weight loss, and diarrhea. More serious side effects may include confusion, muscle weakness, blurred vision, difficulty breathing, and increased risk of seizures.
Can Exelon be used to treat depression?
No, Exelon is not approved to treat depression. It is only approved to treat mild to moderate dementia caused by Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease.
What should I tell my doctor before taking Exelon?
Before taking Exelon, tell your doctor about any other medications, supplements, or medical conditions you have. It is especially important to tell your doctor if you have narrow angle glaucoma, seizures, a history of stomach or intestinal ulcers, liver or kidney problems, or any condition that affects your heart rhythm, as Exelon could worsen these conditions.
Is Exelon habit forming?
No, Exelon is not habit forming. However, it is important to take your medication exactly as prescribed and not to take more than is recommended. Speak to your doctor if you have any concerns about taking Exelon.
Can Exelon cause headaches?
Headaches are a possible side effect of Exelon. If you experience headaches while taking Exelon, speak to your doctor. They may be able to adjust your dosage or recommend other treatments to improve your symptoms.
What should I do if I experience any serious side effects while taking Exelon?
If you experience any serious side effects while taking Exelon, such as confusion, muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, or seizure-like activity, stop taking the medication and contact your doctor right away. These could be signs of a serious medical emergency.
Can Exelon cause constipation?
Yes, constipation is a possible side effect of Exelon. If you experience constipation while taking Exelon, speak to your doctor as they may be able to adjust your dose or recommend over-the-counter medications to help relieve your symptoms.
Is Exelon covered by insurance?
It depends on your insurance policy. Speak to your insurance provider to find out if Exelon is covered under your plan.
Can Exelon cause memory loss?
No, Exelon does not cause memory loss. In fact, it is used to treat memory loss caused by Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
Can Exelon cause hallucinations?
Hallucinations are a rare but possible side effect of Exelon. If you experience hallucinations while taking Exelon, stop taking the medication and contact your doctor right away.
Is Exelon safe for people with diabetes?
Yes, Exelon is generally considered safe for people with diabetes. However, people with diabetes may need to adjust their dose or monitor their blood sugar levels more closely while taking Exelon, so they should speak to their doctor before taking the medication.
Does Exelon interact with any foods?
Exelon does not generally interact with any foods. However, it is generally recommended to take Exelon with food, as it may help reduce some side effects, such as nausea.
Can Exelon cause weight loss?
Yes, weight loss is a possible side effect of Exelon. Speak to your doctor if you experience any unexpected changes in your weight while taking Exelon.
Does Exelon have any long-term effects?
Long-term effects of Exelon have not yet been established, but clinical studies have found no major safety concerns with long-term use. Speak to your doctor if you are concerned about any long-term effects of taking Exelon.
How long does it take Exelon to start working?
It may take several weeks for Exelon to take effect. Be sure to take your medication as prescribed and inform your doctor if you do not experience any improvements after a few weeks of treatment.
Can Exelon cause low blood pressure?
Yes, low blood pressure is a possible side effect of Exelon. Monitor your blood pressure while taking Exelon and speak to your doctor if you experience any significant changes.