Razadyne (galantamine) Overview -- pdrhealth.com - Razadyne (galantamine) Overview

Brand name: Razadyne

Generic name: Galantamine,

Why is Razadyne prescribed?

Razadyne can delay or even reverse mental decline in some patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. It is thought to work by boosting levels of the chemical messenger acetylcholine in the brain. (In Alzheimer's disease, the cells that produce acetylcholine slowly deteriorate.) Razadyne is a temporary remedy. It doesn't work for everyone, and it doesn't halt the underlying disease.

Most important fact about Razadyne

Razadyne therapy starts at a low dose and increases over several months. It is important to wait 4 weeks between dosage adjustments. If treatment with Razadyne is interrupted for several days or longer, the patient will need to start over again at the lowest dose, increasing the dose at 4-week intervals until the former dose is achieved.

How should you take Razadyne?

Razadyne should be taken twice a day, preferably with the morning and evening meals. The drug is available in tablet form and as an oral solution. If you are using the solution, draw the required amount into the measuring pipette that comes with the bottle, then empty the pipette into 3 to 4 ounces of a non-alcoholic beverage. Stir well and administer immediately.

The extended-release capsules, Razadyne ER, should be taken once a day, preferably in the morning with food and water.

* If you miss a dose...
Give it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to the regular schedule. Do not give two doses at once.

* Storage instructions...
Both the tablets and the oral solution may be stored at room temperature. Do not freeze the solution.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe to continue giving Razadyne.

* Side effects may include:
Abdominal pain, anemia, blood in urine, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, fever, headache, inability to sleep, indigestion, leg cramps, loss of appetite, nausea, rapid heartbeat, ringing in the ears, runny nose, sleepiness, tremor, urinary tract infection, vomiting, weakness, weight loss

Why should Razadyne not be prescribed?

Razadyne cannot be used if it gives the patient an allergic reaction. This drug is not recommended for patients with severe liver disease or kidney disease.

Special warnings about Razadyne
Use Razadyne with caution if the patient has severe asthma, obstructive lung disease, liver or kidney problems, or a history of stomach ulcers.

Razadyne can slow the heart rate and cause fainting episodes. Be especially cautious if the patient has a heart irregularity.

Before surgery, make sure the doctor knows about the use of Razadyne.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Razadyne

If Razadyne is taken with certain other drugs, the effect of either may be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Razadyne with the following:
* Certain Parkinson's drugs such as Artane and Cogentin
* Cimetidine (Tagamet)
* Erythromycin (E.E.S., Eryc, PCE)
* Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
* Meclizine (Antivert)
* Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Motrin and VoltarenParoxetine (Paxil)
* Urinary tract medications such as Urispas and Urecholine.

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Razadyne is not usually prescribed for women of childbearing age. It should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the risk to the developing baby. Razadyne should not be used by nursing mothers.

Recommended dosage for Razadyne

ADULTS

Razadyne

The recommended starting dose of Razadyne is 4 milligrams twice a day. Four weeks later, the dose should be increased to 8 milligrams twice a day. After waiting an additional 4 weeks, the doctor may increase the dose to 12 milligrams twice a day if necessary.

For patients with moderate liver or kidney problems, dosage should not exceed 16 milligrams per day. Razadyne is not recommended for patients with severe liver or kidney problems.

Razadyne ER

The recommended starting dose of Razayne ER is 8 milligrams once a day. Four weeks later, the dose should be increased to 16 milligrams a day. After waiting another 4 weeks, the doctor may increase the dose to 24 milligrams a day if necessary.

For patients with moderate liver or kidney problems, dosage should not exceed 16 milligrams per day. Razadyne ER is not recommended for patients with severe liver or kidney problems.

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. A massive overdose of Razadyne could prove fatal. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

* Symptoms of Razadyne overdose may include:
Convulsions, drooling, dry mouth, fainting, hallucinations, incontinence, low blood pressure, muscle weakness, severe nausea, slow or irregular heartbeat, stomach cramps, sweating, teary eyes, twitching, weak breathing, vomiting