Drug Notes

Galantamine (By mouth)

Galantamine (ga-LAN-ta-meen)

Treats dementia.

Brand Name(s):

Razadyne, Razadyne ER

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Long Acting Capsule, Liquid, Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Extended-release capsule:
  • It is best to take the capsule with your morning meal.
  • Swallow the extended-release capsule whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
• Oral liquid:
  • Follow the instruction sheet for the proper dosing of the oral liquid. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
  • Take your medicine with your morning and evening meals.
  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
• Tablet: Take the tablet with your morning and evening meals.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. If you miss your dose for more than 3 days, call your doctor right away. You may need to go back to a lower dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze the oral liquid.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

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

• Some medicines can affect how galantamine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Bethanechol, cimetidine, ketoconazole, paroxetine
  • Medicine for heart rhythm problems
  • NSAID pain or arthritis medicine
  ,

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart rhythm problems, asthma, lung problems, or any stomach or bowel problems, such as a blockage, ulcers, or bleeding. Tell your doctor if you recently had stomach surgery.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Serious skin reactions
  • Heart rhythm problems
  • Stomach or bowel problems
• Drink extra fluids to stay hydrated. This will help reduce the side effects of this medicine.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

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

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash
• Bloody or black, tarry stools, or vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
• Chest pain, slow or uneven heartbeat, shallow breathing, fainting
• Decrease in how much or how often you urinate
• Seizures

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

• Dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting

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

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017