General MedicinePrescription OnlyPregnancy Cat. Not classifiedFDA Yes
Rivastigmine Tartrate
RIVASTIGMINE TARTRATE
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Rivastigmine tartrate capsules are an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor indicated for treatment of: Mild-to-moderate dementia of the Alzheimer’s type (AD) (1.1) Mild-to-moderate dementia associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD) (1.2) 1.1 Alzheimer’s Disease Rivastigmine tartrate capsules are indicated for the treatment of mild-to-moderate dementia of the Alzheimer's type (AD). 1.2 Parkinson’s Disease Dementia Rivastigmine tartrate capsules are indicated for the treatment of ...
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Brand names:Rivastigmine Tartrate
Quick Reference
Medicine ClassGeneral Medicine
FDA ApprovedYes
PregnancyCategory Not classified
Quick Facts
- Active ingredient
- RIVASTIGMINE TARTRATE
- Medicine class
- General Medicine
- Brand names
- Rivastigmine Tartrate
- Availability
- Prescription only (Rx)
- Pregnancy category
- Not classified
- Half-life
- half-life is about 1
- FDA approved
- Yes
What Is Rivastigmine Tartrate?
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Rivastigmine tartrate capsules are an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor indicated for treatment of: Mild-to-moderate dementia of the Alzheimer’s type (AD) (1.1) Mild-to-moderate dementia associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD) (1.2) 1.1 Alzheimer’s Disease Rivastigmine tartrate capsules are indicated for the treatment of mild-to-moderate dementia of the Alzheimer's type (AD). 1.2 Parkinson’s Disease Dementia Rivastigmine tartrate capsules are indicated for the treatment of ...
Rivastigmine Tartrate (RIVASTIGMINE TARTRATE) belongs to the General Medicine class of medications. It was first approved by the FDA in Yes. This medication requires a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Key Safety Information
- •Always follow the dose recommended by your healthcare professional. Taking more than prescribed increases the risk of side effects including serious complications.
- •Seek emergency care if you experience signs of an allergic reaction — hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, or rash. Stop the medication and call your doctor immediately.
- •Some medications can increase the risk of cardiovascular events. Tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, a history of heart attack or stroke, or any pre-existing health condition.
- •Avoid or limit alcohol while taking Rivastigmine Tartrate. Do not drink alcohol without first discussing it with your healthcare provider as it may increase adverse effects.
- •Take Rivastigmine Tartrate with food or a full glass of water if stomach upset occurs. Stop use and talk to your doctor if you experience persistent stomach pain or GI symptoms.
- •Tell your doctor about all medications, supplements, and vitamins you take. Some combinations significantly increase the risk of harm.
This is a summary only. Always read the full prescribing information and consult your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.
Uses & Indications
Rivastigmine Tartrate is prescribed for the following conditions. Some uses are FDA-approved indications; others may be evidence-based off-label uses. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Rivastigmine tartrate capsules are an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor indicated for treatment of: Mild-to-moderate dementia of the Alzheimer’s type (AD) (1.1) Mild-to-moderate dementia associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD) (1.2) 1.1 Alzheimer’s Disease Rivastigmine tartrate capsules are indicated for the treatment of mild-to-moderate dementia of the Alzheimer's type (AD).
1.2 Parkinson’s Disease Dementia Rivastigmine tartrate capsules are indicated for the treatment of mild-to-moderate dementia associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD).
Dosage Guide
The following are general dosing guidelines only. Your actual dose should be determined by your healthcare provider based on your condition, renal/hepatic function, and other medications.
AD
Adult Dosage
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Alzheimer’s Disease (2.1): Initial Dose: Initiate treatment with 1.5 mg twice a day. Dose Titration: After a minimum of 2 weeks, if tolerated, increase dose to 3 mg twice a day and further to 4.5 mg twice a day and 6 mg twice a day if tolerated with a minimum of 2 weeks at each dose Parkinson’s Disease Dementia (PDD) (2.2): Initial Dose: Initiate treatment with 1.5 mg twice a day. Dose Titration: After a minimum of 4 weeks, if tolerated, increase dose to 3 mg twice a day and further to 4.5 mg twice a day and 6 mg twice a day if tolerated with a minimum of 4 weeks at each dose. Rivastigmine tartrate capsules should be taken with meals in divided doses in the morning and evening (2.1, 2.2). Rivastigmine tartrate oral solution and Rivastigmine tartrate capsules may be interchanged at equal doses (2.5) 2.1 Dosing in Alzheimer's Disease Rivastigmine tartrate capsules should be taken with meals in divided doses in the morning and evening. The recommended dosage of
Available Forms
Available Strengths
Side Effects
Common
- 6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are described below and elsewhere in the labeling: · Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] · Allergic Dermatitis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] · Other Adverse Reactions from Increased Cholinergic Activity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] Most common adverse reactions (greater than 5% and 2 times greater than placebo): nausea, vomiting, anorexia, dyspepsia, and asthenia (6.1) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited at 1-866-210-9797 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
- 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
- Rivastigmine tartrate has been administered to over 5,297 individuals during clinical trials worldwide.
- Of these, 4,326 patients have been treated for at least 3 months, 3,407 patients have been treated for at least 6 months, 2,150 patients have been treated for 1 year, 1,250 patients have been treated for 2 years, and 168 patients have been treated for over 3 years.
- With regard to exposure to the highest dose, 2,809 patients were exposed to doses of 10 mg to 12 mg, 2,615 patients treated for 3 months, 2,328 patients treated for 6 months, 1,378 patients treated for 1 year, 917 patients treated for 2 years, and 129 patients treated for over 3 years.
- Mild-to-Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease Most Common Adverse Reactions The most common adverse reactions, defined as those occurring at a frequency of at least 5% and twice the placebo rate, are largely predicted by rivastigmine tartrate’s cholinergic effects.
- These include nausea, vomiting, anorexia, dyspepsia, and asthenia.
Serious
- 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Gastrointestinal adverse reactions may include significant nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia/decreased appetite, and weight loss, and may necessitate treatment interruption.
- Dehydration may result from prolonged vomiting or diarrhea and can be associated with serious outcomes.
- (5.1) Discontinue rivastigmine in case of disseminated allergic dermatitis, which may occur after oral or transdermal administration (4, 5.2).
- In patients with suspected allergic contact dermatitis after transdermal rivastigmine use, switch to oral rivastigmine only after negative allergy testing.
- 5.1 Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions Rivastigmine tartrate can cause gastrointestinal adverse reactions, including significant nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia/decreased appetite, and weight loss.
Rare
Medicine Interactions
Always inform your healthcare provider and pharmacist about ALL medications you take, including prescriptions, OTC medicines, vitamins, and supplements.
MajorModerateMinor
Warnings & Contraindications
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Gastrointestinal adverse reactions may include significant nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia/decreased appetite, and weight loss, and may necessitate treatment interruption. Dehydration may result from prolonged vomiting or diarrhea and can be associated with serious outcomes. (5.1) Discontinue rivastigmine in case of disseminated allergic dermatitis, which may occur
How Rivastigmine Tartrate Works
12.1 Mechanism of Action Although the precise mechanism of action of rivastigmine is unknown, it is thought to exert its therapeutic effect by enhancing cholinergic function. This is accomplished by increasing the concentration of acetylcholine through reversible inhibition of its hydrolysis by cholinesterase. Therefore, the effect of rivastigmine may lessen as the disease process advances and fewer cholinergic neurons remain functionally intact. There is no evidence that rivastigmine alters the course of the underlying dementing process.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Absorption Rivastigmine is rapidly and completely absorbed
Half-Life
half-life is about 1
Metabolism
metabolites via the urine
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safety
Not classified
Breastfeeding
Many medications pass into breast milk in varying amounts. Before using Rivastigmine Tartratewhile breastfeeding, discuss the benefits and risks with your healthcare provider or pharmacist — they can weigh your dose, your infant's age, and available lactation safety data to find the safest option for you and your baby.
Storage & Handling
Store at room temperature. Keep away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Adult, pediatric, renal, and hepatic dosing for Rivastigmine Tartrate
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Rivastigmine Tartrate side effects
Complete adverse effect profile including common, serious, and rare reactions
Sources & References
- • FDA Prescribing Information — Official labeling and package insert for Rivastigmine Tartrate
- • U.S. National Library of Medicine — MedlinePlus drug information
- • American Hospital Formulary Service (AHFS) — Clinical pharmacology monograph
- • PubMed / MEDLINE — View clinical studies
Last reviewed by MedCentralHub Medical Review Board · MedCentralHub Editorial Policy
Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.