The American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) has issued guidelines for dealing with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in the workplace. The recommendations appear in the June 20
The Committee on Obstetric Practice of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has issued an opinion paper on induction of labor for vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) delivery. ACOG Committee Opinion No. 271 appears in the Apr
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis is the leading cause of hospitalization for infants under the age of one year, according to the study "Respiratory Syncytial Virus-coded Pediatric Hospitalizations, 1997 to 1999." The study appears in th
Updated National Vaccine Supply ShortagesThe August 12, 2002 update from the U.S. Centers for DiseaseControl and Prevention: only those vaccines included on therecommended childhood immunization schedule are included inthis update.
Vertically transmitted, early-onset infection of newborns with group B streptococci (GBS) occurs in 0.4 to 3 per 1,000 live births in populations in the United States and Canada. In infants younger than one week, GBS infection can result in sepsis, pn
At least 15 percent of clinically recognized pregnancies result in miscarriage during the first trimester, and many are routinely treated by surgical evacuation of the uterus. This surgery can have serious complications, including infection, perforati
The treadmill exercise test for diagnosing coronary artery disease (CAD) and risk stratification is used on a routine basis to allow physicians to assess patients and determine the most appropriate intervention. The American College of Cardiology and
Is depression common in women? Yes. Women are twice as likely as men to have depression. About 20 percent of women experience depression at least once during their lifetime. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than 17 mi
If you are headed to the American Academy of Family Physician's 2002 Annual Scientific Assembly in San Diego next month, perhaps you will accept my invitation to stop by the AAFP Publications division booth on the exhibit hall floor. It's a great chan
* Bavaria, which has been known for Alpine peaks and steins of beer, may soon be notable for the safety of its hair salons. According to a study published in BMJ, occupational skin injuries affecting that region's hairdressers are down, in part becaus
Author: Monica Preboth
Date: Sept 15, 2000
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved rivastigmine tartrate (Exelon) for the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. Rivastigmine has been found to improve a patient's daily functioning, behavior and cognition.
According to the manufacturer, rivastigmine is a cholinesterase inhibitor that blocks the breakdown of an important neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is believed to play an important role in memory and cognition; levels of this neurotransmitter seem to be dramatically lower in persons with Alzheimer's disease. Cholinesterase breaks down and inactivates acetylcholine. By inhibiting cholinesterase, more acetylcholine is available for normal memory-related and cognitive functioning.
In clinical trials, patients who used rivastigmine showed significant improvement in areas such as average total word recall and recognition, orientation and ability to speak when compared with patients treated with placebo. The patients treated with rivastigmine tartrate experienced fewer delusions than patients given placebo and engaged in less purposeless activity (e.g., engaging in an activity for no particular reason, such as repeatedly opening and closing a door).
In patients who used rivastigmine, the most common side effects included nausea, vomiting, anorexia, dyspepsia and asthenia. These side effects were usually transient and mild to moderate in severity. Adverse reactions were generally less frequent later in the course of treatment. Patients with known hypersensitivity to rivastigmine, other carbamate derivatives or other components of the formulation should not use rivastigmine tartrate.
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