Rivastigmine

Rivastigmine is a drug used to treat Alzheimer’s disease. Many people will know it as the brand Exelon. It is taken as capsules, oral solution or patches, and has some side-effects.

Rivastigmine is a cholinesterase inhibitor, which means it prevents an enzyme (acetylcholinesterase) from breaking down acetylcholine – an important chemical messenger which allows nerve cells in the brain to communicate with each other.

For more information, see factsheet 407, Drug treatments for Alzheimer’s disease.