Rivastigmine
Rivastigmine is a cholinesterase inhibitor used to treat mild to moderate dementia associated with Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. It works by inhibiting enzymes that break down acetylcholine, thereby increasing acetylcholine levels in the brain to help improve memory, thinking, and daily functioning.
Rivastigmine treats Alzheimer's and Parkinson's dementia by boosting acetylcholine levels in the brain.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N06DA03
- RxNorm
- 183379
- Generic
- Rivastigmine
- Class
- atc-n06
- Brands
- Exelon
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- capsule, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 1.5mg to 6mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- not indicated for pediatric use
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- not applicable
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 1.5mg to 6mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
monitor newborn for cholinergic effects after delivery
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue breastfeeding or avoid
do not breastfeed during rivastigmine treatment due to unknown excretion into breast milk
monitor infant for cholinergic symptoms
geriatric
elderlystart at lowest dose and titrate slowly
use with caution in elderly; monitor for gastrointestinal adverse effects and weight loss
regular monitoring of weight and gastrointestinal tolerance
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children adolescentsnot recommended
not approved for use in pediatric populations; safety and efficacy not established
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
moderate severereduce dose to 1.5mg twice daily
use with caution in patients with renal impairment; start at lowest dose
monitor renal function and for adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate severereduce dose to 1.5mg twice daily
use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment; start at lowest dose
monitor hepatic function and for adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval for treatment of mild to moderate dementia in Alzheimer's disease
Drug class
ATC code N06DA02 - reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor
Common uses
Approved therapeutic indications for rivastigmine
Rivastigmine is indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate dementia of the Alzheimer's type and mild to moderate dementia associated with Parkinson's disease.
Rivastigmine reversibly inhibits acetylcholinesterase enzymes, preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine. This increases acetylcholine concentrations in the brain, enhancing cholinergic neurotransmission and improving cognitive function.
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite. It is available as oral capsules, tablets, and transdermal patches. Dosing is typically started low and gradually titrated. Use with caution in patients with cardiac conduction abnormalities, seizures, or asthma. May interact with anticholinergic medications.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy