Galantamine improves the function of nerve cells in the brain. It works by preventing the breakdown of a chemical called acetylcholine (ah see til KO leen). People with dementia usually have lower levels of this chemical, which is important for the processes of memory, thinking, and reasoning.

Galantamine is used to treat mild to moderate Alzheimer's type dementia.

Galantamine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use galantamine if you are allergic to it.

To make sure galantamine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• urination problems;
• heart disease or a heart rhythm disorder;
• a history of stomach ulcer or bleeding;
• seizures or epilepsy;
• kidney disease;
• liver disease; or
• a history of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known whether galantamine passes into breast milk or if it could affect the nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

Use Razadyne ER (Oral) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Galantamine can cause serious skin reactions. Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have the first signs of any skin rash, no matter how mild.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• chest pain, slow heart rate;
• little or no urinating;
• blood in your urine;
• signs of stomach bleeding--bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
• liver problems--nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• dehydration symptoms--feeling very thirsty or hot, being unable to urinate, heavy sweating, or hot and dry skin;
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; or
• severe skin reaction--fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Common side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite;
• headache, dizziness; or
• weight loss.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.