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Rivastigmine and Concomitant Memantine in Alzheimer's Disease: Safety and Tolerability

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 November 2014

Beth Safirstein ,
Xiangyi Meng  and
Jason T. Olin
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Abstract

Background: Investigate the safety and tolerability of rivastigmine capsules and transdermal patch in patients with moderate Alzheimer's disease receiving concomitant memantine.

Methods: Safety data from two prospective, open-label, multicenter trials were analyzed. Study US32: patients received rivastigmine capsules (3–12 mg/day) plus memantine (20 mg/day). Study US38: patients switched from donepezil to rivastigmine patches (4.6 mg/24 hours) immediately or following 7 days' withdrawal; ∼50% received concomitant memantine (20 mg/day).

Results: The rivastigmine patch demonstrated more favorable tolerability than rivastigmine capsules, being associated with fewer adverse events (AEs) (73% versus 83%), serious AEs (10% versus 23%) and gastrointestinal symptoms (4% versus 26% for nausea; 4% versus 11% for vomiting). Application site reactions occurred in 17% of patients.

Conclusion: Concomitant memantine treatment with rivastigmine patch and capsule is generally well tolerated. The favorable tolerability and safety profile of rivastigmine transdermal patch is not further improved with concomitant memantine. Recommendations to minimize application site reactions are provided.

Type
Original Research
Information
CNS Spectrums , Volume 15 , Issue 9 , September 2010 , pp. 594 - 598
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2010

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