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Galantamine belongs to the family of medications called cholinesterase inhibitors. It is used to treat symptoms of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer's disease is caused by the constant degeneration of certain nerve cells in the brain that make a chemical called acetylcholine. This chemical is thought to be important for the processes of learning and memory. Galantamine prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine, thereby increasing its levels in the brain. Galantamine is of the most benefit in mild to moderate disease and is of little benefit when the disease becomes severe.
Galantamine may improve cognitive function (memory, orientation, and language) and general ability to perform activities of daily living.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
8 mg Each white opaque, extended release capsule, containing white to off-white pellets, imprinted with "G 8", contains galantamine 8 mg as galantamine HBr. Nonmedicinal ingredients: diethyl phthalate, ethylcellulose, gelatin, hypromellose, polyethylene glycol, sugar spheres (sucrose and starch), and titanium dioxide.
16 mg Each pink opaque, extended release capsule, containing white to off-white pellets, imprinted with "G 16", contains galantamine 16 mg as galantamine HBr. Nonmedicinal ingredients: diethyl phthalate, ethylcellulose, gelatin, hypromellose, polyethylene glycol, red ferric oxide, sugar spheres (sucrose and starch), and titanium dioxide.
24 mg Each caramel opaque, extended release capsule, containing white to off-white pellets, imprinted with "G 24", contains galantamine 24 mg as galantamine HBr. Nonmedicinal ingredients: diethyl phthalate, ethylcellulose, gelatin, hypromellose, polyethylene glycol, red ferric oxide, sugar spheres (sucrose and starch), titanium dioxide, and yellow ferric oxide.
Galantamine should not be taken by anyone who is allergic to galantamine or to any of the ingredients of the medication.
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
- abdominal pain
- diarrhea
- headache
- lightheadedness
- loss of appetite
- muscle aches
- nausea
- runny nose
- trouble sleeping
- vomiting
- weight loss
Although most of these side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
- chest pain
- dizziness or fainting
- high or low blood pressure
- indigestion
- lower back pain
- pale skin
- signs of bleeding (e.g., bloody nose, blood in urine, coughing blood, cuts that don't stop bleeding)
- signs of depression (e.g., poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, thoughts of suicide)
- signs of liver problems (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools)
- signs of urinary tract infection (e.g., blood in urine, pain or burning while urinating, need to urinate more often than normal)
- slow or irregular heartbeat (less than 50 beats per minute)
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- tremor
- troubled breathing with activity
Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
- cramping
- dizziness
- drooling
- fainting
- increased sweating
- low blood pressure
- muscle weakness
- seizures
- severe nausea or vomiting
- slow heartbeat
- slow or troubled breathing
- tearing of the eyes
- uncontrolled defecation or urination
- watering of the mouth
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
There may be an interaction between galantamine and any of the following:
- antihistamines (e.g., brompheniramine, chlorpheniramine, dimenhydriante, diphenhydramine)
- atropine
- benztropine
- beta-blockers (e.g., atenolol, carvedilol, metoprolol, propranolol, timolol)
- cholinergic agonists (e.g., bethanechol, pilocarpine)
- cimetidine
- clozapine
- corticosteroids (e.g., hydrocortisone, prednisone, methylprednisolone)
- cyclobenzaprine
- cyprohepdadine
- digoxin
- erythromycin
- fluphenazine
- glycopyrrolate
- ipratropium
- ketoconazole
- monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs; phenelzine, moclobemide, selegiline)
- olanzapine
- olopatadine
- peginterferon alfa-2b
- risperidone
- some SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline)
- succinylcholine-type neuromuscular blocking agents
- thioridazine
- tiotropium
- tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptylnie, desipramine, nortriptyline)
- trihexylpheneidyl
If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
- stop taking one of the medications,
- change one of the medications to another,
- change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
- leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.
Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.
Bladder problems: Galantamine can make it more difficult to empty the bladder and may contribute to urinary tract problems. People with bladder problems or a history of urinary tract problems should discuss with their doctor how this medication may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Gender: Women are more likely to experience side effects such as nausea and vomiting. This is also more likely to happen if they are underweight.
Heart disease: Galantamine can cause slowed heart rate, affecting people with congestive heart failure (CHF) or coronary artery disease (CAD). People with heart conditions, including blood pressure problems, should discuss with their doctor how this medication may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Kidney disease: People with kidney disease should discuss with their doctor how this medication may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver disease: People with liver disease should discuss with their doctor how this medication may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Lung disease: Galantamine can worsen the symptoms of breathing problems, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; emphysema, and bronchitis. People with asthma or COPD or any other breathing problem should discuss with their doctor how this medication may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Seizures: An increase in seizures has been reported by people taking galantamine. It is unclear whether this is because of the medication or the Alzheimer's disease. People who have or have had seizure disorders should discuss with their doctor how this medication may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Stomach ulcers: Galantamine can cause an increase in the amount of acid produced by the stomach, increasing the risk for stomach ulcers. People who have or have had stomach problems, or people who take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) medications are at increased risk of stomach problems with this medication. Anyone who has these conditions should discuss with their doctor how this medication may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if galantamine passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children.
Seniors: People over 85 years of age may be at risk of more extreme weight loss when taking galantamine.
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