Brand Name(s): Razadyne ER
Generic Name Galantamine extended-release
What are galantamine extended-release caspules?
GALANTAMINE (Razadyne® ER) helps treat the symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease. It is not a cure for Alzheimer's disease but offers improvement in memory, attention, reason, language, and the ability to perform tasks. Benefits are greater in the early stages of the disease. Generic galantamine extended-release capsules are not yet available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•asthma or other lung disease
•difficulty passing urine
•head injury
•heart disease, or irregular or slow heartbeat
•kidney disease
•liver disease
•low blood pressure
•Parkinson's disease
•seizures (convulsions)
•stomach or intestinal disease, ulcers, or stomach bleeding
•an unusual or allergic reaction to galantamine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take galantamine extended-release capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow with a drink of water. Take just once daily, preferably in the morning. Taking the medication with food and plenty of liquid may help lessen side effects such as upset stomach. Do not chew, crush or cut the capsules. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Continue to take your medicine even if you feel better. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice. Dose increases should not occur more often than every 4 weeks; follow your prescriber's dose recommendations.
If therapy has been stopped for several days or more, your prescriber will restart your therapy at a lower dose.
Following your prescriber's dosing and administration directions may help avoid the most common adverse effects.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. Only take this medicine once per day. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with galantamine?
•amantadine
•atropine
•benztropine
•bosentan
•carbamazepine
•clarithromycin
•cimetidine
•dicyclomine
•digoxin
•donepezil
•erythromycin
•glycopyrrolate
•hyoscyamine
•medications for fungal infections (fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, terbinafine)
•medications for motion sickness (examples: dimenhydrinate, meclizine, scopolamine)
•medications for Parkinson's disease
•medicines that relax your muscles for surgery
•non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (examples: ibuprofen, naproxen)
•oxybutynin
•phenobarbital
•phenytoin
•propantheline
•rifampin, rifabutin, or rifapentine
•rivastigmine
•some medications for depression, anxiety or mood disorders
•some medications for heart disease or high blood pressure
•some medications for HIV infection
•St. John's wort
•tacrine
•tolterodine
•troglitazone
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking galantamine?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
•changes in vision or balance
•diarrhea, if it is severe or does not stop
•difficulty breathing
•difficulty or pain when urinating
•dizziness, fainting spells, or falls
•nervousness, agitation, or increased confusion
•skin rash or hives
•slow heartbeat, or palpitations
•stomach pain
•uncontrollable movements
•vomiting
•weight loss
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•mild diarrhea, especially when starting treatment
•drowsiness
•headache
•indigestion or heartburn
•loss of appetite
•nausea
•tiredness
•trembling
•trouble sleeping
What should I watch for while taking galantamine?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check with your prescriber or health care professional if there is no improvement in your symptoms or if they get worse.
You may get dizzy or feel faint. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how galantamine affects you.
If you are going to have surgery tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking galantamine.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Keep container tightly closed.
| Available at: www.DrugDigest.org | Last Updated:05/02/2005 |
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