Transdermal rivastigmine for dementia - Nursing Link 0 Comments Share Flag as inappropriate The rivastigmine patch is the first transdermal treatment for symptoms of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and mild to moderate Parkinson’s disease dementia (Table). Rivastigmine, a cholinesterase inhibitor, is the only therapy approved for both indications.Rivastigmine is metabolized by its target cholinesterase enzymes to the decarbamylated metabolite NAP 226-90, which has minimal acetylcholinesterase inhibition and is excreted through the urine.1 As a result of its low accumulation potential and cytochrome P 450-independent metabolism, rivastigmine has low potential for pharmacokinetic drug–drug interactions. This lack of interaction has been confirmed for many drugs commonly taken by elderly patients, such as digoxin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and estrogens.
