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Rivastigmine, memantine

Novartis · FDA-approved active Small molecule ✓ Verified May 2026

Rivastigmine, memantine is a Cholinesterase inhibitor and NMDA receptor antagonist combination Small molecule drug developed by Novartis. It is currently FDA-approved for Moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease.

This combination drug enhances acetylcholine levels in the brain while blocking NMDA receptor overactivity to slow cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease.

Rivastigmine is a small molecule used to treat conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Memantine is also a small molecule, specifically used to treat conditions including dementia and Alzheimer's disease, as indicated by ClinicalTrials.gov.

At a glance

Generic nameRivastigmine, memantine
SponsorNovartis
Drug classCholinesterase inhibitor and NMDA receptor antagonist combination
TargetAcetylcholinesterase and NMDA receptor
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaNeurology
PhaseFDA-approved

Mechanism of action

Rivastigmine is a cholinesterase inhibitor that prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine, increasing its availability in the brain to improve cognitive function. Memantine is an NMDA receptor antagonist that reduces excitotoxicity from excess glutamate signaling. Together, they address two different pathological mechanisms in Alzheimer's disease through complementary actions.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:

Frequently asked questions about Rivastigmine, memantine

What is Rivastigmine, memantine?

Rivastigmine, memantine is a Cholinesterase inhibitor and NMDA receptor antagonist combination drug developed by Novartis, indicated for Moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease.

How does Rivastigmine, memantine work?

This combination drug enhances acetylcholine levels in the brain while blocking NMDA receptor overactivity to slow cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease.

What is Rivastigmine, memantine used for?

Rivastigmine, memantine is indicated for Moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease.

Who makes Rivastigmine, memantine?

Rivastigmine, memantine is developed and marketed by Novartis (see full Novartis pipeline at /company/novartis).

What drug class is Rivastigmine, memantine in?

Rivastigmine, memantine belongs to the Cholinesterase inhibitor and NMDA receptor antagonist combination class. See all Cholinesterase inhibitor and NMDA receptor antagonist combination drugs at /class/cholinesterase-inhibitor-and-nmda-receptor-antagonist-combination.

What development phase is Rivastigmine, memantine in?

Rivastigmine, memantine is FDA-approved (marketed).

What are the side effects of Rivastigmine, memantine?

Common side effects of Rivastigmine, memantine include Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Dizziness, Headache, Fatigue.

What does Rivastigmine, memantine target?

Rivastigmine, memantine targets Acetylcholinesterase and NMDA receptor and is a Cholinesterase inhibitor and NMDA receptor antagonist combination.

Related

Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing