INTRODUCTION

EXELON 4.5MG contains Rivastigmine which belongs to a group of medicines called cholinesterase inhibitors. This medicine is used to treat mild to moderately severe Alzheimer’s dementia and dementia due to Parkinson’s disease. Dementia is a progressive brain disorder where it affects memory, intellectual ability and behaviour gradually. Alzheimer’s dementia or dementia due to Parkinson’s disease cause death of certain nerve cells resulting in low levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, a substance which allows nerve cells to communicate with each other.

Take this medicine exactly as instructed by your doctor. The dose you take will depend on your age, other medications you are taking and whether you have any kidney or liver problems. It works by blocking the enzymes that break down acetylcholine. By blocking the enzymes, it increases the levels of acetylcholine in the brain that help in reducing the symptoms of dementia associated with Alzheimer disease and Parkinson’s disease. Do not drive or operate machinery while taking this medicine, since it may cause dizziness and sleepiness. This medicine is not recommended for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. The common side effects are nausea, vomiting, headache and dizziness.

USES OF EXELON 4.5MG

• Treat Alzheimer’s dementia and dementia due to Parkinson’s disease

HOW EXELON 4.5MG WORKS

EXELON 4.5MG works by blocking the enzymes that break down acetylcholine. By blocking the enzymes, it increases the levels of acetylcholine in the brain that help in reducing the symptoms of dementia associated with Alzheimer disease and Parkinson’s disease.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Always take as prescribed by your doctor. Swallow as a whole, do not crush or chew. It can be taken with or without food. Do not crush or chew the medicine.

SIDE EFFECTS OF EXELON 4.5MG

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Dizziness:

Get up and move around to feel awake, take small naps to edge off the sleepiness. Give your eyes a break to avoid fatigue and eat a healthy food to boost energy.

Nausea:

Stick to simple normal meals and do not eat rich or spicy foods.

Diarrhoea:

Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. ORS should be used to prevent dehydration.

Abdominal pain:

Place a warm water bottle on your abdomen. Soak in a warm bath. Drink plenty of clear fluids and water.

Vomiting:

Drink clear or ice-cold drinks. Eat light, bland foods and avoid fried, greasy, or sweet foods.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

INTERACTIONS

Inform your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription or the following,

• neostigmine (used to treat myasthenia gravis)
• darunavir (used to treat HIV infection)
• oxybutynin, tolterodine (used to prevent travel sickness)
• anticholinergic medicines (used to relieve stomach cramps or spasms)
• atenolol (used to treat high blood pressure)
• timolol (used in eye drops to treat glaucoma)
• diltiazem, sotalol, digoxin, pilocarpine (used to treat heart conditions)
• cisapride and diphemanil (used to treat stomach and gut problems)
• citalopram (used to treat depression)
• erythromycin IV, moxifloxacin, (antibiotics)
• halofantrine (used to treat malaria)
• mizolastine (used to treat allergies)
• methadone (used for pain and heroin addiction)
• pentamidine (used to treat pneumonia)
• chlorpromazine, levomepromazine, sulpiride, sultopride, amisulpride, tiapride, veralipride, pimozide, haloperidol, droperidol (used to treat some mental health conditions)

SYNOPSIS

MORE INFORMATION

Store below 20-25°C and keep out of reach of children.

FAQs ABOUT EXELON 4.5MG

Does EXELON 4.5MG cause drowsiness?

Yes, it may cause drowsiness or sleepiness, if you feel dizziness or sleepiness do not drive, or handle any machines. If dizziness persists for a long time, consult your doctor.

Is EXELON 4.5MG safe for a long time?

It is safe if used in the dose and duration as directed by your doctor.  

What is EXELON 4.5MG used for?

It is used to treat mild to moderate dementia caused by Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease.

REFERENCES

1. KD Tripathi MD. Drugs acting on ANS. Essentials of Medical Pharmacology 7th ed. New Delhi, May 2013. Page – 108.

2. Palmer Taylor. Anti-cholinesterase agents. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 12th ed. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2011. Page - 253.

3. Katzung BG. Special Aspects of Geriatric Pharmacology. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 11th ed. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited; 2009. Page - 1041.

4. Thomas Müller. Rivastigmine in the treatment of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Neuropsychiatric disease and treatment. April 3, 2007; [Accessed Nov 21, 2020] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2654625/

5. Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. Page - 1229.

6. Mylan Hungary Kft, McDermott Laboratories; Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC) [Revised Sep 2016] [Accessed Nov 21, 2020] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.8495.pdf