Exelon Side Effects
Generic name: rivastigmine
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 29, 2024.
Note: This document contains side effect information about rivastigmine. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Exelon.
Applies to rivastigmine: transdermal patch extended release. Other dosage forms:
Serious side effects of Exelon
Along with its needed effects, rivastigmine (the active ingredient contained in Exelon) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking rivastigmine:
More common
- Bladder pain
- bloody or cloudy urine
- difficult, burning, or painful urination
- frequent urge to urinate
- lower back or side pain
Less common
- Blurred vision
- dizziness
- headache
- loss of bladder control
- nervousness
- pounding in the ears
- slow or fast heartbeat
Rare
- Abdominal or stomach pain or tenderness
- arm, back, or jaw pain
- chest pain, tightness, heaviness, or discomfort
- confusion
- convulsions
- decreased urine
- difficult or troubled breathing
- dilated neck veins
- extreme fatigue
- false beliefs that cannot be changed by facts
- irregular breathing
- irregular heartbeat
- loss of consciousness
- rapid breathing
- seizures
- severe nausea or vomiting
- shortness of breath
- sunken eyes
- swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs
- wrinkled skin
Incidence not known
- Blistering, burning, crusting, dryness, or flaking of the skin
- burning, itching, redness, skin rash, swelling, or soreness at the application site
- fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
- hives or welts
- itching
- itching, scaling, severe redness, soreness, or swelling of the skin
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking rivastigmine:
Symptoms of overdose
- Blurred vision
- dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
- increasing muscle weakness
- irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing
- pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin
- slow or irregular heartbeat
- sweating
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- watering of mouth
Other side effects of Exelon
Some side effects of rivastigmine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
- Diarrhea
- discouragement
- fear
- feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
- feeling sad or empty
- irritability
- lack of appetite
- lack or loss of strength
- loss of interest or pleasure
- nausea
- redness at the application site
- sensation of spinning
- stomach pain
- tiredness
- trouble concentrating
- trouble sleeping
- upper stomach pain
- vomiting
- weight loss
Rare
- Blindness
- burning, stinging, or pain at application site
- continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears
- decreased vision
- difficulty with moving
- eye pain
- hearing loss
- itchy skin
- muscle pain or stiffness
- pain in the joints
- pale skin
- tearing
- troubled breathing with exertion
- unusual bleeding or bruising
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to rivastigmine: oral capsule, oral solution, transdermal film extended release.
Dermatologic
Common (1% to 10%): Hyperhidrosis
Rare (less than 0.1%): Rash
Frequency not reported: Pruritus
Postmarketing reports: Stevens-Johnson syndrome disseminated allergic dermatitis[Ref]
Cardiovascular
Common (1% to 10%): Hypertension, bradycardia
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypotension
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Angina pectoris
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Cardiac arrhythmia (e.g., bradycardia, atrioventricular block, atrial fibrillation, tachycardia)
Frequency not reported: Sick sinus syndrome[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Very common (10% or more): Nausea (47%), vomiting (31%)diarrhea (19%), abdominal pain (13%)
Common (1% to 10%): Dyspepsia, salivary hypersecretion, upper abdominal pain, flatulence, eructation
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Gastric and duodenal ulcers
Very rare (less than 0.01%): GI hemorrhage, pancreatitis
Frequency not reported: Some cases of severe vomiting were associated with esophageal rupture[Ref]
Genitourinary
Common (1% to 10%): Urinary incontinence
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Urinary tract infection[Ref]
Hepatic
Frequency not reported: Elevated liver function tests, hepatitis[Ref]
Nervous system
Very common (10% or more): Tremor (23%), dizziness (21%)
Common (1% to 10%): Somnolence, bradykinesia, dyskinesia, cogwheel rigidity, hypokinesia, vertigo, psychomotor hyperactivity, gait disturbance, Parkinson gait, headache
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Syncope, dystonia
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Seizures[Ref]
Psychiatric
Common (1% to 10%): Insomnia, confusion, depression, anxiety, hallucination, agitation, restlessness, nightmares[Ref]
Local
Common (1% to 10%): Application site erythema, application site irritation (e.g., pruritus, rash)
Postmarketing reports: Application site hypersensitivity, urticaria, blister, allergic dermatitis[Ref]
Metabolic
Very common (10% or more): Anorexia (17%)
Common (1% to 10%): Decreased appetite
Frequency not reported: Dehydration[Ref]
Other
Common (1% to 10%): Asthenia, weight loss, fatigue, malaise, fall[Ref]
Respiratory
Common (1% to 10%): Rhinitis[Ref]
More about Exelon (rivastigmine)
- Check interactions
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- Reviews (15)
- Drug images
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Generic availability
- Drug class: cholinesterase inhibitors
Patient resources
- Exelon drug information
- Exelon (Rivastigmine Oral) (Advanced Reading)
- Exelon (Rivastigmine Transdermal) (Advanced Reading)
- Exelon (Rivastigmine Capsules)
- Exelon (Rivastigmine Patch)
Professional resources
Related treatment guides
References
1. Product Information. Exelon (rivastigmine). Novartis Pharmaceuticals. 2001;PROD.
2. Monastero R, Lopez G, Mannino M, Camarda R. Erythematous maculopapular eruption due to rivastigmine therapy. Am J Med. 2001;111:583-4.
3. Cerner Multum, Inc. UK Summary of Product Characteristics.
4. Kayrak M, Yazici M, Ayhan SS, Koc F, Ulgen MS. Complete atrioventricular block associated with rivastigmine therapy. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2008;65:1051-3.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.