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Overview: Galantamine is used to treat mild to moderate dementia related to Alzheimer’s disease. It works by preventing the breakdown of a brain chemical called acetylcholine, which helps improve memory and thinking. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, and decreased appetite. Call your health care provider right away if you have a painful rash that looks burned, blisters in your mouth or genitals, chest pain, trouble breathing, or uncontrolled movements. Galantamine is available as extended-release capsules, tablets, and liquid.

Uses

What is galantamine used for?

Galantamine is commonly used to treat mild to moderate dementia related to Alzheimer’s disease.

Galantamine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does galantamine work (mechanism of action)?

People with Alzheimer’s disease typically have a decrease in the amount of acetylcholine in their brain. Acetylcholine is a natural chemical in the brain that helps carry messages between brain cells. When there is less acetylcholine, it leads to problems in memory and thinking. Galantamine may help manage symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease by preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine, allowing more acetylcholine to build up in the brain. 

How is galantamine supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Razadyne

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 8 mg, 16 mg, and 24 mg extended-release oral capsules
  • 4 mg/mL oral solution
  • 4 mg, 8 mg, and 12 mg oral tablets

How should I store galantamine?

Galantamine should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of galantamine?

The most common side effects of galantamine are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Decreased appetite

There may be other side effects of galantamine that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of galantamine?

While less common, the most serious side effects of galantamine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Galantamine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking galantamine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Severe Skin Reactions. Galantamine can cause severe skin reactions called Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) that can lead to death if not treated. If you have a rash, stop galantamine and call your health care provider right away. Get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of SJS or AGEP.

  • Painful skin that looks burned and peels off
  • Flat rash or blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitals
  • Red, painful, watery eyes

Heart Rhythm Changes. Galantamine may cause heart rhythm problems that can lead to an irregular heartbeat and fainting. In rare cases, this may cause the heart to suddenly stop beating (cardiac arrest). Some people have a higher risk of this, including people with existing heart disease or who take other medicines that affect the heart. Get emergency help if you experience any of the following signs of heart rhythm changes.

  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or fainting
  • Changes in your heart rate or rhythm, such as a fast, slow, pounding or skipping heartbeat

Inability to Empty Bladder (Urinary Retention). Galantamine might make it harder to empty your bladder. Call your health care provider right away if you cannot empty your bladder.

Seizures. Some people who have taken galantamine have reported having seizures. There are many different types of seizures and some of them are not easy to recognize. Stop taking galantamine and call your health care provider if you experience any of the following signs that a seizure is happening or could happen.

  • Muscle twitching, jerking, spasms, tremors, or other uncontrolled movements
  • Stiffening of your arms and legs
  • Feeling anxious, nervous, confused, or a sense of dread
  • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • Falling or losing consciousness

Movement Problems. Galantamine may rarely cause involuntary movement problems, including shakiness, stiffness, or jerkiness. Call your health care provider right away if you get any unusual or uncontrolled movements.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use galantamine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take galantamine.

  • Galantamine
  • Razadyne
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific galantamine products they stock.

What should I know about galantamine before using it?

Do not take galantamine unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share galantamine with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep galantamine out of the reach of children.

It’s important for people who are taking galantamine to drink plenty of fluids.

Extended-Release Oral Capsules. Galantamine extended-release oral capsules should be taken once daily in the morning, preferably with food.

Oral Solution. Galantamine oral solution should be taken twice per day, preferably with your morning and evening meals. Use the syringe that comes with your medicine to draw up your dose. Empty all the medicine in the syringe into 3 to 4 ounces (100 mL) of any non-alcoholic drink. Stir the drink well, and drink all of the mixture right away. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. A patient instruction sheet is enclosed in your medicine to show you how to use the oral syringe.

Oral Tablets. Galantamine oral tablets should be taken twice per day, preferably with your morning and evening meals.

What should I tell my health care provider before using galantamine?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if galantamine is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Galantamine may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking galantamine, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how galantamine could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if galantamine passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take galantamine while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does galantamine interact with foods or drinks?

It is preferable to take galantamine with food.

There are no known interactions between galantamine and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect galantamine. The risk of dizziness may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking galantamine.

Does galantamine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Galantamine interacts with many other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking galantamine.

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and others, which are contained in many prescription and OTC products for pain, swelling, and fever
  • Anticholinergic medicine, which includes antihistamines and medicines commonly used for overactive bladder, Parkinson’s disease, or stomach problems
  • Anesthesia given to you by your health care provider during surgery, medical procedures, or dental procedures
  • A type of medicine called a cholinergic, which includes bethanechol (which may be used for urinary retention), and certain other medicines commonly used for dry mouth, dry eyes, and glaucoma

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with galantamine. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much galantamine?

If you or someone else has used too much galantamine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of galantamine?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

If you miss more than 3 days of galantamine, talk to your health care provider for instructions before starting again.