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Rivastigmine transdermal 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 transdermal patch |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Exelon®, Exelon transdermal patch, Cholinesterase Inhibitor, exelon patch, Exelon, Prometax |
| Sponsor | Novartis |
| Drug class | Cholinesterase inhibitor |
| Target | Acetylcholinesterase; Butyrylcholinesterase |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Neurology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
By inhibiting acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase, rivastigmine increases the concentration of acetylcholine in synaptic clefts, enhancing cholinergic neurotransmission. This is thought to improve cognitive function and slow cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease dementia by compensating for the loss of cholinergic neurons characteristic of these conditions.
Approved indications
- Mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease
- Mild to moderate Parkinson's disease dementia
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Anorexia/weight loss
- Application site erythema
- Dizziness
- Headache
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:
- Rivastigmine transdermal patch CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Rivastigmine transdermal patch updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Novartis portfolio CI