Galantamine Tablets

What is this medication?

GALANTAMINE (ga LAN ta meen) treats memory loss and confusion (dementia) in people who have Alzheimer disease. It works by improving attention, memory, and the ability to engage in daily activities. It is not a cure for dementia or Alzheimer disease.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Razadyne, Reminyl

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Asthma or other lung disease
• Heart disease, slow heartbeat
• Kidney or liver disease
• Seizures
• Stomach or intestine problems
• Trouble passing urine
• An unusual or allergic reaction to galantamine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication 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. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take more often than directed. Continue to take your medication even if you feel better. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your care team.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

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. If you miss more than 3 days of treatment, contact your care team for instructions.

What may interact with this medication?

• Atropine
• Benztropine
• Bethanecol
• Cimetidine
• Dicyclomine
• Digoxin
• Erythromycin
• Glycopyrrolate
• Hyoscyamine
• Medications for fungal infections, such as fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, terbinafine
• Medications for motion sickness, such as dimenhydrinate, meclizine, scopolamine
• Medications that relax your muscles for surgery
• Other medications for Alzheimer disease
• Oxybutynin
• Quinidine
• Some medications for depression, anxiety, or mood disorders

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Check with your care team if your symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

Make sure you stay hydrated while taking this medication. Drink water often. Eat fruits and veggies that have a high water content. Drink more water when it is hot or you are active.

This medication may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medication. Contact your care team right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. You may also notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips, or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.

This medication can cause serious ulcers and bleeding in the stomach. It can happen with no warning. Tobacco, alcohol, older age, and poor health can also increase risks. Call your care team right away if you have stomach pain or blood in your vomit or stool.

If you are going to need surgery or a procedure, tell your care team that you are taking this medication.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Peptic ulcer—burning stomach pain, loss of appetite, bloating, burping, heartburn, nausea, vomiting
• Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• Seizures
• Slow heartbeat—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, confusion, trouble breathing, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Stomach bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds
• Trouble passing urine

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

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 medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.