Galantamine



Razadyne™; Razadyne™ ER; Reminyl®[DSC]







Galantamine

(ga LAN ta meen)

U.S. Brand Names
Razadyne™; Razadyne™ ER; Reminyl®[DSC]
Canadian Brand Names
Reminyl®; Reminyl® ER
Pharmacologic Category
Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitor (Central)
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to galantamine or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have any of the following conditions: Kidney disease or liver disease.
  • If you are taking any of these medicines: Atropine, benztropine, dicyclomine, glycopyrrolate, hyoscyamine, procyclidine, scopolamine, tolterodine, trihexyphenidyl, or trimethobenzamide.
  • If you are breast-feeding.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to treat Alzheimer's disease.
How does it work?
  • Galantamine increases the amount of a chemical called acetylcholine in the brain. Acetylcholine may be involved in memory, attention, and learning.
How is it best taken?
  • Take this medicine at breakfast and dinner.
  • Drink plenty of noncaffeine-containing liquid unless told to drink less liquid by healthcare provider.
  • A liquid (solution) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Mix with cup of a drink before drinking.
  • Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible, with a meal.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • If you miss more than 3 days of this medicine, start at the lowest dose and increase slowly to the dose you are using now. Stay at each dose for 4 weeks before increasing to next one.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • If you have a slow heartbeat, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have seizures, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor) or other medicines and natural products that slow your actions and reactions. These include sedatives, tranquilizers, mood stabilizers, antihistamines, and other pain medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing.
  • Headache.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Not hungry.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Signs or symptoms of depression, suicidal thoughts, nervousness, emotional ups and downs, abnormal thinking, anxiety, or lack of interest in life.
  • Severe dizziness or passing out.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Severe diarrhea.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
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