What is the dosage and how should it be used?
Rivastigmine (Exelon®) is available as a capsule or as a liquid.
This medication is usually taken twice a day, in the morning and evening. However, take rivastigmine exactly as it was prescribed for you and do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.
Additionally, this medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are taking rivastigmine. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
Take the rivastigmine capsules with a full glass of water, and also with food.
Do not use a regular table spoon to measure a dose of rivastigmine oral liquid (solution). Use the syringe provided.
You may swallow the oral liquid directly from the syringe or mix the medicine with a small glass of water, fruit juice, or soda. Do not use any other liquids to mix with rivastigmine oral liquid.
Stir the medicine mixture and drink all of it right away. To make sure you get the entire dose, add a little more water to the same glass, swirl gently and drink right away.
After using the syringe, wipe the outside of it with a clean tissue and put the syringe back into its case. Close the medicine bottle using the child resistant closure.
It is important to use rivastigmine regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
If you stop taking rivastigmine for any reason, do not restart the medication without first talking with your doctor. You may need to restart treatment with a lower dose.
Why is this medication prescribed?
What special precautions should I follow?
What should I do if I forget a dose?
What side effects can this medication cause?