Exelon Capsule: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Exelon Capsule contains rivastigmine, a cholinesterase inhibitor used to treat mild to moderate dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease. It works by increasing levels of a brain chemical important for memory and thinking. It is taken twice daily with meals, and like all medicines it carries possible side effects and precautions that should be discussed with your doctor.

What is Exelon Capsule

Exelon is a prescription capsule that contains the active ingredient rivastigmine. It belongs to a group of medicines called cholinesterase inhibitors and is used to treat dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease.

Exelon Capsule uses

• Treats mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease dementia.
• Treats mild to moderate dementia associated with Parkinson's disease.
• Helps manage certain memory difficulties.
• May improve attention and concentration.

Benefits of Exelon Capsule

• Increases acetylcholine availability in the brain.
• May improve memory and cognitive performance in some patients.
• Can help stabilize certain dementia symptoms temporarily.
• May improve attention and concentration.

How Exelon Capsule works

Exelon works by stopping the breakdown of a brain chemical called acetylcholine, which carries messages between brain cells and is important for memory and thinking. People with Alzheimer's disease usually have less of this chemical, so increasing it may help improve symptoms.

Exelon Capsule dosage

Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water or other liquid; do not crush, open, or break it. Take one capsule with your morning meal and one capsule with your evening meal, at about the same time each day. Keep taking it unless your doctor tells you to stop, and do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without talking to your doctor first.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can unless it is almost time for your next dose, in which case skip the missed one — do not take two doses at once. If you miss taking it for more than three days in a row, talk to your doctor before taking it again, since your dose may need to be restarted at a lower level.

Available forms and strengths

• Capsule

Side effects of Exelon Capsule

Common

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Stomach pain or discomfort
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Fatigue or weakness
• Tremor or shaking
• Trouble sleeping or nightmares
• Confusion
• Increased sweating or saliva
• Indigestion or upset stomach
• Feeling anxious, restless, or annoyed

Serious

• Signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, hives, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Worsening of Parkinson's tremors or movement problems
• Slow or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, or fainting
• Signs of dehydration from ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, such as feeling very thirsty, hot, or having dry skin
• Stomach ulcers or bleeding, including black or bloody stools, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• Seizures
• Severe skin reactions such as blisters or spreading rash
• Yellow skin or eyes
• Difficulty speaking, moving, or loss of balance and coordination
• Trouble or pain when urinating
• Severe confusion or hallucinations

Warnings and precautions

• Do not take this medicine if you have ever had a severe skin reaction (such as spreading redness, blisters, or swelling) from wearing an Exelon skin patch.
• This medicine can cause severe or ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, heavy sweating, or dehydration — contact your doctor right away if these occur.
• Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly, and do not give it to anyone else.
• If you have not taken this medicine for more than three days, talk to your doctor before starting again, as your dose may need to be lowered.
• Tell your surgeon or anesthetist that you are taking this medicine before any surgery or medical procedure.
• It is not known whether this medicine could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
• You should not breastfeed while taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or kidney problems before taking this medicine.
• Do not take this medicine if you have a liver condition. Tell your doctor about any liver problems before starting treatment.
• This medicine can make you feel dizzy or tired, and drinking alcohol can make these effects worse.
• This medicine may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or use machinery until you know how it affects you.

Storage

• Store in a cool, dry place at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, or sunlight
• Keep the capsules in their original packaging
• Keep out of reach of children and pets
• Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on windowsills
• When your medicine is finished or no longer needed, place the empty packaging in the outside rubbish, or take unused medicine to a pharmacy for safe disposal
• Do not use after the expiry date

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency help right away if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Call your doctor right away if you have crushing chest pain, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or wheezing.
• Seek medical help if you have severe stomach pain, or notice blood in your stools or vomit.
• Get help if you feel confused, are not thinking or seeing clearly, or have trouble speaking, moving, or controlling your body movements.
• Seek help if you notice yellowing of your eyes or skin.
• If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, contact a poison control center or go to the emergency room right away.

Alternatives

• Galantamine
• Donepezil
• Rivastigmine