Rivastigmine capsules
Rivastigmine capsules
What is this medicine?
RIVASTIGMINE (ri va STIG meen) is used to treat mild to moderate dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease.
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
changes in vision or balance
feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
increase in frequency of passing urine, or incontinence
nervousness, agitation, or increased confusion
redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
severe diarrhea
slow heartbeat, or palpitations
stomach pain
sweating
uncontrollable movements
vomiting
weight loss
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
headache
indigestion or heartburn
loss of appetite
mild diarrhea, especially when starting treatment
nausea
What may interact with this medicine?
antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold
atropine
certain medicines for bladder problems like oxybutynin, tolterodine
certain medicines for Parkinson's disease like benztropine, trihexyphenidyl
certain medicines for stomach problems like dicyclomine, hyoscyamine
glycopyrrolate
ipratropium
certain medicines for travel sickness like scopolamine
medicines that relax your muscles for surgery
other medicines for Alzheimer's disease
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
difficulty passing urine
heart disease, or irregular or slow heartbeat
kidney disease
liver disease
lung or breathing disease, like asthma
seizures
stomach or intestine disease, ulcers, or stomach bleeding
an unusual or allergic reaction to rivastigmine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check with your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you.
Updated:  
July 17, 2018