This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Reminyl Consumer Information
REMINYL
Generic Name: galantamine (gah LAN tah meen)
Brand Names: Reminyl
What is the most important information I should know about galantamine?
- Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Galantamine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
What is galantamine?
- Galantamine is used to treat Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease is associated with low levels of a chemical called acetylcholine (ah see til KOH leen) in the brain. The exact way that galantamine works is unknown. However, it is believed that galantamine prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine in the brain.
- Galantamine is used to improve thinking and memory in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
- Galantamine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Who should not take galantamine?
- Before taking galantamine, tell your doctor if you:
- have significant nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, or weight loss;
- have difficulty urinating;
- have heart disease such as a slow or irregular heartbeat;
- have a history of stomach ulcers;
- have seizures or a history of seizures;
- have kidney disease;
- have liver disease;
- have a history of asthma or obstructive pulmonary disease; or
- need to have surgery.
- You may not be able to take galantamine or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
- Galantamine is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not take galantamine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
- It is also not known whether galantamine passes into breast milk. Do not take galantamine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take galantamine?
- Take galantamine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Galantamine is usually taken twice a day, with the morning and evening meals. Follow your doctor's directions.
- Galantamine should be taken with food.
- Take each dose with a full glass of water.
- If treatment with galantamine is stopped for several days or longer, treatment should be restarted at the lowest dose and slowly increased to the current dose. Contact your doctor before restarting treatment with galantamine
- Store galantamine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of galantamine unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention.
- Symptoms of a galantamine overdose include severe nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, watering mouth, eye watering, sweating, slow heartbeat, slow breathing, muscle weakness, seizures, and collapse.
What should I avoid while taking galantamine?
- Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Galantamine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
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