Rivastigmine: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan

Rivastigmine is a cholinesterase inhibitor for dementia. It is a prescription medicine used for alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease dementia. In Pakistan it is available as capsules and tablets, made by 3 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.

How Rivastigmine works

Rivastigmine blocks the enzymes that break down acetylcholine, a brain chemical involved in memory, learning and attention. People with dementia have lower levels of acetylcholine, so keeping more of it available can improve communication between nerve cells.

What is Rivastigmine used for?

• Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease dementia

Rivastigmine is used to treat the symptoms of mild to moderate dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease, and dementia linked to Parkinson's disease. It can help with memory, thinking and day-to-day functioning for a time, although it does not stop the underlying disease from progressing. It is available as capsules, oral solution and skin patches.

Side effects of Rivastigmine

Rivastigmine often causes stomach-related effects, particularly when treatment starts or the dose goes up. These include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite or weight loss
• Dizziness
• Diarrhoea
• Skin redness or itching under the patch

Seek medical help for severe or persistent vomiting, fainting or a very slow heartbeat, black or bloody stools, or seizures.

Precautions and warnings

• Take capsules with food, and with patches remove the old one before applying a new one and change the site each time.
• The dose is increased gradually; if doses are missed for several days, speak to your doctor before restarting.
• Tell your doctor if you have a slow or irregular heartbeat, stomach ulcers, asthma or COPD, difficulty passing urine or epilepsy.
• Let your doctor know about all other medicines, including those for Parkinson's disease, bladder problems or heart conditions.
• Weight should be checked regularly, and carers should watch for loss of appetite.

Frequently asked questions about Rivastigmine

What is the price of Rivastigmine in Pakistan?

At Medimart, Rivastigmine products currently in stock range from Rs 667 to Rs 40,238 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Zivas 3mg Tablet at Rs 667. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.

Which brands of Rivastigmine are available in Pakistan?

Rivastigmine is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Exelon (Novartis Pharma (Pakistan)ltd), Mizraf (Araf Pvt Ltd) and Zivas (A'raf).

Do I need a prescription for Rivastigmine?

Yes. Rivastigmine is a prescription medicine in Pakistan. Use it only when a doctor has prescribed it, at the dose and for the time they advise.

Are all Rivastigmine brands the same?

Brands that contain the same amount of Rivastigmine in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.

Rivastigmine brands and prices in Pakistan

Medimart lists 8 products containing Rivastigmine from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.

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