Rivastigmine Alzheimer's drug. Blister pack of capsules of the Alzheimer's drug rivastigmine (marketed as Exelon) next to their box. Rivastigmine belongs to a class of drugs known as cholinesterase inhibitors. It inhibits the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which destroys the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Lack of neurotransmitters is thought to play a role in Alzheimer's disease, a common cause of dementia in the elderly. Rivastigmine does not cure the disease, or slow its progression, but it can improve cognitive function.