Common use
Galantamine is used to treat mild to moderate Alzheimer's type dementia. Galantamine improves the function of nerve cells in the brain. It works by preventing the breakdown of a chemical called acetylcholine (ah see til KO leen). People with dementia usually have lower levels of this chemical, which is important for the processes of memory, thinking, and reasoning.
Dosage and direction
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. The capsule works best if you take it with food. Do not crush, chew, break, or open an extended-release capsule. Swallow it whole.
Precautions
To make sure galantamine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have: urination problems; heart disease or a heart rhythm disorder; a history of stomach ulcer or bleeding; seizures or epilepsy; kidney disease; liver disease; or a history of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Contraindications
You should not use galantamine if you are allergic to it.
It is not known whether galantamine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It is not known whether galantamine passes into breast milk or if it could affect the nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.
Possible side effect
Common side effects of galantamine may include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite; headache, dizziness; or weight loss.
Drug interaction
Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially: atropine; cold or allergy medicine that contains an antihistamine (Benadryl and others); medicine to treat Parkinson's disease; medicine to treat excess stomach acid, stomach ulcer, motion sickness, or irritable bowel syndrome; bladder or urinary medicines - darifenacin, fesoterodine, oxybutynin, tolterodine, solifenacin; bronchodilators - aclidinium, ipratropium, or tiotropium.
Missed dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical attention. Overdose symptoms may include severe nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, muscle weakness or spasm, watery eyes, drooling, increased urination or bowel movements, sweating, slow heart rate, feeling light-headed or fainting, and seizure (convulsions).
Storage
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep away from children and pets.
