Details

Galantamine improves the function of nerve cells in the brain. It works by preventing the breakdown of a chemical called acetylcholine. People with dementia usually have lower levels of this chemical, which is important for the processes of memory, thinking, and reasoning. Galantamine is used to treat mild to moderate dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease. To make sure galantamine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have urination problems heart disease or a heart rhythm disorder a history of stomach ulcer or bleeding seizures or epilepsy kidney disease liver disease or a history of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Typical Uses

Galantamine is used to treat mild to moderate confusion (dementia) related to Alzheimer's disease. It does not cure Alzheimer's disease, but it may improve memory, awareness, and the ability to perform daily functions. This medication works by restoring the balance of certain natural substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain.

Side Effects

Some of the side effects of galantamine include chest pain, slow heart rate little or no urinating blood in your urine signs of stomach bleeding-bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds liver problems-nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-coloured stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) dehydration symptoms-feeling very thirsty or hot, being unable to urinate, heavy sweating, or hot and dry skin a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out or severe skin reaction-fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Drug Interactions

• Galantamine+tramadol- Tramadol may rarely cause seizures, and combining it with other medications that can also cause seizures such as galantamine may increase that risk. The interaction may be more likely if you are elderly, undergoing alcohol or drug withdrawal, have a history of seizures, or have a condition affecting the central nervous system such as a brain tumour or head trauma.
• Galantamine+bupropion- Talk to your doctor before using bupropion together with galantamine. Combining these medications may increase the risk of seizures, which may occur rarely with either medication. In addition, bupropion can increase the blood levels of galantamine, which may increase other side effects.
• Galantamine+iohexol- Before you undergo any imaging procedure where iohexol may be injected directly into the spine let your doctor know if you are currently being treated with galantamine. Injection of iohexol into the spine can sometimes cause seizures, and the risk may be increased if you are also using other medications that can cause seizures such as galantamine.
• Galantamine+metrizamide- Before you undergo any imaging procedure where metrizamide may be injected directly into the spine let your doctor know if you are currently being treated with galantamine. Injection of metrizamide into the spine can sometimes cause seizures, and the risk may be increased if you are also using other medications that can cause seizures such as galantamine.

Mechanism of action

Galantamine belongs to class of medicines called acetyl cholinesterase inhibitors. It acts on the brain by improving the function of nerve cells in the brain, thereby relieving the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.

Pregnancy Category : B