Galantamine
Uses of Galantamine
Galantamine is commonly used to treat Alzheimer's Disease, Dementia In Parkinson's Disease
How Galantamine Works
Galantamine works by competitively and reversibly inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase hence increases the availability of acetylcholine to the nicotinic receptor of the central nervous system.
Side Effects of Galantamine
Abdominal pain, Slow pulse, Diarrhea, Dizziness, Fatigue, Hallucination, Headache, Nausea, Blackout, Tremor
Warnings
Kidney High Risk
Dosage adjustment may be needed in mild to moderate renal impaired patients and is contraindicated to be used in patients with severe renal impairment.
Alcohol Not Advisable
Consuming alcohol when taking Galantamine may potentiates the adverse effects of Galantamine such as dizziness and nausea.
Pregnancy Not Safe
Animal studies have shown reproductive toxicity while there is no adequate human pregnancy data to state otherwise. Caution should be taken if Galantamine is to be used during pregnancy.
Driving Not advisable
It is not advisable to drive when taking Galantamine due to its potential side effects such as headache and dizziness which can affect the ability to drive and concentrate.
Liver Limited Data
Dosage adjustment is advisable for patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment and contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment.
Lactation Limited Data
It is not known whether Galantamine is excreted into human breastmilk or not thus it is not advisable to breastfeed during the treatment period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Written by Dr Sri Viknarajan, MD (Universiti Hasanuddin, Indonesia)
Reviewed by Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli, MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
