rivastigmine hydrogen tartrate at a glance
Medicine class
Cholinesterase inhibitor
Licensed role
Symptomatic treatment of specified mild to moderately severe dementias
Taking oral forms
Take with food and follow the pharmacy label; swallow capsules whole and measure liquid with its oral syringe
Caregiver support
Treatment should start only when a caregiver can regularly monitor medicine intake
What is rivastigmine hydrogen tartrate used for?
Selected oral products are licensed for symptomatic treatment in adults with:
Mild to moderately severe Alzheimer’s dementia
Mild to moderately severe dementia associated with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease
How does rivastigmine hydrogen tartrate work?
Rivastigmine temporarily inhibits acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase, enzymes that break down acetylcholine. This increases acetylcholine available for communication between functioning nerve cells and may lessen cognitive and behavioural symptoms in some people.
rivastigmine hydrogen tartrate preparations and strengths
Capsule
Route: Oral
Strengths: 1.5 mg, 3 mg, 4.5 mg, 6 mg
Oral solution
Route: Oral
Strengths: 2 mg/mL
How to take rivastigmine hydrogen tartrate
Use rivastigmine exactly as stated on the pharmacy label and with caregiver support where needed.
Take oral rivastigmine with food.
Swallow capsules whole.
Measure oral solution only with the supplied oral syringe.
The solution may be swallowed from the syringe or mixed into a small glass of water and taken immediately.
Wash the oral syringe with water and allow it to dry after use.
rivastigmine hydrogen tartrate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Feeling sick, vomiting or diarrhoea
- Reduced appetite and weight loss
- Dizziness or headache
- Sleepiness, fatigue or weakness
- Abdominal discomfort or indigestion
- Tremor
- Increased sweating
- Nightmares, agitation, confusion or anxiety
Get urgent medical advice
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea causing dehydration
- Fainting, marked slowing of the heartbeat or an abnormal rhythm
- Seizure
- Bleeding from the stomach or bowel
- Severe abdominal pain that may indicate pancreatitis
- Worsening movement problems or tremor
- Widespread allergic dermatitis or another severe allergic reaction
rivastigmine hydrogen tartrate in pregnancy
Human pregnancy data are lacking. Product information states that rivastigmine should not be used during pregnancy unless it is clearly necessary, so pregnancy or plans for pregnancy should be discussed with the specialist prescriber.
rivastigmine hydrogen tartrate while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether rivastigmine enters human milk. Product information advises that women taking it should not breastfeed; the prescriber should assess individual circumstances and available alternatives.
rivastigmine hydrogen tartrate interactions
Check the complete medicine list, including non-prescription products, before treatment and when medicines change.
Beta-blockers and other medicines that slow heart rate
Combined effects may cause marked bradycardia, fainting or falls.
Anticholinergic medicines, including oxybutynin and tolterodine
Rivastigmine may oppose their effects, reducing the benefit of one or both treatments.
Common questions about rivastigmine hydrogen tartrate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is rivastigmine hydrogen tartrate used for?
Selected oral products treat symptoms of mild to moderately severe Alzheimer’s dementia and dementia associated with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease.
Does rivastigmine hydrogen tartrate cure dementia?
No. It may temporarily reduce some symptoms but does not cure dementia or reverse the underlying disease.
How does rivastigmine hydrogen tartrate affect the brain?
It slows the breakdown of acetylcholine, increasing the amount available for communication between functioning nerve cells.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.