Drug interactions
Memantine-donepezil + Rivastigmine
Severity: Major
Memantine-donepezil and Rivastigmine: major interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Both are cholinesterase inhibitors, so using them together gives no added benefit and increases cholinergic adverse effects. Nausea, vomiting, bradycardia, syncope and weight loss are more likely.
What this interaction means in plain words
Memantine-donepezil and Rivastigmine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Memantine-donepezil belongs to Central Nervous System; Rivastigmine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Duplicate acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibition.
What to do
Avoid therapeutic duplication and use only one cholinesterase inhibitor. If switching, stop one agent and start the other according to labeling.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Memantine-donepezil
- Dronedarone + Memantine-donepezil Contraindicated
- Memantine-donepezil + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Amantadine + Memantine-donepezil Major
- Amiodarone + Memantine-donepezil Major
- Amisulpride + Memantine-donepezil Major
- Amitriptyline + Memantine-donepezil Major
Other interactions of Rivastigmine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Memantine-donepezil with Rivastigmine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Memantine-donepezil and Rivastigmine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Both are cholinesterase inhibitors, so using them together gives no added benefit and increases cholinergic adverse effects. Nausea, vomiting, bradycardia, syncope and weight loss are more likely.
How serious is the interaction between Memantine-donepezil and Rivastigmine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid therapeutic duplication and use only one cholinesterase inhibitor. If switching, stop one agent and start the other according to labeling.
What other medicines interact with Memantine-donepezil?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Memantine-donepezil with, for example, Dronedarone, Thioridazine, Amantadine. The full list is on the Memantine-donepezil page.
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