Galantamine
Description
Galantamine is used to treat mild-to-moderate dementia associated with Alzheimer's disease. This medicine does not cure Alzheimer's but it may slow the loss of or improve the patient's awareness of surroundings, ability to perform daily functions, and ability to think and remember.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Galantamine
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Irregular heartbeat
- Blurred vision
- Nausea or Vomiting
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Weight loss
- Decreased appetite
- Lack or loss of strength
Uses of Galantamine
What is it prescribed for?
- Alzheimer's disease
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time required for this medicine to show its action is not clinically established.
- Duration of effectThe amount of time for which this medicine remains active in the body is not clinically established.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit forming tendencies were reported.
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use if you have a known allergy to galantamine or any other active ingredients present along with it.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
General warnings
Kidney impairment
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with kidney diseases due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Close monitoring of kidney function, appropriate dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Liver impairment
This medicine should be used with caution in patients suffering from liver diseases due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Close monitoring of liver function is necessary while receiving this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Driving or operating machinery
Use of this medicine may cause dizziness, visual disturbances, and drowsiness. Hence, it is advised that you do not perform any activities that require high mental alertness such as driving a vehicle or operating heavy machinery during treatment with this medicine.
Gastrointestinal bleeding
This medicine should be used with caution due to an increase in the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. This risk is especially higher in patients with a history of gastrointestinal disorders. Report any unusual symptoms such as blood in the stool, heartburn, etc. to the doctor immediately. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required based on the clinical condition.
Skin reactions
This medicine may cause serious skin reactions including skin rashes in some patients. In such cases, treatment should be discontinued. Replacement with a suitable alternative may be required based on the clinical condition.
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed dose.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Amitriptyline
Fluoxetine
Erythromycin
Ketoconazole
Disease interactions
Peptic ulcer disease
This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients with peptic ulcer disease since it may worsen the patient's condition. Report any unusual side effects to the doctor on priority. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition.
Respiratory Disorders
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with respiratory disorders such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, etc. since it may worsen the patient's condition. Close monitoring of respiratory function, appropriate dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take this medicine with food. Do not take in larger amounts than advised/prescribed. Consult the doctor if you experience any undesirable effects. Do not stop taking the medicine before completion of the course/without consulting your doctor.
Miscelleneous
How it works
It works by increasing the level of acetylcholine and helps in controlling the symptoms of the disease.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Cholinesterase inhibitors
Schedule
Schedule H
Galantamine - DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2018 [cited 6 December 2018]. Available from:
Galantamine: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Medlineplus.gov. 2018 [cited 6 December 2018]. Available from:
DailyMed - Galantamine- galantamine hydrobromide tablet, film coated [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2019 [cited 14 August 2019]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 16 Aug 2019
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.