What is this medicine?
GALANTAMINE (ga LAN ta meen) is used to treat mild to moderate dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease.
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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
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They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-asthma or other lung disease
-difficulty passing urine
-heart disease, slow heartbeat
-kidney or liver disease
-seizures (convulsions)
-stomach or intestine disease, ulcers, or stomach bleeding
-an unusual or allergic reaction to galantamine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
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Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take with food and plenty of liquid to reduce stomach upset. Swallow whole. Do not cut crush or chew. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Continue to take your medicine even if you feel better. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
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If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
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-atropine
-benztropine
-bethanecol
-cimetidine
-dicyclomine
-digoxin
-erythromycin
-glycopyrrolate
-hyoscyamine
-medicines for fungal infections like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, terbinafine
-medicines for motion sickness like dimenhydrinate, meclizine, scopolamine
-medicines that relax your muscles for surgery
-other medicines for Alzheimer's disease
-oxybutynin
-quinidine
-some medicines for depression, anxiety or mood disorders
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
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Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check with your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
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Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
-changes in vision or balance
-dizziness, fainting spells, or falls
-severe diarrhea
-skin rash or hives
-slow heartbeat, or palpitations
-stomach pain
-unusual bleeding or bruising, red or purple spots on the skin
-vomiting
-weight loss
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
-headache
-loss of appetite
-mild diarrhea, especially when starting treatment
-nausea
Where should I keep my medicine?
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Keep out of reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Information on use before, during and after pregnancy.
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FIRST Trimester
Class B - Animal studies have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus, however, there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR Animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in any trimester.
SECOND Trimester
Class B - Animal studies have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus, however, there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR Animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in any trimester.
THIRD Trimester
Class B - Animal studies have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus, however, there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR Animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in any trimester.
Lactation
Avoid - This drug is known to cause harm to infants when taken by nursing mothers.
