| | Medication Information:
Galantamine (generic) ~ Reminyl (brand) Classification: Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor
Common Usage: Galantamine is used for the treatment of mild to moderate
Alzheimer's disease. CommonMajor Side Effects: The most common side effects occurring in clinical
trials of galantamine were nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia and weight
decrease. Other side effects are less common, but include chest pain,
hypotension, abnormal heart rate, depression, insomnia and somnolence.
This is not a complete list of all known or potential adverse effects.
Notify your prescriber or pharmacist of any symptoms that have started since you
began taking this medication, changing its dose or adding or changing other
medication or diet. Take care when performing any task (such as driving a
car or operating machinery) that requires your attention until you have
experience with this drug and are confident you can perform this task safely. Interactions with Other Medications: Some medications may increase the
effect of galantamine, including ketoconazole (Nizoral), paroxetine (Paxil),
erythromycin (E-mycin), amitriptyline (Elavil), fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine
(Luvox) and quinidine (Cardioquin). Galantamine also may interfere with
the activity of anticholinergic medications.
This is not a complete list of all known or potential drug interactions.
To help prevent problems, always make sure that your pharmacist and all
prescribers know about all medications you are taking, including
over-the-counter drugs; dietary herbal supplements; folk or home remedies; or
unusual foods, drinks or dietary habits. CommonDosages: The recommended dosage range for galantamine is 16-24 mg/day.
Galantamine should be taken twice a day with meals. The recommended
starting dose of galantamine is 4 mg twice daily (8 mg/day). If this is
well-tolerated after an additional 4 weeks, the dose can be increased to 12 mg
twice daily (24 mg/day). If several doses are missed, the patient must
restart at the lowest dose. Galantamine is not recommended for patients
with severe hepatic impairment. In patients with moderate hepatic
impairment, doses above 16 mg/day are not recommended. Identification: Galantamine is available as 4-mg, 8-mg, and 12-mg
Reminyl tablets. All tablets are imprinted with "Janssen" on one side.
On the other side, the tablets are imprinted with "G" and "4," "8" or "12" to
mark their strength. The 4-mg tablets are off-white. The 8-mg tablets are
pink. The 12-mg tablets are orange-brown. Galantamine is also
available in a clear, odorless 4 mg/mL oral solution. Storage: Store this medication at normal room temperature (59° F to 86°
F) in a tightly closed, light- and moisture-resistant container. If you
have difficulty opening child-resistant containers, your pharmacist can provide
a container that is easier to open. Keep the medication out of direct
sunlight and avoid storing it in a warm or humid area - such as the bathroom or
kitchen - to prevent deterioration. To prevent accidental poisoning, keep
all medications out of the reach of children. Do not take an expired
medication. Do not transfer medication from one container to another.
Carefully discard discontinued medication where children cannot find it. Edited by
Lawrence H. Price, M.D. ASERVICE OF…. Psychopharmacology Update
Note: These guidelines are for general information only.For more specific information, consult your physician orpharmacist. |
