Open AccessDose effects associated with rivastigmine transdermal patch in patients with mild‐to‐moderate Alzheimer’s disease
Author(s) -
Grossberg G. T.,
Olin J. T.,
Somogyi M.,
Meng X.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
international journal of clinical practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.756
H-Index - 98
eISSN - 1742-1241
pISSN - 1368-5031
DOI - 10.1111/j.1742-1241.2011.02641.x
Subject(s) - rivastigmine , transdermal patch , medicine , placebo , transdermal , cholinesterase , anesthesia , pharmacology , dementia , disease , donepezil , alternative medicine , pathology
Summary Aim: The cholinesterase inhibitor rivastigmine is available in both oral and transdermal forms. The efficacy of oral rivastigmine appears to be dose‐dependent. The current analysis investigates the effect of dose on the efficacy of the rivastigmine transdermal patch. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of a large, international, 24‐week, randomised, placebo‐ and active‐controlled trial (IDEAL, CENA713D2320) of rivastigmine in patients with mild‐to‐moderate Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Patients received the 9.5 mg/24 h rivastigmine patch, the 17.4 mg/24 h rivastigmine patch, 12 mg/day rivastigmine capsules or placebo. Changes from baseline at week 24 on the AD Assessment Scale–cognitive subscale (ADAS‐cog), AD Cooperative Study–Clinical Global Impression of Change (ADCS‐CGIC) and the AD Cooperative Study–Activities of Daily Living (ADCS‐ADL) scale were calculated based on the patient’s mode and last prescribed patch dose. The analysis included the 4.6 mg/24 h and 13.3 mg/24 h patch doses, for which efficacy data have not previously been reported. Results: Significant differences (p < 0.05 vs. placebo) were seen on the ADAS‐cog and ADCS‐ADL for all mode rivastigmine patch doses (except 4.6 mg/24 h) and all last prescribed rivastigmine patch doses (except 4.6 mg/24 h and 13.3 mg/24 h). Patients with a last prescribed/mode patch dose of 9.5 mg/24 h and 13.3 mg/24 h showed significant improvements (p < 0.05 vs. placebo) on the ADCS‐CGIC. Conclusion: Rivastigmine patch doses higher than 9.5 mg/24 h may offer additional benefits. The 13.3 mg/24 h patch is worthy of further investigation.