Galantamine belongs to the family of medications called cholinesterase inhibitors. It is used to treat symptoms of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease is caused by the constant degeneration of certain nerve cells in the brain that make a chemical called acetylcholine. This chemical is thought to be important for the processes of learning and memory. Galantamine prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine, thereby increasing its levels in the brain. Galantamine is of the most benefit in mild to moderate disease and is of little benefit when the disease becomes severe.

Galantamine may improve cognitive function (memory, orientation, and language) and general ability to perform activities of daily living.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

The usual recommended starting dose of galantamine is 4 mg twice daily. After at least four weeks of treatment, the dose may be increased to 8 mg twice a day. After at least four more weeks of treatment, the dose may be increased further, to 12 mg twice a day. Galantamine should be taken with the morning and evening meals.

People with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers should be aware that, if treatment has been interrupted for several days or longer, this medication should be restarted at the lowest dose and then increased to the most current dose. Be sure to consult your doctor before restarting this medication yourself.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

This medication should be taken exactly as prescribed by the doctor. If a dose is missed, it should be skipped and the regular dosing continued with the next scheduled dose. If several doses are missed, consult your doctor. Do not double-up on doses.

Reminyl^® is available in strengths of 4 mg, 8 mg, and 12 mg.

4 mg: Each off-white, circular, film-coated tablet, with "JANSSEN" on one side and "G4" on the other side, contains galantamine 4 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal anhydrous silica, crospovidone, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, propylene glycol, talc, titanium dioxide, and yellow ferric oxide.

8 mg: Each pink, circular, film-coated tablet, with "JANSSEN" on one side and "G8" on the other side, contains galantamine 8 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal anhydrous silica, crospovidone, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, propylene glycol, red ferric oxide, talc, and titanium dioxide.

12 mg: Each orange-brown, circular, film-coated tablet, with "JANSSEN" on one side and "G12" on the other side, contains galantamine 12 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal anhydrous silica, crospovidone, FD&C Yellow No. 6 (orange yellow S aluminum lake), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, propylene glycol, red ferric oxide, talc, and titanium dioxide.

This medication should not be used by anyone with an allergy to galantamine or any ingredients of the medication.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor. Your health professional may be able to help you deal with some of the effects.

The following side effects may go away as your body becomes used to the medicine; check with your doctor if they continue or become bothersome.

More common:

• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• loss of appetite
• weight loss

Less common:

Contact your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Symptoms of overdose:

• cramping
• uncontrolled defecation or urination
• dizziness
• drooling
• fainting
• increased sweating
• low blood pressure
• muscle weakness
• seizures
• slow heartbeat
• severe nausea or vomiting
• slow or troubled breathing
• tearing of the eyes
• watering of the mouth

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Medical conditions: People with lung disease (e.g., asthma, COPD), epilepsy, heart disease, stomach ulcers, bladder problems, or decreased liver or kidney function should be closely monitored by their doctor while taking this medication.

Pregnancy: The safety of this medication has not been established for use by pregnant women. It should not be used during pregnancy unless, in the opinion of the doctor, the potential benefit outweighs the risks.

Breast-feeding: It is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk. It should not be used by women who are breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children.

• cholinergic agonists (e.g., bethanechol)
• cimetidine
• digoxin
• erythromycin
• ketoconazole
• paroxetine
• succinylcholine-type neuromuscular blocking agents

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. In many cases, interactions are intended or are managed by close monitoring. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.