GENERIC NAME: GALANTAMINE - ORAL (ga-LAN-ta-meen)
BRAND NAME(S): Razadyne, Reminyl
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: Galantamine is used to treat mild to moderate confusion (dementia) related to Alzheimer's disease. It does not cure Alzheimer's disease, but it may improve memory, awareness, and the ability to perform daily functions. This medication works by restoring the balance of certain natural substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with food, usually twice daily with the morning and evening meals, or as directed by your doctor. Drink plenty of fluids with this medication unless instructed otherwise. To lower your risk of side effects, your dosage will be gradually increased to your target dose. Your dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Do not take more than the maximum recommended dose of 24 milligrams per day.If you are using the liquid form of this drug, read the manufacturer's instruction sheet that comes with the bottle. Follow the directions exactly. Use the measuring device that comes with the product to measure out your dose. Mix your dose of medication in about 4 ounces (120 milliliters) of nonalcoholic beverage, stir, and drink the entire mixture. Ask your pharmacist about any information that is unclear.If you stop taking galantamine for longer than 3 days, your doctor may direct you to restart this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose to reduce your risk of side effects. Carefully follow your doctor's instructions.Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Do not stop taking it or increase the dosage unless your doctor instructs you to do so.It may take at least 4 weeks of continued use before the full benefit of this drug takes effect.Inform your doctor if your condition worsens.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, loss of appetite, and weight loss may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: fainting, unusually slow heartbeat, difficult urination.Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: seizures, black/bloody stools, vomit that looks bloody or like coffee grounds, severe stomach/abdominal pain, irregular heartbeat.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking galantamine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to daffodil plants; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: severe liver disease, severe kidney disease.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver problems, kidney problems, stomach/intestinal problems (e.g., ulcers, bleeding), heart problems (e.g., sick sinus syndrome, bradycardia, AV block, arrhythmias), breathing/lung problems (e.g., severe asthma, COPD-chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), seizures, problems urinating (e.g., due to enlarged prostate).This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: anticholinergic drugs (e.g., atropine, benztropine, diphenhydramine, scopolamine, tolterodine), aspirin (high doses used for arthritis), cholinergic drugs (e.g., bethanechol), cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., neostigmine), long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen), drugs affecting liver enzymes that remove galantamine from your body (such as azole antifungals including ketoconazole, amitriptyline, SSRI antidepressants including paroxetine, quinidine).Also report the use of heart drugs (those that decrease heart rate or block AV impulse conduction) such as: beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol, propranolol), calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem, verapamil), digoxin.Check all prescription and nonprescription medicine labels carefully since many medications contain pain relievers/fever reducers (NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen) which, if taken together with galantamine, may increase your risk for stomach/intestinal bleeding. Low-dose aspirin, as prescribed by your doctor for specific medical reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams per day), should be continued. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
SLIDESHOW
The Stages of Dementia: Alzheimer's Disease and Aging Brains See SlideshowOVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include muscle weakness or twitching, severe stomach cramping, slow or shallow breathing, slow/fast/irregular heartbeat, fainting, and seizures.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.Since galantamine may cause loss of appetite and weight loss, your doctor should monitor your weight before and during treatment with this medication.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not freeze. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Information last revised December 2013. Copyright(c) 2013 First Databank, Inc.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.
CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
Top galantamine Related Articles
Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease is a common cause of dementia. Symptoms and warning signs of Alzheimer's disease include memory loss, difficulty performing familiar tasks, disorientation to time and place, misplacing things, and more. The biggest risk factor for Alzheimer's disease is increased age. Treatment for Alzheimer's is often targeted toward decreasing the symptoms and progression of the disease.
Cholinesterase Inhibitors (Side Effects, Uses, Interactions)
Cholinesterase inhibitors (acetylchlinesterase inhibitors) are medications that block the breakdown acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter), and that block the action of acetylchlinesterase in the body. Researchers believe that decreased levels of acetylcholine in the brain causes Alzheimer's disease and dementia symptoms.
Cholinesterase inhibitors are prescribed for the treatment and management of dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease. They also are used for the treatment and management of Parkinson's disease, glaucoma, myasthenia gravis, schizophrenia, and Lewy body dementia.
Common side effects of cholinesterase inhibitors are insomnia, abnormal dreams, weight loss, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, and fatigue. More serious side effect include hallucinations, confusion, fainting, high blood pressure, and frequent urination.
Cholinesterase inhibitors interacts with some drugs. These drugs should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Dementia
Dementia is defined as a significant loss of intellectual abilities such as memory capacity, severe enough to interfere with social or occupational functioning. There are several different types of dementia, including cortical, subcortical, progressive, primary, and secondary dementias. Other conditions and medication reactions can also cause dementia. Dementia is diagnosed based on a certain set of criteria. Treatment for dementia is generally focused on the symptoms of the disease.
The Stages of Dementia: Alzheimer's Disease and Aging Brains
What are the symptoms of dementia? What causes dementia? Dementia includes many disorders, such as Lewy Body dementia, Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and more. Learn the warning signs of dementia.donepezil (Aricept)
Donepezil (Aricept) is a medication prescribed for the treatment of mild, moderate, or severe dementia associated with Alzheimer's disease. The most common side effects associated with donepezil are headache, generalized pain, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, muscle cramping, joint pain, insomnia, and increased frequency of urination.
Alzheimer's Disease: Financial Planning
Alzheimer's disease can be not only mentally devastating to an indivdiual and family, it can also be emotionally devastating. Preparing financially for someone with Alzheimer's disease is an important task to complete so that bills get paid and the best coverage is provided. Learn what Medicade and Medicare will provide for a patient.
Mental Health
Mental health is an optimal way of thinking, relating to others, and feeling. All of the diagnosable mental disorders fall under the umbrella of mental illness. Depression, anxiety, and substance-abuse disorders are common types of mental illness. Symptoms and signs of mental illness include irritability, moodiness, insomnia, headaches, and sadness. Treatment may involve psychotherapy and medication.Exelon (rivastigmine, Exelon Patch)
Exelon and Exelon Patch (Rivastigmine) is a drug prescribed for the treatment of mild to moderate dementia of the Alzheimer's type and mild to moderate dementia associated with Parkinson's disease. Side effects include
- diarrhea,
- nausea,
- weight loss, and
- vomiting.
Dosage, drug interactions, warnings and precautions, and pregnancy and breastfeeding safety should be reviewed prior to taking this medication.
tacrine, (Cognex - discontinued in the U.S.)
tacrine (Cognex - discontinued in the U.S.) is a drug prescribed for the treatment of mild to moderate dementia of the Alzheimer's type. Side effects, drug interactions, and dosing information should be reviewed prior to taking this medication.