Galantamine

(ga LAN ta meen)

U.S. Brand Names

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

Canadian Brand Names

Reminyl®; Reminyl® ER

Mexican Brand Names

Reminyl

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 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 tablet or solution at breakfast and dinner.

• Long-acting products: Take at breakfast.

• 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.

• Drink plenty of noncaffeine-containing liquid unless told to drink less liquid by healthcare provider.

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 lung disease, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have seizures, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have a slow heartbeat, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have had an ulcer or bleeding from your stomach or intestines, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have urinary tract blockage, 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).

• 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?

• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• 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 solution from light.

• Protect capsules and 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).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.



Created: 2006-10-13 12:48:52.0

Modified: 2008-02-11 13:08:59.0

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