If you or a loved one has mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s‑related dementia, you’ve probably heard about a skin‑applied version of the drug rivastigmine. It’s called the rivastigmine patch, and it delivers the medication straight through the skin into the bloodstream. This transdermal route avoids the stomach, so you get steadier drug levels and fewer stomach upset compared with pills.
Rivastigmine is a cholinesterase inhibitor – it stops the breakdown of acetylcholine, a brain chemical that helps with memory and thinking. The patch releases a low, constant dose over 24 hours, which means you only need to change it once a day. Because the drug isn’t swallowed, you skip the common nausea and vomiting that many people report with oral forms. For busy caregivers, a single daily change is a real time‑saver.
1. Pick a clean, dry, hair‑free spot on the upper back, chest, or upper arm. Avoid areas with cuts, rashes, or excessive hair. 2. Wash your hands, then open the pouch. Do not touch the sticky side with your fingers. 3. Press the patch firmly for at least 30 seconds to make sure it sticks. 4. Set a reminder to replace it at the same time every day – usually in the morning.
When you take a new patch off, discard the old one safely. If the patch falls off early, you can usually re‑apply a new one, but don’t double up. A short tape or hypoallergenic bandage can help keep it in place if your skin is sweaty.
Starting dose is usually 4.6 mg/24 h. After about four weeks, doctors often increase it to 9.5 mg/24 h if you tolerate it well. The highest recommended dose is 13.3 mg/24 h. Never jump straight to the top dose – gradual titration cuts down the risk of side effects.
Common side effects include mild skin irritation at the site, dizziness, loss of appetite, and trouble sleeping. Most people find the skin irritation eases after the first week. If you get a rash that spreads, severe itching, or any sign of an allergic reaction, take the patch off and call your doctor right away.
Things to watch out for:
When you stop the patch, do it under medical supervision. Suddenly stopping can cause a quick drop in acetylcholine levels, which might worsen confusion or cause hallucinations.
Overall, the rivastigmine patch is a handy option for people who struggle with pills or have stomach upset from oral meds. It gives steady symptom control, simplifies daily routines, and lets caregivers focus on other care tasks. As always, talk with your healthcare provider to see if the patch fits your specific condition, other meds, and health history.
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