Galantamine is used to treat mild to moderate confusion
(dementia) related to Alzheimer's disease. It does not cure Alzheimer's
disease, but it may improve memory, awareness, and the ability to perform
daily functions. This medication works by restoring the balance of certain
natural substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain.
Read the Instructions for Use if available from your
pharmacist before you start taking galantamine and each time you get a
refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with food as directed by
your doctor, usually twice daily with the morning and evening meals. Drink
plenty of fluids with this medication unless instructed otherwise. The
dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To
reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this
medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your
doctor's instructions carefully.
If you are using the liquid form of this medication,
carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not
use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. Mix your
dose of medication in about 4 ounces (120 milliliters) of nonalcoholic
beverage, stir, and drink the entire mixture right away.
If you stop taking galantamine for longer than 3 days,
consult your doctor before restarting your medication. Your doctor may
direct you to restart this medication at a low dose.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each
day.
Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or
for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and
your risk of side effects will increase.
It may take at least 4 weeks of continued use to get the
full benefit of this drug.
Tell your doctor if your condition gets
worse.
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, loss
of appetite, or weight loss may occur. If any of these effects last or get
worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- slow heartbeat
- difficulty urinating
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- seizures
- black/bloody stools
- vomit that looks bloody or like coffee grounds
- severe stomach/abdominal pain
- fast/irregular heartbeat
- severe dizziness
- fainting
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking galantamine, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to benzgalantamine or to daffodil
plants; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain
inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- liver problems
- kidney problems
- stomach/intestinal problems (such as ulcers, bleeding)
- heart problems (such as sick sinus syndrome, AV block,
arrhythmias)
- breathing/lung problems (such as asthma, chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease-COPD)
- seizures
- problems urinating (such as due to enlarged prostate)
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or
marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use
machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely.
Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
Galantamine may cause a condition that affects the heart
rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely
fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe
dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right
away.
The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have
certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT
prolongation. Before using galantamine, tell your doctor or pharmacist of
all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following
conditions:
- certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT
prolongation in the EKG)
- family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in
the EKG, sudden cardiac death)
Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may
also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you
use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have
conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your
doctor about using galantamine safely.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects
of this drug, especially QT prolongation (see above).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Other medications can affect the removal of galantamine
from your body, which may affect how galantamine works. Examples include
amitriptyline, azole antifungals (such as ketoconazole), quinidine, SSRI
antidepressants (such as paroxetine), among others.
Galantamine is very similar to benzgalantamine. Do not
use medications containing benzgalantamine while using
galantamine.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include muscle
weakness or twitching, severe stomach cramping, slow or shallow breathing,
slow/fast/irregular heartbeat, fainting, and seizures.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as weight monitoring)
should be done before you start taking this medication and while you are
taking it. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for
more details.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. Do not freeze. Keep all medications away from
children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.