Rivastigmine transdermal patch is an innovative form of drug designed to treat specific types of dementia. Rivastigmine transdermal patch provides continuous drug treatment in the form of a transdermal patch, providing patients with a convenient and effective treatment method.

What is Rivastigmine transdermal patch?

Rivastigmine transdermal patch is a drug used to treat Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease dementia, with significant efficacy.

Basic information

Rivastigmine transdermal patch, English name Rivastigmine, trade name Exelon Patch, was developed by Novartis and launched in the United States in July 2007. Rivastigmine transdermal patch is absorbed through the skin and acts directly on the body, avoiding the gastrointestinal discomfort that may be caused by oral medication. The main ingredient Rivastigmine is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that can increase acetylcholine levels in the brain, thereby improving cognitive function associated with dementia.

Indications and targets

Rivastigmine transdermal patch is mainly used to treat Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's-related dementia (PDD). Both diseases are accompanied by the degeneration of cholinergic neurons in the brain, resulting in a decrease in acetylcholine levels. Rivastigmine transdermal patches improve patients' memory, orientation and language abilities by inhibiting the activity of acetylcholinesterase and slowing down the decomposition of acetylcholine.

Usage and dosage of rivastigmine transdermal patches

Understanding the usage and dosage will help patients use rivastigmine transdermal patches safely and reasonably.

Initial dose

The use of rivastigmine transdermal patches should start with the initial dose, which is a 4.6 mg/ 24-hour patch once a day. In the early stages of use, doctors will closely monitor the patient's response and tolerance. Only after at least 4 weeks of the previous dose and the patient tolerates it well, can the dose be considered increased. For patients with mild to moderate AD and PDD, the effective dose is usually 9.5 mg/ 24 hours, and some patients may need to increase to a maximum effective dose of 13. 3 mg/24 hours. For patients with severe AD, 13.3 mg/24 hours is the recommended effective dose.

Treatment interruption and restart

If treatment is interrupted for 3 days or less, patients can restart the same or lower strength rivastigmine transdermal patch. If the interruption lasts longer than 3 days, the initial dose of 4.6 mg/24 hours should be restarted and titrated to the appropriate dose.

Interactions

Concomitant use with metoclopramide may increase the risk of extrapyramidal adverse reactions; concurrent use with cholinergic and anticholinergic drugs may produce enhanced or interfered drug effects; additive bradycardic effects may occur when used with beta-blockers.

When using these drugs, patients should consult their physicians and follow their physician's advice.