Rivastigmine: Side Effects, Uses & Monitoring
Facts extracted from current FDA product labeling for Rivastigmine. Educational only — not medical advice.
Reported adverse reactions
| Reaction | Highest frequency reported* |
|---|---|
| Diarrhea | 19% |
| Headache | 17% |
| Abdominal pain | 13% |
| Accidental trauma | 10% |
| Fatigue | 9% |
| Dyspepsia | 9% |
| Insomnia | 9% |
| Nausea | 8% |
| Confusion | 8% |
| Urinary tract infection | 7% |
| Asthenia | 6% |
| Depression | 6% |
| Vomiting | 5% |
| Malaise | 5% |
| Somnolence | 5% |
| Constipation | 5% |
| Anxiety | 5% |
| Sweating increased | 4% |
| Tremor | 4% |
| Flatulence | 4% |
*Highest percentage across placebo-controlled trial tables summarized in current labeling.
Labeled uses
Exelon® (rivastigmine tartrate) is indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate dementia of the Alzheimer's type. Exelon® (rivastigmine tartrate) is indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate dementia associated with Parkinson’s disease. The dementia of Parkinson’s disease is purportedly characterized by impairments in executive function, memory retrieval, and attention in patients with an established diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. The diagnosis of the dementia of Parkinson’s disease, however, can reliably be made in patients in whom a progressive dementia syndrome occurs (without the necessity to document the specific deficits described above) at least 2 years after a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease has been made, and in whom other causes of dementia have been ruled out (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Clinical Trial Data).
Medical disclaimer: Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about any medication.