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Published on: September 17, 2014
[A transdermal patch of rivastigmine (Exelon)]
1Service de Neurologie, CHU Sart Tilman, Liège, Belgique.
Revue Medicale De Liege
|December 5, 2008
Summary
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors offer mild symptom relief for Alzheimer's disease patients. A rivastigmine transdermal patch reduces gastro-intestinal side effects compared to oral forms, maintaining similar efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
- Geriatrics
Context:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder.
- Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) are a mainstay for symptomatic treatment of AD.
- AChEIs can cause significant gastro-intestinal (GI) side effects, often dose-dependent.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of transdermal rivastigmine compared to oral rivastigmine.
- To assess the impact of transdermal delivery on drug concentration and associated side effects.
Summary:
- Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors provide modest symptomatic benefit in Alzheimer's disease.
- Transdermal rivastigmine offers similar efficacy to oral capsules but with reduced peak plasma concentrations.
- This leads to fewer gastro-intestinal side effects, such as nausea and vomiting.
Impact:
- Transdermal rivastigmine represents an improved therapeutic option for Alzheimer's disease management.
- Reduced side effects may enhance patient adherence and long-term treatment outcomes.
- This formulation offers a valuable alternative for patients experiencing intolerable side effects from oral AChEIs.
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