We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
Switching from Donepezil Tablets to Rivastigmine Transdermal Patch in Alzheimer's Disease.
- Authors
Sadowsky, Carl H.; Dengiz, Alan; Olin, Jason T.; Koumaras, Barbara; Meng, Xiangyi; Brannan, Stephen
- Abstract
Objective: Evaluate safety and tolerability of switching from donepezil to rivastigmine transdermal patch in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. Methods: Prospective, parallel-group, open-label study to evaluate immediate or delayed switch from 5-10 mg/day donepezil to 4.6 mg/24 h rivastigmine following a 4-week treatment period. Results: Rates of discontinuation due to any reason or adverse events were similar between groups. Incidences of gastrointestinal adverse events were 3.8% in the immediate and 0.8% in the delayed switch group. No patients discontinued secondary to nausea and vomiting. Discontinuations due to application site reactions were low (2.3%). Asymptomatic bradycardia was more common following the immediate switch (2.3% vs 0%); however, these patients had coexisting cardiac comorbidities. Conclusion: Both switch strategies were safe and well tolerated. The majority of patients may be able to switch directly to rivastigmine patches without a withdrawal period. Appropriate clinical judgment should be used for patients with existing bradycardia or receiving β blockers.
- Subjects
ALZHEIMER'S disease treatment; TRANSDERMAL medication; DRUG tolerance; DRUG side effects; NAUSEA; VOMITING
- Publication
American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease & Other Dementias, 2009, Vol 24, Issue 3, p267
- ISSN
1533-3175
- Publication type
Article