DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Rivastigmine Oral Solution (RIV-a-STIG-meen)
Brand Name: Exelon

Exelon Solution is used for:

Treating mild to moderate dementia (eg, problems with memory, judgment, and abstract thinking; changes in personality) caused by Alzheimer disease or Parkinson disease.

Exelon Solution is a cholinesterase inhibitor. It works by increasing the amount of a certain chemical (acetylcholine) in the brain. This may help to improve memory and thinking ability in certain patients. Exelon Solution does not cure or change the course of the disease that is causing the dementia.

Do NOT use Exelon Solution if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Exelon Solution

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Exelon Solution:

Some medical conditions may interact with Exelon Solution. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have ever had heart problems (eg, slow or irregular heartbeat, sick sinus syndrome), breathing problems (eg, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD]), seizures (eg, epilepsy), an ulcer, kidney problems, or urinary blockage

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Exelon Solution. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Cholinergic agonists (eg, bethanecol) or cholinesterase inhibitors (eg, donepezil) because the actions and side effects of both medicines may be increased
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen) because the risk of stomach bleeding may be increased
• Anticholinergics (eg, oxybutynin, scopolamine) because their effectiveness may be decreased by Exelon Solution

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Exelon Solution may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Exelon Solution:

Use Exelon Solution as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• An extra patient leaflet is available with Exelon Solution. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.
• Take Exelon Solution by mouth with or without food.
• A health care provider will teach you how to use Exelon Solution. Be sure you understand how to use it. Follow the procedures you are taught when you use a dose. Contact your health care provider if you have any questions.
• Use the syringe that comes with the medicine to measure your dose. Hold the bottle upright. Insert the tip of the syringe into the opening of the white stopper. Hold the syringe and pull the plunger up to the level that equals the dose prescribed by your doctor. Move the plunger up and down a few times to push out the large bubbles. Pull the plunger again equal to the level that equals your prescribed dose. Do not worry about small bubbles in the syringe. Remove the syringe from the bottle.
• You may swallow Exelon Solution directly from the syringe. It may also be mixed with a small glass of water, cold fruit juice, or soda. Do NOT mix with other liquids. If you mix Exelon Solution, be sure to stir well and drink the entire mixture. Medicine that is mixed with cold fruit juice or soda may be stored at room temperature for up to 4 hours.
• After using the syringe, wipe it with a clean tissue. Put it back into its case. Close the bottle tightly.
• Exelon Solution will be started at a low dose and slowly increased to help decrease the risk of nausea and vomiting. If you miss taking your dose of Exelon Solution for more than 2 days, contact your doctor. You may need to start taking it again at a lower dose to decrease the risk of severe vomiting.
• Continue to use Exelon Solution even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
• If you miss a dose of Exelon Solution, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once. If you miss your dose for more than 2 days, contact your doctor.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Exelon Solution.

Important safety information:

• Exelon Solution may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Exelon Solution. Using Exelon Solution alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
• Exelon Solution may cause dizziness or lightheadedness. Alcohol, hot weather, exercise, and fever can increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Also, sit or lie down at the first sign of dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Exelon Solution before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• Exelon Solution is not for use in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Exelon Solution while you are pregnant. It is not known if Exelon Solution is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Exelon Solution, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Exelon Solution:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; gas; general feeling of discomfort; headache; increased sweating; indigestion; loss of appetite; nausea; stomach pain; tremor; unusual tiredness; vomiting; weakness; weight loss.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black or bloody stools; blood in the urine; chest pain; coffee ground-like vomit; confusion; depression; fainting; heart failure; new or worsening tremor; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; ringing in the ears; seizures; severe nausea or vomiting; severe stomach pain; slow or irregular heartbeat; trouble urinating; trouble walking; uncontrolled muscle movements; unusual mental or mood changes; vision changes.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include dizziness; lightheadedness; seizures; severe nausea; slow breathing; slow pulse; sweating.

Proper storage of Exelon Solution:

Store Exelon Solution between 59 and 77 degrees F (15 and 25 degrees C) in a tightly closed container. Store the bottle tightly closed in an upright position. Protect from freezing. Do not use after the expiration date on the bottle. Store away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Exelon Solution out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Exelon Solution, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Exelon Solution is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Exelon Solution. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.