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Exelon Patch

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Dementia is a syndrome characterized by:

  1. impairment in memory,

  2. impairment in another area of thinking such as the ability to organize thoughts and reason, the ability to use language, or the ability to see accurately the visual world (not because of eye disease), and

  3. these impairments are severe enough to cause a decline in the patient's usual level of functioning.

Although some kinds of memory loss are normal parts of aging, the changes due to aging are not severe enough to interfere with the level of function. Many different diseases can cause dementia, but Alzheimer's disease is by far the most common cause for dementia in the United States and in most countries in the world.

What is Alzheimer's disease?

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a slowly progressive disease of the brain that is characterized by impairment of memory and eventually by dist...

Exelon Patch

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Exelon® Patch
(rivastigmine) Transdermal System

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Exelon Patch (rivastigmine transdermal system) is a reversible cholinesterase inhibitor and is known chemically as (S)- 3-[1-(dimethylamino) ethyl]phenyl ethylmethylcarbamate. It has an empirical formula of C14H22N2O2 as the base and a molecular weight of 250.34 (as the base). Rivastigmine is a viscous, clear, and colorless to yellow to very slightly brown liquid that is sparingly soluble in water and very soluble in ethanol, acetonitrile, n-octanol and ethyl acetate.

The distribution coefficient at 37°C in n-octanol/phosphate buffer solution pH 7 is 4.27.

Exelon® Patch (rivastigmine) Structural Formula Illustration

Exelon Patch (rivastigmine transdermal system) is for transdermal administration. The patch comprises a four-layer laminate containing the backing layer, drug matrix, adhesive matrix and overlapping release liner. The release liner is removed and discarded prior to use. See Figure 1 for a detailed illustration.

Figure 1: Cross Section of the Patch

Cross Section of the Patch - Illustration

Layer 1 Backing Film
Layer 2 Drug Product (Acrylic) Matrix
Layer 3 Adhesive (Silicone) Matrix
Layer 4 Release Liner (removed at time of use)

Excipients within the formulation include acrylic copolymer, poly(butylmethacrylate, methylmethacrylate), silicone adhesive applied to a flexible polymer backing film, silicone oil, and vitamin E.

What are the possible side effects of rivastigmine transdermal (Exelon)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using rivastigmine transdermal and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

  • nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss;
  • black or bloody stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like blood or coffee grounds;
  • restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck, tremor...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Exelon Patch »

What are the precautions when taking rivastigmine transdermal system (Exelon Patch)?

Before using rivastigmine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: breathing/lung problems (such as asthma, COPD-chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), stomach/intestinal problems (such as ulcers, bleeding), heart problems (such as sick sinus syndrome, other conduction disorders), fainting, seizures, problems urinating (such as due to enlarged prostate).

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure...

Read All Potential Precautions of Exelon Patch »

Last reviewed on RxList: 9/17/2010
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.

Exelon Patch - User Reviews

Exelon Patch User Reviews

Now you can gain knowledge and insight about a drug treatment with Patient Discussions.

Here is a collection of user reviews for the medication Exelon Patch sorted by most helpful. Patient Discussions FAQs

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

 

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


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