Galantamine (By Mouth)

Galantamine (ga-LAN-ta-meen)

Treats dementia (memory loss and mental changes) that is a sign of Alzheimer's disease.

Brand Name(s):

Reminyl
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to galantamine.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet, Liquid

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• It is best to take this medicine with food or milk, preferably with your morning and evening meals.
• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup.
• Never share your medicine with anyone.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• If you do not use your medicine for several days, call your doctor. You may need to go back to a lower dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using atropine, dicyclomine (Bentyl®), tolterodine (Detrol®), donepezil (Aricept®), tacrine (Cognex®), Tagamet®, ketoconazole (Nizoral®), or paroxetine (Paxil®), medicine for heart rhythm problems (such as verapamil, propranolol, Rythmol®, Tambocor®), or pain or arthritis medicine (such as aspirin, Advil®, Aleve®, Feldene®, Indocin®, Motrin®, Orudis®, Relafen®, Voltaren®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart rhythm problems, asthma or other breathing problems, or a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before having surgery.
• Do not stop using this medicine or change the amount you take without asking your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Severe stomach pain, bloody or black, tarry stools, or vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
• Slow or irregular heartbeat

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Loss of appetite, weight loss
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.