Galantamine (By mouth)
ga-LAN-ta-meen
Treats dementia.
Drug classes
Central Nervous System Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Galantamine is used to treat mild to moderate dementia (memory loss and mental changes) that is a sign of Alzheimer’s disease. Galantamine will not cure Alzheimer’s disease, and it will not stop the disease from getting worse. However, galantamine can improve the thinking ability in some patients with Alzheimer’s disease.
In Alzheimer’s disease, many chemical changes take place in the brain. One of the earliest and biggest changes is that there is less of a chemical called acetylcholine (ACh). ACh helps the brain to work properly. Galantamine slows the breakdown of ACh, so it can build up and have a greater effect. However, as Alzheimer’s disease gets worse, there will be less and less ACh, so galantamine may not work as well.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Long Acting Capsule, Liquid, Tablet
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
Extended-release capsule:
It is best to take the capsule with your morning meal. Swallow the extended-release capsule whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.Oral liquid:
Follow the instruction sheet for the proper dosing of the oral liquid. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Take your medicine with your morning and evening meals. Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.Tablet: Take the tablet with your morning and evening meals.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. If you miss your dose for more than 3 days, call your doctor right away. You may need to go back to a lower dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze the oral liquid.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines can affect how galantamine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
Bethanechol, cimetidine, ketoconazole, paroxetine Medicine for heart rhythm problems NSAID pain or arthritis medicine,
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to galantamine.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart rhythm problems, asthma, lung problems, or any stomach or bowel problems, such as a blockage, ulcers, or bleeding. Tell your doctor if you recently had stomach surgery.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Serious skin reactions Heart rhythm problems Stomach or bowel problemsDrink extra fluids to stay hydrated. This will help reduce the side effects of this medicine.
Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash
Bloody or black, tarry stools, or vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
Chest pain, slow or uneven heartbeat, shallow breathing, fainting
Decrease in how much or how often you urinate
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Dizziness
Nausea or vomiting
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Razadyne, Razadyne ER, Razadyne IR
There may be other brand names for this medicine.