Galantamine
About
Galantamine belongs to a group of medicines called 'anti-dementia agents' used to treat mild to moderate dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease is a neurological disorder, which causes dementia (memory loss), and slowly destroys the ability to think, learn, communicate, and handling daily activities. Dementia is a condition associated with impairment in memory, communication and thinking.
Galantamine contains 'Galantamine' that belongs to the class of 'Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors'. Galantamine blocks the action of the enzyme cholinesterase, an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter or a chemical messenger that transmits the message from one nerve cell to another nerve cell, muscle cell, or gland cell. Galantamine thus increases acetylcholine levels allowing the nerve cells to communicate. It restores the balance of neurotransmitters and thus improves mental function, such as memory and thinking.
Your doctor will decide the dose and duration based on your disease's severity and response to treatment. Common side effects of Galantamine include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, shakiness (tremor), weakness, depression, and loss of appetite. These side effects are not familiar to everyone and vary individually. If you notice any side effects that are not manageable, please consult your doctor.
Please tell your doctor if you are allergic to Galantamine or its components. If you are using any prescription and non-prescription medications, let your doctor know before starting Galantamine. Inform your doctor beforehand if you have a history of liver or kidney diseases, heart problems, electrolyte imbalance, stomach ulcer, fits, Parkinson’s disease, breathing disorders, and urination problems. If you had recent surgery on the stomach, intestines or bladder, tell your doctor. If you are pregnant, planning to conceive or a breastfeeding mother, inform your doctor before starting Galantamine. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Galantamine as it can make you dizzy or drowsy.
Uses of Galantamine
Medicinal Benefits
Galantamine treats mild to moderate dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease. It contains 'Galantamine', an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. Galantamine increases acetylcholine (a brain chemical) levels in the central nervous system by blocking the action of the cholinesterase enzyme. This process helps in transmitting nerve signals that play an essential role in memory. Galantamine is not a cure for Alzheimer's disease but improves memory, thinking awareness and the ability to perform daily functions.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Galantamine
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Shakiness (tremor)
- Weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhoea
- Headache
- Depression
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Brief your medical history if you have any liver or kidney diseases, heart problems (chest discomfort, sick sinus syndrome, heart attack, heart failure, and slow or uneven heartbeat), electrolyte imbalance (potassium), stomach ulcer, fits, Parkinson’s disease, breathing problems (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)), and urination problems. If you had recent surgery on the stomach, intestines or bladder, tell your doctor. Please consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or a breastfeeding mother before starting Galantamine. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Galantamine as it might lead to increased side effects like dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid driving or operating machinery as Galantamine may decrease your mental alertness, making you feel dizzy or drowsy. Galantamine is not recommended for children below 18 years as the safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Galantamine may interact with other Alzheimer treating medicines (donepezil, rivastigmine), heart-related drugs (digoxin, quinidine), drugs treating frequent urination (darifenacin), respiratory drugs (diphenhydramine, ipratropium), pain killers (aspirin, naproxen), urinary retention medicine (bethanechol), vomiting medicine (scopolamine), anti-depressants (fluoxetine), antifungals (ketoconazole), high blood pressure medicine (metoprolol), antibiotics (erythromycin), HIV/AIDS drugs (ritonavir), drugs used for muscle weakness (neostigmine), and drugs treating dry mouth (pilocarpine).
Drug-Food Interaction: Do not consume alcohol while taking Galantamine as it could lead to increased dizziness and drowsiness.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Before using Galantamine, let your doctor know if you have any liver or kidney diseases, heart problems (chest discomfort, sick sinus syndrome, heart attack, heart failure, and slow or uneven heartbeat), electrolyte imbalance (potassium), stomach ulcer, fits, Parkinson’s disease, breathing problems (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)), and urination problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is advised to limit alcohol consumption while taking Galantamine. Alcohol intake, along with Galantamine, may cause increased dizziness and drowsiness. Please consult your doctor for more information.
Pregnancy
cautionGalantamine is a pregnancy category C drug. Animal studies showed that Galantamine affects the foetus in pregnancy, but there is limited data in humans. Galantamine should be used during pregnancy only if the benefit outweighs the risk. Please consult your doctor before taking Galantamine if you are pregnant or planning to conceive.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is not known if Galantamine is excreted into breast milk. Please consult your doctor before taking Galantamine if you are a breastfeeding mother.
Driving
cautionGalantamine may make you feel dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive if you are not mentally alert or experience any symptoms that affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Liver
cautionPlease consult your doctor before using Galantamine if you suffer from any severe liver impairment/liver disease.
Kidney
cautionPlease consult your doctor before using Galantamine if you suffer from any severe kidney impairment/kidney disease.
Children
unsafeGalantamine is not recommended in people below 18 years of age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintain proper weight by following a healthy diet.
- Exercise regularly as it helps in less cognitive decline and brain volume loss.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Try to avoid stress by practising meditation or yoga.
- Include fruits and vegetables in your diet as they contain anti-oxidants.
- Eat nutritious food as it helps in cognitive stimulation.
- Limit foods with high cholesterol and saturated fats.
- Cut down on sugar, salt and processed foods.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Follow a healthy lifestyle as it helps in improving overall health and possibly protects the brain.
Special Advise
- Let your doctor know that you are taking Galantamine if you are undergoing any medical tests.
- It is advised to monitor your blood pressure and blood sugar levels regularly.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Alzheimer's disease: The disease is named after Dr Alois Alzheimer, who was the first to discover the disease. Alzheimer's disease is a neurological disorder that causes dementia (memory loss), and slowly destroys the ability to think, learn, communicate, and eventually, the ability to handle daily activities. It is the most common cause of dementia (memory loss) in adults.
Dementia is the loss of cognitive functioning, such as remembering, thinking, and reasoning. The causes of this disease are abnormal functioning of brain cells which cause a disturbance in communication between them. The risk factors are age, family history and genetics of a person. Alzheimer's disease symptoms include memory loss, trouble with familiar tasks, difficulties with problem-solving, trouble with writing or talking, disorientation, problems with reasoning or judgment, mood and personality changes. In most people, the symptoms of Alzheimer's appear in their mid-60's.
FAQs
Galantamine contains ' Galantamine', an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. It treats dementia in Alzheimer's disease by increasing acetylcholine levels in the central nervous system and enhancing the neurotransmission process. Thus, Galantamine improves memory, thinking, and awareness.
Galantamine should be used with caution in the medical history of liver or kidney diseases, heart problems (chest discomfort, heart attack, heart failure, and slow or uneven heartbeat), electrolyte imbalance (potassium), stomach ulcer, fits, Parkinson’s disease, breathing problems (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)), and urination problems. Please let your doctor know if you have any other medical problems before starting Galantamine.
It is advised to take Galantamine with food to avoid any stomach upset. Please consult your doctor for more information.
Store Galantamine in a dry place at room temperature ranging from 20°C to 25°C. Do not store in the freezer.
If you miss a dose of Galantamine, skip it and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of Galantamine based on your medical condition. However, if you notice unusual side effects like fits, depression, irregular heartbeat, bloody stools, and severe abdominal pain, stop using Galantamine and please consult your doctor.
