Galantamine Hydrobromide, Oral
What are other names for this medicine?
Generic and brand names: galantamine hydrobromide, oral; Reminyl
What is this medicine used for?
This medicine is taken by mouth to treat dementia (loss of mental abilities) caused by Alzheimer's disease. It is not a cure, but it may slow the progress of the disease and may improve memory.
What should my health care provider know before I take this medicine?
Tell your health care provider if you have a history of:
- kidney problems
- liver problems
- seizures
- lung disease such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- ulcers.
Also be sure to let your provider know if you are taking medicines such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), aspirin, or products containing aspirin.
Females of childbearing age: Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without talking with your health care provider.
How do I take it?
Take this medicine exactly as your health care provider prescribes. This medicine must be taken regularly every day to be effective. It is usually taken with meals. Your health care provider will start you on a low dose and gradually increase the dose.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your health care provider. The dosage must be started at a low level again and gradually increased to its previous level.
What should I watch out for?
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the health care provider or dentist you are taking this medicine. It may increase the action of drugs they may give you to relax your muscles.
If nausea becomes a problem during treatment with this medicine, your health care provider can prescribe some medicine to relieve the nausea.
What are the possible side effects?
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Serious (report these to your health care provider right away): Slow heartbeat, bloody bowel movement, black tarry stool, diarrhea, stomach cramps.
Other: Nausea, dizziness, vomiting, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, weight loss, feeling faint.
What products might interact with this medicine?
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your health care provider if you are taking:
- antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil), fluoxetine (Prozac, Prozac Weekly), fluvoxamine (Luvox), and paroxetine (Paxil, Paxil CR)
- carbamazepine (Tegretol)
- cimetidine (Tagamet)
- erythromycin (Erythrocin, EES, E-Mycin, EryPed, Ery-Tab)
- fluoxetine (Sarafem)
- ketoconazole (Nizoral)
- phenytoin (Dilantin)
- quinidine (Cardioquin, Quin-Release, Quinaglute Dura-Tabs, Quinidex Extentabs)
- rifampin (Rifadin).
Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or drug interactions with other medicines, Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
