Last reviewed · How we verify
Rivastigmine patch
Rivastigmine is a cholinesterase inhibitor that increases acetylcholine levels in the brain by blocking the enzyme that breaks it down.
Rivastigmine is a cholinesterase inhibitor that increases acetylcholine levels in the brain by blocking the enzyme that breaks it down. Used for Mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease, Mild to moderate Parkinson's disease dementia.
At a glance
| Generic name | Rivastigmine patch |
|---|---|
| Also known as | exelon patch, Exelon patch, Exelon®, Exelon Patch, ENA713, Exelon |
| Sponsor | Chung-Ang University Hosptial, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine |
| Drug class | Cholinesterase inhibitor |
| Target | Acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Neurology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Rivastigmine inhibits both acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase, enzymes responsible for degrading acetylcholine. By preventing acetylcholine breakdown, the drug increases acetylcholine concentration in the central nervous system, which enhances cognitive function and slows neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease dementia. The transdermal patch formulation provides sustained drug delivery with improved tolerability compared to oral administration.
Approved indications
- Mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease
- Mild to moderate Parkinson's disease dementia
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Anorexia
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Application site erythema
Key clinical trials
- Rivastigmine Transdermal Patches Bioequivalence and Adhesion Assessment (PHASE1)
- CHIEF-PD (CHolinesterase Inhibitor to prEvent Falls in Parkinson's Disease) (PHASE3)
- Toward a Computationally-Informed, Personalized Treatment for Hallucinations (EARLY_PHASE1)
- A Phase 3 Study of Rotigotine in Combination with Rivastigmine in Mild to Moderate Alzheimer's Disease (PHASE3)
- A Phase IV Study to Evaluate Safety, Tolerability and Effectiveness of Rivastigmine Patch 15cm2 in Patients With Severe Dementia of the Alzheimer's Type. (PHASE4)
- Prediction of ECT Treatment Response and Reduction of Cognitive Side-effects Using EEG and Rivastigmine (PHASE4)
- Rivastigmine Bioequivalence Trial With Multiple Applications of Transdermal Patches (9.5 mg/24 h) (PHASE1)
- Cholinergic Neurotransmission in Mobility and Cognition in Parkinson Disease (PHASE4)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial 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: