DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Galantamine Tablets (gal-AN-ta-meen)
Brand Name: Razadyne

Galantamine is used for:

Treating mild to moderate dementia (eg, impairment of memory or judgement, abstract thinking, changes in personality) in patients with Alzheimer disease.

Galantamine is a cholinesterase inhibitor. It works by increasing the amount of a certain substance (acetylcholine) in the brain, which may help reduce symptoms of dementia in patients with Alzheimer disease.

Do NOT use Galantamine if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Galantamine
• you have severely decreased liver or kidney function

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Galantamine :

Some medical conditions may interact with Galantamine . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have a history of liver or kidney problems, certain heart problems (eg, slow or irregular heartbeat, sick sinus syndrome), stomach or bowel problems (eg, ulcer, blockage), lung or breathing problems (eg, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD]), or urinary blockage
• if you have brain lesions or tumors, increased pressure in the brain, recent head injury, or a history of seizures (eg, epilepsy)
• if you have dementia or other decreased mental ability that is not caused by Alzheimer disease

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Galantamine . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen) because the risk of stomach or bowel bleeding may be increased
• Cholinergic agents (eg, bethanechol), cholinesterase inhibitors (eg, donepezil), ketoconazole, or serotonin specific reuptake inhibitors (eg, paroxetine) because they may increase the risk of Galantamine 's side effects
• Anticholinergics (eg, scopolamine) because their effectiveness may be decreased by Galantamine

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Galantamine may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Galantamine :

Use Galantamine as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Galantamine by mouth with the morning and evening meals, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
• Drinking extra fluids while you are taking Galantamine is recommended. Check with your doctor for instructions.
• Take Galantamine on a regular schedule to get the most benefit from it.
• Taking Galantamine at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.
• Continue to take Galantamine even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
• If you miss a dose of Galantamine , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once. Contact your doctor if you miss several doses of Galantamine . Your doctor may need to restart your medicine at a lower dose to avoid side effects.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Galantamine .

Important safety information:

• Galantamine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or fainting. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Galantamine with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Do not take more than the recommended dose without checking with your doctor.
• When you begin taking Galantamine , your doctor will increase your dose slowly over several months. This may help to decrease the risk of certain side effects (eg, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). Carefully follow the dosing schedule prescribed by your doctor.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Galantamine before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• Galantamine should not be used in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Galantamine while you are pregnant. It is not known if Galantamine is found in breast milk. Galantamine is not approved for use in women who may be breast-feeding.

Possible side effects of Galantamine :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Diarrhea; dizziness; headache; loss of appetite; nausea; stomach upset; tiredness; vomiting; weight loss.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody, black, or tarry stools; chest pain; decreased urination; depression; fainting; fever; seizures; severe or persistent tiredness or weakness; slow or irregular heartbeat; tremor.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include fainting; increased sweating or saliva production; loss of bowel control; loss of consciousness; muscle weakness; seizures; severe dizziness; severe nausea or vomiting; slow heartbeat; slow or shallow breathing; stomach cramping.

Proper storage of Galantamine :

Store Galantamine at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Galantamine out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Galantamine , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Galantamine is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Galantamine . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.