Drug Detail:Galantamine (Galantamine [ ga-lan-ta-meen ])
Generic Name: Galantamine Tablets [ ga-LAN-ta-meen ]
Drug Class: Cholinesterase inhibitors
Uses of Galantamine Tablets:
- It is used to treat dementia in people with Alzheimer's disease.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Galantamine Tablets?
- If you are allergic to this medicine (galantamine tablets); any part of this medicine (galantamine tablets); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
- If you have any of these health problems: Kidney disease or liver disease.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine (galantamine tablets).
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine (galantamine tablets) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Galantamine Tablets?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine (galantamine tablets). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- This medicine may cause weight loss. You will need to have your weight checked while taking this medicine (galantamine tablets). Talk with your doctor.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.
How is this medicine (Galantamine Tablets) best taken?
Use this medicine (galantamine tablets) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- Take this medicine (galantamine tablets) at the same time of day.
- Keep taking this medicine (galantamine tablets) as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.
- It is best to take this medicine (galantamine tablets) with food.
- Drink lots of noncaffeine liquids unless told to drink less liquid by your doctor.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it, with food.
- If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
- Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
- If you miss taking this medicine (galantamine tablets) for a few days in a row, call your doctor before you start taking it again.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Slow heartbeat.
- A heartbeat that does not feel normal.
- Black, tarry, or bloody stools.
- Throwing up blood or throw up that looks like coffee grounds.
- Trouble passing urine.
- Seizures.
- A very bad skin reaction (Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis) may happen. It can cause very bad health problems that may not go away, and sometimes death. Get medical help right away if you have signs like red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever); red or irritated eyes; or sores in your mouth, throat, nose, or eyes.
What are some other side effects of Galantamine Tablets?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Dizziness or headache.
- Upset stomach or throwing up.
- Diarrhea.
- Not hungry.
- Weight loss.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
How do I store and/or throw out Galantamine Tablets?
- Store at room temperature in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this medicine (galantamine tablets), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Razadyne (galantamine) used to treat Alzheimer’s?