DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Memantine Solution (me-MAN-teen)
Brand Name: Namenda

Namenda Solution is used for:

Treating moderate to severe Alzheimer-type dementia. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Namenda Solution is a NMDA-receptor antagonist. It works by blocking excess activity of a substance in the brain called glutamate, which may reduce the symptoms associated with Alzheimer disease. Namenda Solution is not a cure for Alzheimer disease.

Do NOT use Namenda Solution if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Namenda Solution

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

Before using Namenda Solution:

Some medical conditions may interact with Namenda Solution. 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 kidney problems or a condition that raises your urine pH balance (eg, urinary tract infection)

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

• Amantadine, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (eg, acetazolamide), dextromethorphan, ketamine, or sodium bicarbonate because they may increase the risk of Namenda Solution's side effects

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Namenda Solution 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 Namenda Solution:

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

• An extra patient leaflet is available with Namenda Solution. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.
• Take Namenda Solution by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.
• Use the measuring device marked for medicine dosing that came with Namenda Solution. Ask your pharmacist for help if you are unsure of how to measure your dose.
• If you miss a dose of Namenda Solution, 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.

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

Important safety information:

• Namenda Solution may cause dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Namenda Solution with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Namenda Solution while you are pregnant. It is not known if Namenda Solution is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Namenda Solution, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Namenda Solution:

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:

Constipation; dizziness; headache; pain.

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); change in behavior, such as aggressiveness, depression, or anxiety; chest pain or tightness; fainting; hallucinations; one-sided weakness; severe tiredness; speech changes; sudden severe headache; vision changes.

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 confusion; loss of consciousness; mental or mood changes; restlessness; seeing things that are not there (hallucinations); severe drowsiness.

Proper storage of Namenda Solution:

Store Namenda Solution 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 Namenda Solution out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Namenda Solution, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Namenda Solution 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 Namenda Solution. 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.