An Introduction to Rivastigmine Patch Dosing
The dose of
rivastigmine patch (
Exelon® Patch) that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- How you respond to the patch
- Other medications you may take
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Rivastigmine Patch Dosing for Alzheimer's or Parkinson's Dementia
The starting dose of the
rivastigmine patch for
Alzheimer's or Parkinson's
dementia is one 4.6 mg/24-hour patch applied once daily. After four weeks (if you tolerate the patch well), your healthcare provider should increase your dose to one 9.5 mg/24-hour patch applied once daily. This is the maximum recommended dose. If you develop bothersome or severe
side effects of the rivastigmine patch, your healthcare provider may recommend that you stop using the patch for a short while and then restart at the same or lower dose. If, at any time, you stop using the patch for an extended period, you must start over at the lower dose.
Switching From Rivastigmine Capsules or Solution
If you currently take less than 6 mg per day of rivastigmine capsules or solution, the recommended rivastigmine patch dosage is one 4.6 mg/24-hour patch applied once daily. If you take a higher dose, the recommended dose is one 9.5 mg/24-hour patch applied once daily.