Jeffrey Panko NP Psychiatry · Patient education
Galantamine
Razadyne / Generic immediate-release and extended-release formulations
A guide for adults taking galantamine.
Follow the directions on your prescription and your provider's recommendations.
Formulations: Immediate-release tablets or liquid are generally taken twice daily with meals. Extended-release capsules are taken once each morning, preferably with food.
What it is used for
Galantamine treats symptoms of mild to moderate Alzheimer dementia. It may support cognition or daily functioning for a time, but does not cure the disease or stop its progression.
How it works
It slows acetylcholine breakdown. Acetylcholine helps with memory and attention, and also affects digestion and heart rate.
What to expect over time
Review benefit over weeks to months using familiar daily tasks and caregiver observations. Stabilization may be useful even without an obvious improvement.
Taking your medication
- Start and increase only as prescribed; slow increases help limit gastrointestinal effects.
- Use a dosing device for liquid and follow capsule-handling instructions.
- If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it is almost time for the next dose. Then skip it. Do not double a dose.
- After more than three days off, contact your provider before restarting; treatment generally restarts at a low dose.
When to get help
Emergency symptoms. Get emergency care for fainting with a slow pulse, black or bloody stools, severe allergy, or a blistering rash. Stop galantamine and seek prompt assessment for any new rash.
Prompt medical advice. Report persistent vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, new falls, or difficulty urinating.
If you feel unsafe or have thoughts of self-harm, call 911 or go to an emergency department.
Possible side effects
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Reduced appetite or weight loss
- Dizziness, headache, or fatigue
Keeping track of treatment
Some side effects resolve with time; others may require a change of medication. Discuss persistent or bothersome side effects with your provider.
Track weight, appetite, fluid intake, pulse-related symptoms, and falls. Report persistent vomiting or diarrhea before dehydration develops.
If you take too much
For a suspected overdose, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 immediately, even if you feel well. Call 911 for a seizure, collapse, trouble breathing, or inability to wake.
Before you start
Discuss slow pulse, heart block, fainting, ulcers or bleeding, asthma or COPD, urinary obstruction, and kidney or liver disease. Severe kidney or liver impairment may make treatment unsuitable.
Discuss pregnancy, pregnancy plans, and breastfeeding with your provider. Treatment decisions should consider both the medication and the condition being treated.
Medicines and interactions
Review all your medications with your provider, including over-the-counter medicines and supplements. Have new medications checked before taking them.
Other medicines that slow the pulse can add fainting risk. Anticholinergic medicines may oppose cognitive benefit.
Some antidepressants and antifungals raise galantamine exposure. NSAIDs may add gastrointestinal bleeding risk. Tell the anesthesia team before surgery.
Everyday tips
Link oral doses to the prescribed meal routine.
Use caregiver help or a medication organizer when needed.
Your questions answered
Can I restart my usual dose after a break?
Not after a longer interruption. Restarting too high can cause severe vomiting and other effects; contact your provider.
How is benefit assessed?
Review communication, familiar activities, and care needs over time with your provider and caregiver.
Storage and safety
Keep medication in its labeled container, away from excess heat and moisture and out of reach of children and pets. Do not share it. Ask a pharmacy about disposal of unused medication.
Sources
About this information
Educational handout; does not replace your prescription or provider's recommendations.
Educational inclusion does not mean this medication or its indications are treated at this practice. Review the guide for your exact product with your prescriber or pharmacist.