Razadyne

Anti-AlzheimerAgents, Cholinesterase Inhibitors

Oral Administration

Advise patients and caregivers to ensure adequate fluid intake during treatment.
Administration with food may be helpful to lessen some gastrointestinal side effects.
If therapy has been interrupted for more than 3 days, restart at the lowest dosage and titrate as directed to the patient's current dosage.

Oral Solid Formulations

Immediate-release tablets:
Administer twice per day, preferably with food (e.g., morning and evening meals).
 
Extended-release capsules (e.g., Razadyne ER):
Administer once daily in the morning, preferably with food.

Oral Liquid Formulations

Galantamine oral solution
Preparation of dose
To remove the childproof cap, push the plastic cap on the bottle down while turning the cap counter-clockwise.
Place the manufacturer-provided pipette fully into the bottle.
While holding the bottom ring of the pipette (located near the top of the pipette), pull the pipette plunger up to the marking level on the bottle that equals the prescribed dose.
Remove the pipette from the bottle by holding the bottom ring on the pipette.
Empty the medication from the pipette into 3 to 4 ounces of any non-alcoholic drink by fully pushing the plunger. Stir the mixture well before administering to the patient.
Replace bottle cap by turning it clockwise.
Administration
Preferably administer the doses with morning and evening meals.
The patient should swallow all of the prepared liquid to get the full dose. Do not store for later use.
Rinse the pipette after each use by inserting the open end into a glass of water, pulling the plunger out, and then emptying the pipette contents.

Severe

bradycardia / Rapid / 1.0-1.0
seizures / Delayed / Incidence not known
AV block / Early / Incidence not known
Stevens-Johnson syndrome / Delayed / Incidence not known
erythema multiforme / Delayed / Incidence not known
acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) / Delayed / Incidence not known

Moderate

depression / Delayed / 3.6-3.6
hallucinations / Early / Incidence not known
dyskinesia / Delayed / Incidence not known
hypotension / Rapid / Incidence not known
hypertension / Early / Incidence not known
palpitations / Early / Incidence not known
urinary retention / Early / Incidence not known
dehydration / Delayed / Incidence not known
hepatitis / Delayed / Incidence not known
elevated hepatic enzymes / Delayed / Incidence not known
blurred vision / Early / Incidence not known
myasthenia / Delayed / Incidence not known

Mild

nausea / Early / 20.7-20.7
vomiting / Early / 10.5-10.5
dizziness / Early / 7.5-7.5
diarrhea / Early / 7.4-7.4
headache / Early / 7.1-7.1
weight loss / Delayed / 4.7-4.7
abdominal pain / Early / 3.8-3.8
fatigue / Early / 3.5-3.5
syncope / Early / 0.4-2.2
asthenia / Delayed / 2.0-2.0
tremor / Early / 1.6-1.6
dyspepsia / Early / 1.5-1.5
drowsiness / Early / 1.5-1.5
lethargy / Early / 1.3-1.3
muscle cramps / Delayed / 1.2-1.2
malaise / Early / 1.1-1.1
anorexia / Delayed / Incidence not known
dysgeusia / Early / Incidence not known
paresthesias / Delayed / Incidence not known
tinnitus / Delayed / Incidence not known
flushing / Rapid / Incidence not known
hyperhidrosis / Delayed / Incidence not known

Razadyne, Razadyne ER, Reminyl, Reminyl ER

Rx

Oral cholinesterase inhibitor
Used for the symptomatic treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease; may provide cognitive benefit in mixed vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease
A slow dosage titration is required to limit GI side effects

For the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. Oral dosage (immediate-release tablets or oral solution) Adults

4 mg PO twice daily, initially. Increase the dose to 8 mg PO twice daily after a minimum of 4 weeks if tolerated, and then 12 mg PO twice daily after a minimum of 4 weeks at 16 mg/day. Usual dose: 16 to 24 mg/day. Max: 24 mg/day. If treatment is interrupted for more than 3 days, restart with 4 mg PO twice daily and titrate again.

Oral dosage (extended-release capsules) Adults

8 mg PO once daily, initially. Increase the dose to 16 mg PO once daily after a minimum of 4 weeks if tolerated, and then 24 mg PO once daily after a minimum of 4 weeks at 16 mg/day. Max: 24 mg/day. If treatment is interrupted for more than 3 days, restart with 8 mg PO once daily and titrate again.

For the treatment of mild to moderate vascular dementia†. Oral dosage (immediate-release tablets or oral solution) Adults

Safety and efficacy have not been established but has been studied. 4 mg PO twice daily, initially. After 4 weeks, if tolerated, dosage may be increased to 8 mg PO twice daily. May increase at 12 weeks of treatment to 12 mg PO twice daily based on efficacy and tolerability. Max: 24 mg/day. One multi-national trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of this regimen in 788 patients with probable vascular dementia vs. placebo. Significant improvement in the galantamine group was noted at 26 weeks for one of the 2 primary measures of efficacy, the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale - Cognitive subscale (ADAS-cog/11), while changes in the co-primary outcome, the Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study-Activities of Daily Living Inventory (ADCS-ADL), were similar between the groups.

For the treatment of mild to moderately severe Dementia with Lewy bodies†. Oral dosage (immediate-release tablets or oral solution) Adults

Safety and efficacy have not been established; more study is needed. 4 mg PO twice daily, initially. After 4 weeks, if tolerated, may increase to 8 mg PO twice daily. May further increase at 12 weeks of treatment to 12 mg PO twice daily based on efficacy and tolerability. Max: 24 mg/day. An open-label study (n = 50) suggested possible efficacy for treating mild to moderately severe Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Two of the primary endpoints, the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI-12) and the Clinician's Global Impression of Change (CIBIC), showed statistically significant improvements from baseline. The third primary endpoint, the Cognitive Drug Research Computerized Cognitive Assessment System (COGDRAS), did not.

†Indicates off-label use

Hepatic Impairment

Moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score of 7 to 9): After titration, the dosage should generally not exceed 16 mg/day PO.
Severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score of 10 to 15): Use not recommended.

Renal Impairment

Moderate renal impairment (CrCl 9 to 59 mL/minute): The dosage should generally not exceed 16 mg/day PO.
Severe renal impairment (CrCl less than 9 mL/minute): Use not recommended.
 
Intermittent hemodialysis
It is not known whether galantamine and/or its metabolites can be removed by hemodialysis or hemofiltration. Dosage recommendations are not available.
 
Peritoneal dialysis
It is not known whether galantamine and/or its metabolites can be removed by CAPD. Dosage recommendations are not available.

Acebutolol: (Moderate) The increase in vagal tone induced by cholinesterase inhibitors, such as galantamine, may produce bradycardia or syncope. The vagotonic effect of galantamine may theoretically be increased when given with beta-blockers.
Acetaminophen; Aspirin; Diphenhydramine: (Moderate) Concurrent use of sedating H1-blockers and galantamine should be avoided if possible. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and improves the availability of acetylcholine. Sedating H1-blockers may exhibit significant anticholinergic activity, thereby interfering with the therapeutic effect of galantamine.
Acetaminophen; Caffeine; Pyrilamine: (Moderate) Concurrent use of sedating H1-blockers and galantamine should be avoided if possible. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and improves the availability of acetylcholine. Sedating H1-blockers may exhibit significant anticholinergic activity, thereby interfering with the therapeutic effect of galantamine.
Acetaminophen; Chlorpheniramine: (Moderate) Concurrent use of sedating H1-blockers and galantamine should be avoided if possible. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and improves the availability of acetylcholine. Sedating H1-blockers may exhibit significant anticholinergic activity, thereby interfering with the therapeutic effect of galantamine.
Acetaminophen; Chlorpheniramine; Dextromethorphan: (Moderate) Concurrent use of sedating H1-blockers and galantamine should be avoided if possible. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and improves the availability of acetylcholine. Sedating H1-blockers may exhibit significant anticholinergic activity, thereby interfering with the therapeutic effect of galantamine.
Acetaminophen; Chlorpheniramine; Dextromethorphan; Phenylephrine: (Moderate) Concurrent use of sedating H1-blockers and galantamine should be avoided if possible. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and improves the availability of acetylcholine. Sedating H1-blockers may exhibit significant anticholinergic activity, thereby interfering with the therapeutic effect of galantamine.
Acetaminophen; Chlorpheniramine; Dextromethorphan; Pseudoephedrine: (Moderate) Concurrent use of sedating H1-blockers and galantamine should be avoided if possible. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and improves the availability of acetylcholine. Sedating H1-blockers may exhibit significant anticholinergic activity, thereby interfering with the therapeutic effect of galantamine.
Acetaminophen; Chlorpheniramine; Phenylephrine : (Moderate) Concurrent use of sedating H1-blockers and galantamine should be avoided if possible. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and improves the availability of acetylcholine. Sedating H1-blockers may exhibit significant anticholinergic activity, thereby interfering with the therapeutic effect of galantamine.
Acetaminophen; Dextromethorphan; Doxylamine: (Moderate) Concurrent use of sedating H1-blockers and galantamine should be avoided if possible. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and improves the availability of acetylcholine. Sedating H1-blockers may exhibit significant anticholinergic activity, thereby interfering with the therapeutic effect of galantamine.
Acetaminophen; Diphenhydramine: (Moderate) Concurrent use of sedating H1-blockers and galantamine should be avoided if possible. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and improves the availability of acetylcholine. Sedating H1-blockers may exhibit significant anticholinergic activity, thereby interfering with the therapeutic effect of galantamine.
Acetaminophen; Pamabrom; Pyrilamine: (Moderate) Concurrent use of sedating H1-blockers and galantamine should be avoided if possible. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and improves the availability of acetylcholine. Sedating H1-blockers may exhibit significant anticholinergic activity, thereby interfering with the therapeutic effect of galantamine.
Acrivastine; Pseudoephedrine: (Moderate) Concurrent use of sedating H1-blockers and galantamine should be avoided if possible. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and improves the availability of acetylcholine. Sedating H1-blockers may exhibit significant anticholinergic activity, thereby interfering with the therapeutic effect of galantamine.
Amantadine: (Moderate) The therapeutic benefits of cholinesterase inhibitors may be diminished when co-administered with drugs known to exhibit anticholinergic properties like amantadine.
Amifampridine: (Moderate) Coaministration of amifampridine and galantamine may increase the risk for adverse reactions due to additive cholinergic effects. Monitor patients closely for new or worsening side effects such as headache, visual disturbances, watery eyes, excessive sweating, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bradycardia, loss of bladder control, confusion, or tremors.
Amitriptyline: (Moderate) The therapeutic benefits of galantamine may be diminished when coadministered with drugs known to exhibit anticholinergic properties including tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). When concurrent use cannot be avoided, monitor the patient for reduced galantamine efficacy, and consider use of secondary TCAs (e.g., desipramine, nortriptyline), which generally have less potent anticholinergic effects than tertiary TCAs (e.g., amitriptyline, clomipramine).
Amoxapine: (Moderate) Due to their anticholinergic actions, some cyclic antidepressants, including amoxapine, may antagonize the therapeutic actions of the cholinesterase-inhibitors such as galantamine, which are used for the treatment of dementia. Consider alternatives if concurrent therapy is needed. If alternative therapy is not possible, monitor for deceased efficacy of galantamine.
Anticholinergics: (Moderate) The therapeutic benefits of galantamine, a cholinesterase inhibitor, may be diminished during chronic co-administration with antimuscarinics or medications with potent anticholinergic activity. When concurrent use is not avoidable, the patient should be monitored for cognitive decline and anticholinergic side effects. Clinicians should generally avoid multiple medications with anticholinergic activity in the patient with dementia. Some of the common selective antimuscarinic drugs for bladder problems, (such as oxybutynin, darifenacin, trospium, fesoterodine, tolerodine, or solifenacin), do not routinely cause problems with medications used for dementia, but may cause anticholinergic side effects in some patients. Atropine may be used to offset bradycardia in cholinesterase inhibitor overdose.
Articaine; Epinephrine: (Moderate) Local anesthetics can antagonize the effects of cholinesterase inhibitors by inhibiting neuronal transmission in skeletal muscle, especially if large doses of local anesthetics are used. Also, local anesthetics interfere with the release of acetylcholine. Dosage adjustment of the cholinesterase inhibitor may be necessary.
Aspirin, ASA; Caffeine; Orphenadrine: (Moderate) The therapeutic benefits of galantamine may be diminished when co-administered with drugs known to exhibit anticholinergic properties, such as orphenadrine.
Atenolol: (Moderate) The increase in vagal tone induced by cholinesterase inhibitors, such as galantamine, may produce bradycardia or syncope. The vagotonic effect of galantamine may theoretically be increased when given with beta-blockers.
Atenolol; Chlorthalidone: (Moderate) The increase in vagal tone induced by cholinesterase inhibitors, such as galantamine, may produce bradycardia or syncope. The vagotonic effect of galantamine may theoretically be increased when given with beta-blockers.
Atracurium: (Moderate) A higher atracurium dose may be required to achieve neuromuscular block with concomitant use of a cholinesterase inhibitor, such as galantamine.
Atropine: (Moderate) The therapeutic benefits of galantamine, a cholinesterase inhibitor, may be diminished during chronic co-administration with antimuscarinics or medications with potent anticholinergic activity. When concurrent use is not avoidable, the patient should be monitored for cognitive decline and anticholinergic side effects. Clinicians should generally avoid multiple medications with anticholinergic activity in the patient with dementia. Some of the common selective antimuscarinic drugs for bladder problems, (such as oxybutynin, darifenacin, trospium, fesoterodine, tolerodine, or solifenacin), do not routinely cause problems with medications used for dementia, but may cause anticholinergic side effects in some patients. Atropine may be used to offset bradycardia in cholinesterase inhibitor overdose.
Atropine; Difenoxin: (Moderate) The therapeutic benefits of galantamine, a cholinesterase inhibitor, may be diminished during chronic co-administration with antimuscarinics or medications with potent anticholinergic activity. When concurrent use is not avoidable, the patient should be monitored for cognitive decline and anticholinergic side effects. Clinicians should generally avoid multiple medications with anticholinergic activity in the patient with dementia. Some of the common selective antimuscarinic drugs for bladder problems, (such as oxybutynin, darifenacin, trospium, fesoterodine, tolerodine, or solifenacin), do not routinely cause problems with medications used for dementia, but may cause anticholinergic side effects in some patients. Atropine may be used to offset bradycardia in cholinesterase inhibitor overdose.
Belladonna; Opium: (Moderate) The therapeutic benefits of galantamine, a cholinesterase inhibitor, may be diminished during chronic co-administration with antimuscarinics or medications with potent anticholinergic activity. When concurrent use is not avoidable, the patient should be monitored for cognitive decline and anticholinergic side effects. Clinicians should generally avoid multiple medications with anticholinergic activity in the patient with dementia. Some of the common selective antimuscarinic drugs for bladder problems, (such as oxybutynin, darifenacin, trospium, fesoterodine, tolerodine, or solifenacin), do not routinely cause problems with medications used for dementia, but may cause anticholinergic side effects in some patients. Atropine may be used to offset bradycardia in cholinesterase inhibitor overdose.
Benzoic Acid; Hyoscyamine; Methenamine; Methylene Blue; Phenyl Salicylate: (Moderate) The therapeutic benefits of galantamine, a cholinesterase inhibitor, may be diminished during chronic co-administration with antimuscarinics or medications with potent anticholinergic activity. When concurrent use is not avoidable, the patient should be monitored for cognitive decline and anticholinergic side effects. Clinicians should generally avoid multiple medications with anticholinergic activity in the patient with dementia. Some of the common selective antimuscarinic drugs for bladder problems, (such as oxybutynin, darifenacin, trospium, fesoterodine, tolerodine, or solifenacin), do not routinely cause problems with medications used for dementia, but may cause anticholinergic side effects in some patients. Atropine may be used to offset bradycardia in cholinesterase inhibitor overdose.
Benztropine: (Moderate) The therapeutic benefits of galantamine, a cholinesterase inhibitor, may be diminished during chronic co-administration with antimuscarinics or medications with potent anticholinergic activity. When concurrent use is not avoidable, the patient should be monitored for cognitive decline and anticholinergic side effects. Clinicians should generally avoid multiple medications with anticholinergic activity in the patient with dementia. Some of the common selective antimuscarinic drugs for bladder problems, (such as oxybutynin, darifenacin, trospium, fesoterodine, tolerodine, or solifenacin), do not routinely cause problems with medications used for dementia, but may cause anticholinergic side effects in some patients. Atropine may be used to offset bradycardia in cholinesterase inhibitor overdose.
Beta-adrenergic blockers: (Moderate) The increase in vagal tone induced by cholinesterase inhibitors, such as galantamine, may produce bradycardia or syncope. The vagotonic effect of galantamine may theoretically be increased when given with beta-blockers.
Betaxolol: (Moderate) The increase in vagal tone induced by cholinesterase inhibitors, such as galantamine, may produce bradycardia or syncope. The vagotonic effect of galantamine may theoretically be increased when given with beta-blockers.
Bisoprolol: (Moderate) The increase in vagal tone induced by cholinesterase inhibitors, such as galantamine, may produce bradycardia or syncope. The vagotonic effect of galantamine may theoretically be increased when given with beta-blockers.
Bisoprolol; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) The increase in vagal tone induced by cholinesterase inhibitors, such as galantamine, may produce bradycardia or syncope. The vagotonic effect of galantamine may theoretically be increased when given with beta-blockers.
Brimonidine; Timolol: (Moderate) The increase in vagal tone induced by cholinesterase inhibitors, such as galantamine, may produce bradycardia or syncope. The vagotonic effect of galantamine may theoretically be increased when given with beta-blockers.
Brompheniramine: (Moderate) Concurrent use of sedating H1-blockers and galantamine should be avoided if possible. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and improves the availability of acetylcholine. Sedating H1-blockers may exhibit significant anticholinergic activity, thereby interfering with the therapeutic effect of galantamine.
Brompheniramine; Dextromethorphan; Phenylephrine: (Moderate) Concurrent use of sedating H1-blockers and galantamine should be avoided if possible. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and improves the availability of acetylcholine. Sedating H1-blockers may exhibit significant anticholinergic activity, thereby interfering with the therapeutic effect of galantamine.
Brompheniramine; Phenylephrine: (Moderate) Concurrent use of sedating H1-blockers and galantamine should be avoided if possible. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and improves the availability of acetylcholine. Sedating H1-blockers may exhibit significant anticholinergic activity, thereby interfering with the therapeutic effect of galantamine.
Brompheniramine; Pseudoephedrine: (Moderate) Concurrent use of sedating H1-blockers and galantamine should be avoided if possible. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and improves the availability of acetylcholine. Sedating H1-blockers may exhibit significant anticholinergic activity, thereby interfering with the therapeutic effect of galantamine.
Brompheniramine; Pseudoephedrine; Dextromethorphan: (Moderate) Concurrent use of sedating H1-blockers and galantamine should be avoided if possible. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and improves the availability of acetylcholine. Sedating H1-blockers may exhibit significant anticholinergic activity, thereby interfering with the therapeutic effect of galantamine.
Budesonide; Glycopyrrolate; Formoterol: (Moderate) The therapeutic benefits of galantamine, a cholinesterase inhibitor, may be diminished during chronic co-administration with antimuscarinics or medications with potent anticholinergic activity. When concurrent use is not avoidable, the patient should be monitored for cognitive decline and anticholinergic side effects. Clinicians should generally avoid multiple medications with anticholinergic activity in the patient with dementia. Some of the common selective antimuscarinic drugs for bladder problems, (such as oxybutynin, darifenacin, trospium, fesoterodine, tolerodine, or solifenacin), do not routinely cause problems with medications used for dementia, but may cause anticholinergic side effects in some patients. Atropine may be used to offset bradycardia in cholinesterase inhibitor overdose.
Bupivacaine Liposomal: (Moderate) Local anesthetics can antagonize the effects of cholinesterase inhibitors by inhibiting neuronal transmission in skeletal muscle, especially if large doses of local anesthetics are used. Also, local anesthetics interfere with the release of acetylcholine. Dosage adjustment of the cholinesterase inhibitor may be necessary.
Bupivacaine: (Moderate) Local anesthetics can antagonize the effects of cholinesterase inhibitors by inhibiting neuronal transmission in skeletal muscle, especially if large doses of local anesthetics are used. Also, local anesthetics interfere with the release of acetylcholine. Dosage adjustment of the cholinesterase inhibitor may be necessary.
Bupivacaine; Epinephrine: (Moderate) Local anesthetics can antagonize the effects of cholinesterase inhibitors by inhibiting neuronal transmission in skeletal muscle, especially if large doses of local anesthetics are used. Also, local anesthetics interfere with the release of acetylcholine. Dosage adjustment of the cholinesterase inhibitor may be necessary.
Bupivacaine; Lidocaine: (Moderate) Local anesthetics can antagonize the effects of cholinesterase inhibitors by inhibiting neuronal transmission in skeletal muscle, especially if large doses of local anesthetics are used. Also, local anesthetics interfere with the release of acetylcholine. Dosage adjustment of the cholinesterase inhibitor may be necessary. (Moderate) Local anesthetics can antagonize the effects of cholinesterase inhibitors by inhibiting neuronal transmission in skeletal muscle, especially if large doses of local anesthetics are used; dosage adjustments of the cholinesterase inhibitor may be necessary. In addition, inhibitors of CYP1A2, such as tacrine, could theoretically reduce lidocaine metabolism and increase the risk of toxicity when given concurrently. Also, rivastigmine is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor and therefore is likely to exaggerate muscle relaxation under general anesthetics.
Bupivacaine; Meloxicam: (Moderate) Local anesthetics can antagonize the effects of cholinesterase inhibitors by inhibiting neuronal transmission in skeletal muscle, especially if large doses of local anesthetics are used. Also, local anesthetics interfere with the release of acetylcholine. Dosage adjustment of the cholinesterase inhibitor may be necessary.
Carbinoxamine: (Moderate) Concurrent use of sedating H1-blockers and galantamine should be avoided if possible. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and improves the availability of acetylcholine. Sedating H1-blockers may exhibit significant anticholinergic activity, thereby interfering with the therapeutic effect of galantamine.
Carteolol: (Moderate) The increase in vagal tone induced by cholinesterase inhibitors, such as galantamine, may produce bradycardia or syncope. The vagotonic effect of galantamine may theoretically be increased when given with beta-blockers.
Carvedilol: (Moderate) The increase in vagal tone induced by cholinesterase inhibitors, such as galantamine, may produce bradycardia or syncope. The vagotonic effect of galantamine may theoretically be increased when given with beta-blockers.
Chlophedianol; Dexbrompheniramine: (Moderate) Concurrent use of sedating H1-blockers and galantamine should be avoided if possible. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and improves the availability of acetylcholine. Sedating H1-blockers may exhibit significant anticholinergic activity, thereby interfering with the therapeutic effect of galantamine.
Chlophedianol; Dexchlorpheniramine; Pseudoephedrine: (Moderate) Concurrent use of sedating H1-blockers and galantamine should be avoided if possible. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and improves the availability of acetylcholine. Sedating H1-blockers may exhibit significant anticholinergic activity, thereby interfering with the therapeutic effect of galantamine.
Chlorcyclizine: (Moderate) Concurrent use of sedating H1-blockers and galantamine should be avoided if possible. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and improves the availability of acetylcholine. Sedating H1-blockers may exhibit significant anticholinergic activity, thereby interfering with the therapeutic effect of galantamine.
Chlordiazepoxide; Amitriptyline: (Moderate) The therapeutic benefits of galantamine may be diminished when coadministered with drugs known to exhibit anticholinergic properties including tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). When concurrent use cannot be avoided, monitor the patient for reduced galantamine efficacy, and consider use of secondary TCAs (e.g., desipramine, nortriptyline), which generally have less potent anticholinergic effects than tertiary TCAs (e.g., amitriptyline, clomipramine).
Chlordiazepoxide; Clidinium: (Moderate) The therapeutic benefits of galantamine, a cholinesterase inhibitor, may be diminished during chronic co-administration with antimuscarinics or medications with potent anticholinergic activity. When concurrent use is not avoidable, the patient should be monitored for cognitive decline and anticholinergic side effects. Clinicians should generally avoid multiple medications with anticholinergic activity in the patient with dementia. Some of the common selective antimuscarinic drugs for bladder problems, (such as oxybutynin, darifenacin, trospium, fesoterodine, tolerodine, or solifenacin), do not routinely cause problems with medications used for dementia, but may cause anticholinergic side effects in some patients. Atropine may be used to offset bradycardia in cholinesterase inhibitor overdose.
Chloroprocaine: (Moderate) Local anesthetics can antagonize the effects of cholinesterase inhibitors by inhibiting neuronal transmission in skeletal muscle, especially if large doses of local anesthetics are used. Also, local anesthetics interfere with the release of acetylcholine. Dosage adjustment of the cholinesterase inhibitor may be necessary.
Chlorpheniramine: (Moderate) Concurrent use of sedating H1-blockers and galantamine should be avoided if possible. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and improves the availability of acetylcholine. Sedating H1-blockers may exhibit significant anticholinergic activity, thereby interfering with the therapeutic effect of galantamine.
Chlorpheniramine; Codeine: (Moderate) Concurrent use of sedating H1-blockers and galantamine should be avoided if possible. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and improves the availability of acetylcholine. Sedating H1-blockers may exhibit significant anticholinergic activity, thereby interfering with the therapeutic effect of galantamine.
Chlorpheniramine; Dextromethorphan: (Moderate) Concurrent use of sedating H1-blockers and galantamine should be avoided if possible. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and improves the availability of acetylcholine. Sedating H1-blockers may exhibit significant anticholinergic activity, thereby interfering with the therapeutic effect of galantamine.
Chlorpheniramine; Dextromethorphan; Phenylephrine: (Moderate) Concurrent use of sedating H1-blockers and galantamine should be avoided if possible. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and improves the availability of acetylcholine. Sedating H1-blockers may exhibit significant anticholinergic activity, thereby interfering with the therapeutic effect of galantamine.
Chlorpheniramine; Dextromethorphan; Pseudoephedrine: (Moderate) Concurrent use of sedating H1-blockers and galantamine should be avoided if possible. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and improves the availability of acetylcholine. Sedating H1-blockers may exhibit significant anticholinergic activity, thereby interfering with the therapeutic effect of galantamine.
Chlorpheniramine; Dihydrocodeine; Phenylephrine: (Moderate) Concurrent use of sedating H1-blockers and galantamine should be avoided if possible. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and improves the availability of acetylcholine. Sedating H1-blockers may exhibit significant anticholinergic activity, thereby interfering with the therapeutic effect of galantamine.
Chlorpheniramine; Hydrocodone: (Moderate) Concurrent use of sedating H1-blockers and galantamine should be avoided if possible. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and improves the availability of acetylcholine. Sedating H1-blockers may exhibit significant anticholinergic activity, thereby interfering with the therapeutic effect of galantamine.
Chlorpheniramine; Ibuprofen; Pseudoephedrine: (Moderate) Concurrent use of sedating H1-blockers and galantamine should be avoided if possible. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and improves the availability of acetylcholine. Sedating H1-blockers may exhibit significant anticholinergic activity, thereby interfering with the therapeutic effect of galantamine.
Chlorpheniramine; Phenylephrine: (Moderate) Concurrent use of sedating H1-blockers and galantamine should be avoided if possible. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and improves the availability of acetylcholine. Sedating H1-blockers may exhibit significant anticholinergic activity, thereby interfering with the therapeutic effect of galantamine.
Chlorpheniramine; Pseudoephedrine: (Moderate) Concurrent use of sedating H1-blockers and galantamine should be avoided if possible. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and improves the availability of acetylcholine. Sedating H1-blockers may exhibit significant anticholinergic activity, thereby interfering with the therapeutic effect of galantamine.
Chlorpromazine: (Moderate) Conventional antipsychotics with significant anticholinergic effects, such as chlorpromazine, are more likely than other conventional antipsychotics to diminish the therapeutic action of galantamine, and use of an alternative antipsychotic should be considered. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and exerts its therapeutic effect by improving the availability of acetylcholine. Consider the use of an antipsychotic with less prominent anticholinergic effects.
Cholinergic agonists: (Major) Cholinergic agonists can cause additive pharmacodynamic effects if used concomitantly with cholinesterase inhibitors. Concurrent use is unlikely to be tolerated by the patient and should be avoided.
Cisatracurium: (Moderate) A higher cisatracurium dose may be required to achieve neuromuscular block with concomitant use of a cholinesterase inhibitor, such as galantamine.
Clemastine: (Moderate) Concurrent use of sedating H1-blockers and galantamine should be avoided if possible. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and improves the availability of acetylcholine. Sedating H1-blockers may exhibit significant anticholinergic activity, thereby interfering with the therapeutic effect of galantamine.
Clomipramine: (Moderate) The therapeutic benefits of galantamine may be diminished when coadministered with drugs known to exhibit anticholinergic properties including tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). When concurrent use cannot be avoided, monitor the patient for reduced galantamine efficacy, and consider use of secondary TCAs (e.g., desipramine, nortriptyline), which generally have less potent anticholinergic effects than tertiary TCAs (e.g., amitriptyline, clomipramine).
Clozapine: (Moderate) The anticholinergic activity of clozapine may interfere with the action of cholinergic medications such as galantamine. Atypical antipsychotics with significant anticholinergic effects, such clozapine, are more likely than other atypical antipsychotics to diminish the therapeutic action of galantamine in treating dementia. Use of an alternative antipsychotic should be considered. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and exerts its therapeutic effect by improving the availability of acetylcholine. Consider the use of an antipsychotic with less prominent anticholinergic effects.
Cocaine: (Major) cholinesterase inhibitors reduce the metabolism of cocaine, therefore, prolonging cocaine's effects or increasing the risk of toxicity. It should be taken into consideration that the cholinesterase inhibition caused by echothiophate, demecarium, or isoflurophate may persist for weeks or months after the medication has been discontinued. Additionally, local anesthetics can antagonize the effects of cholinesterase inhibitors by inhibiting neuronal transmission in skeletal muscle, especially if large doses of local anesthetics are used. Dosage adjustment of the cholinesterase inhibitor may be necessary to control the symptoms of myasthenia gravis.
Codeine; Phenylephrine; Promethazine: (Moderate) Promethazine exhibits anticholinergic properties that could potentially interfere with the cholinesterase inhibitor activity of galantamine. When concurrent use cannot be avoided, monitor the patient for reduced galantamine efficacy.
Codeine; Promethazine: (Moderate) Promethazine exhibits anticholinergic properties that could potentially interfere with the cholinesterase inhibitor activity of galantamine. When concurrent use cannot be avoided, monitor the patient for reduced galantamine efficacy.
Cyclizine: (Moderate) Concurrent use of sedating H1-blockers and galantamine should be avoided if possible. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and improves the availability of acetylcholine. Sedating H1-blockers may exhibit significant anticholinergic activity, thereby interfering with the therapeutic effect of galantamine.
Cyclobenzaprine: (Moderate) Concurrent use of certain muscle relaxants, such as cyclobenzaprine with galantamine should be avoided if possible. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and improves the availability of acetylcholine. Use of cyclobenzaprine may result in significant anticholinergic activity, thereby interfering with the therapeutic effect of galantamine.
Cyproheptadine: (Moderate) Concurrent use of sedating H1-blockers and galantamine should be avoided if possible. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and improves the availability of acetylcholine. Sedating H1-blockers may exhibit significant anticholinergic activity, thereby interfering with the therapeutic effect of galantamine.
Desipramine: (Moderate) The therapeutic benefits of galantamine may be diminished when coadministered with drugs known to exhibit anticholinergic properties including tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). When concurrent use cannot be avoided, monitor the patient for reduced galantamine efficacy, and consider use of secondary TCAs (e.g., desipramine, nortriptyline), which generally have less potent anticholinergic effects than tertiary TCAs (e.g., amitriptyline, clomipramine).
Dexbrompheniramine: (Moderate) Concurrent use of sedating H1-blockers and galantamine should be avoided if possible. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and improves the availability of acetylcholine. Sedating H1-blockers may exhibit significant anticholinergic activity, thereby interfering with the therapeutic effect of galantamine.
Dexbrompheniramine; Pseudoephedrine: (Moderate) Concurrent use of sedating H1-blockers and galantamine should be avoided if possible. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and improves the availability of acetylcholine. Sedating H1-blockers may exhibit significant anticholinergic activity, thereby interfering with the therapeutic effect of galantamine.
Dexchlorpheniramine: (Moderate) Concurrent use of sedating H1-blockers and galantamine should be avoided if possible. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and improves the availability of acetylcholine. Sedating H1-blockers may exhibit significant anticholinergic activity, thereby interfering with the therapeutic effect of galantamine.
Dexchlorpheniramine; Dextromethorphan; Pseudoephedrine: (Moderate) Concurrent use of sedating H1-blockers and galantamine should be avoided if possible. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and improves the availability of acetylcholine. Sedating H1-blockers may exhibit significant anticholinergic activity, thereby interfering with the therapeutic effect of galantamine.
Dextromethorphan; Diphenhydramine; Phenylephrine: (Moderate) Concurrent use of sedating H1-blockers and galantamine should be avoided if possible. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and improves the availability of acetylcholine. Sedating H1-blockers may exhibit significant anticholinergic activity, thereby interfering with the therapeutic effect of galantamine.
Dicyclomine: (Moderate) The therapeutic benefits of galantamine, a cholinesterase inhibitor, may be diminished during chronic co-administration with antimuscarinics or medications with potent anticholinergic activity. When concurrent use is not avoidable, the patient should be monitored for cognitive decline and anticholinergic side effects. Clinicians should generally avoid multiple medications with anticholinergic activity in the patient with dementia. Some of the common selective antimuscarinic drugs for bladder problems, (such as oxybutynin, darifenacin, trospium, fesoterodine, tolerodine, or solifenacin), do not routinely cause problems with medications used for dementia, but may cause anticholinergic side effects in some patients. Atropine may be used to offset bradycardia in cholinesterase inhibitor overdose.
Digoxin: (Moderate) The increase in vagal tone induced by some cholinesterase inhibitors may produce bradycardia, hypotension, or syncope. The vagotonic effect of these drugs may be increased when given with other medications known to cause bradycardia such as digoxin. In one study involving multiple doses of galantamine at 24 mg/day with digoxin at a dose of 0.375 mg/day, there was no effect on the pharmacokinetics of digoxin, except one healthy subject was hospitalized due to second and third degree heart block and bradycardia.
Dimenhydrinate: (Moderate) Concurrent use of sedating H1-blockers and galantamine should be avoided if possible. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and improves the availability of acetylcholine. Sedating H1-blockers may exhibit significant anticholinergic activity, thereby interfering with the therapeutic effect of galantamine.
Diphenhydramine: (Moderate) Concurrent use of sedating H1-blockers and galantamine should be avoided if possible. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and improves the availability of acetylcholine. Sedating H1-blockers may exhibit significant anticholinergic activity, thereby interfering with the therapeutic effect of galantamine.
Diphenhydramine; Ibuprofen: (Moderate) Concurrent use of sedating H1-blockers and galantamine should be avoided if possible. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and improves the availability of acetylcholine. Sedating H1-blockers may exhibit significant anticholinergic activity, thereby interfering with the therapeutic effect of galantamine.
Diphenhydramine; Naproxen: (Moderate) Concurrent use of sedating H1-blockers and galantamine should be avoided if possible. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and improves the availability of acetylcholine. Sedating H1-blockers may exhibit significant anticholinergic activity, thereby interfering with the therapeutic effect of galantamine.
Diphenhydramine; Phenylephrine: (Moderate) Concurrent use of sedating H1-blockers and galantamine should be avoided if possible. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and improves the availability of acetylcholine. Sedating H1-blockers may exhibit significant anticholinergic activity, thereby interfering with the therapeutic effect of galantamine.
Diphenoxylate; Atropine: (Moderate) The therapeutic benefits of galantamine, a cholinesterase inhibitor, may be diminished during chronic co-administration with antimuscarinics or medications with potent anticholinergic activity. When concurrent use is not avoidable, the patient should be monitored for cognitive decline and anticholinergic side effects. Clinicians should generally avoid multiple medications with anticholinergic activity in the patient with dementia. Some of the common selective antimuscarinic drugs for bladder problems, (such as oxybutynin, darifenacin, trospium, fesoterodine, tolerodine, or solifenacin), do not routinely cause problems with medications used for dementia, but may cause anticholinergic side effects in some patients. Atropine may be used to offset bradycardia in cholinesterase inhibitor overdose.
Disopyramide: (Moderate) The therapeutic benefits of galantamine may be diminished when co-administered with the antimuscarinics, such as disopyramide. When concurrent use cannot be avoided, monitor the patient for reduced galantamine efficacy.
Dorzolamide; Timolol: (Moderate) The increase in vagal tone induced by cholinesterase inhibitors, such as galantamine, may produce bradycardia or syncope. The vagotonic effect of galantamine may theoretically be increased when given with beta-blockers.
Doxepin: (Moderate) The therapeutic benefits of galantamine may be diminished when coadministered with drugs known to exhibit anticholinergic properties including tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). When concurrent use cannot be avoided, monitor the patient for reduced galantamine efficacy, and consider use of secondary TCAs (e.g., desipramine, nortriptyline), which generally have less potent anticholinergic effects than tertiary TCAs (e.g., amitriptyline, clomipramine).
Doxylamine: (Moderate) Concurrent use of sedating H1-blockers and galantamine should be avoided if possible. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and improves the availability of acetylcholine. Sedating H1-blockers may exhibit significant anticholinergic activity, thereby interfering with the therapeutic effect of galantamine.
Doxylamine; Pyridoxine: (Moderate) Concurrent use of sedating H1-blockers and galantamine should be avoided if possible. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and improves the availability of acetylcholine. Sedating H1-blockers may exhibit significant anticholinergic activity, thereby interfering with the therapeutic effect of galantamine.
Esmolol: (Moderate) The increase in vagal tone induced by cholinesterase inhibitors, such as galantamine, may produce bradycardia or syncope. The vagotonic effect of galantamine may theoretically be increased when given with beta-blockers.
Etomidate: (Moderate) Muscle relaxation produced by succinylcholine can be prolonged when the drug is administered with a cholinesterase inhibitor. If used during surgery, extended respiratory depression could result from prolonged neuromuscular blockade. Other neuromuscular blockers may interact with cholinesterase inhibitors in a similar fashion. Cholinesterase inhibitors are therefore also likely to exaggerate muscle relaxation under general anesthetics.
Flavoxate: (Moderate) The therapeutic benefits of galantamine, a cholinesterase inhibitor, may be diminished during chronic co-administration with antimuscarinics or medications with potent anticholinergic activity. When concurrent use is not avoidable, the patient should be monitored for cognitive decline and anticholinergic side effects. Clinicians should generally avoid multiple medications with anticholinergic activity in the patient with dementia. Some of the common selective antimuscarinic drugs for bladder problems, (such as oxybutynin, darifenacin, trospium, fesoterodine, tolerodine, or solifenacin), do not routinely cause problems with medications used for dementia, but may cause anticholinergic side effects in some patients. Atropine may be used to offset bradycardia in cholinesterase inhibitor overdose.
Glycopyrrolate: (Moderate) The therapeutic benefits of galantamine, a cholinesterase inhibitor, may be diminished during chronic co-administration with antimuscarinics or medications with potent anticholinergic activity. When concurrent use is not avoidable, the patient should be monitored for cognitive decline and anticholinergic side effects. Clinicians should generally avoid multiple medications with anticholinergic activity in the patient with dementia. Some of the common selective antimuscarinic drugs for bladder problems, (such as oxybutynin, darifenacin, trospium, fesoterodine, tolerodine, or solifenacin), do not routinely cause problems with medications used for dementia, but may cause anticholinergic side effects in some patients. Atropine may be used to offset bradycardia in cholinesterase inhibitor overdose.
Glycopyrrolate; Formoterol: (Moderate) The therapeutic benefits of galantamine, a cholinesterase inhibitor, may be diminished during chronic co-administration with antimuscarinics or medications with potent anticholinergic activity. When concurrent use is not avoidable, the patient should be monitored for cognitive decline and anticholinergic side effects. Clinicians should generally avoid multiple medications with anticholinergic activity in the patient with dementia. Some of the common selective antimuscarinic drugs for bladder problems, (such as oxybutynin, darifenacin, trospium, fesoterodine, tolerodine, or solifenacin), do not routinely cause problems with medications used for dementia, but may cause anticholinergic side effects in some patients. Atropine may be used to offset bradycardia in cholinesterase inhibitor overdose.
Halogenated Anesthetics: (Moderate) Muscle relaxation produced by succinylcholine can be prolonged when the drug is administered with a cholinesterase inhibitor. If used during surgery, extended respiratory depression could result from prolonged neuromuscular blockade. Other neuromuscular blockers may interact with cholinesterase inhibitors in a similar fashion. Cholinesterase inhibitors are therefore also likely to exaggerate muscle relaxation under general anesthetics.
Homatropine; Hydrocodone: (Moderate) The therapeutic benefits of galantamine, a cholinesterase inhibitor, may be diminished during chronic co-administration with antimuscarinics or medications with potent anticholinergic activity. When concurrent use is not avoidable, the patient should be monitored for cognitive decline and anticholinergic side effects. Clinicians should generally avoid multiple medications with anticholinergic activity in the patient with dementia. Some of the common selective antimuscarinic drugs for bladder problems, (such as oxybutynin, darifenacin, trospium, fesoterodine, tolerodine, or solifenacin), do not routinely cause problems with medications used for dementia, but may cause anticholinergic side effects in some patients. Atropine may be used to offset bradycardia in cholinesterase inhibitor overdose.
Hydroxyzine: (Moderate) Concurrent use of sedating H1-blockers and galantamine should be avoided if possible. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and improves the availability of acetylcholine. Sedating H1-blockers may exhibit significant anticholinergic activity, thereby interfering with the therapeutic effect of galantamine.
Hyoscyamine: (Moderate) The therapeutic benefits of galantamine, a cholinesterase inhibitor, may be diminished during chronic co-administration with antimuscarinics or medications with potent anticholinergic activity. When concurrent use is not avoidable, the patient should be monitored for cognitive decline and anticholinergic side effects. Clinicians should generally avoid multiple medications with anticholinergic activity in the patient with dementia. Some of the common selective antimuscarinic drugs for bladder problems, (such as oxybutynin, darifenacin, trospium, fesoterodine, tolerodine, or solifenacin), do not routinely cause problems with medications used for dementia, but may cause anticholinergic side effects in some patients. Atropine may be used to offset bradycardia in cholinesterase inhibitor overdose.
Hyoscyamine; Methenamine; Methylene Blue; Phenyl Salicylate; Sodium Biphosphate: (Moderate) The therapeutic benefits of galantamine, a cholinesterase inhibitor, may be diminished during chronic co-administration with antimuscarinics or medications with potent anticholinergic activity. When concurrent use is not avoidable, the patient should be monitored for cognitive decline and anticholinergic side effects. Clinicians should generally avoid multiple medications with anticholinergic activity in the patient with dementia. Some of the common selective antimuscarinic drugs for bladder problems, (such as oxybutynin, darifenacin, trospium, fesoterodine, tolerodine, or solifenacin), do not routinely cause problems with medications used for dementia, but may cause anticholinergic side effects in some patients. Atropine may be used to offset bradycardia in cholinesterase inhibitor overdose.
Imipramine: (Moderate) The therapeutic benefits of galantamine may be diminished when coadministered with drugs known to exhibit anticholinergic properties including tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). When concurrent use cannot be avoided, monitor the patient for reduced galantamine efficacy, and consider use of secondary TCAs (e.g., desipramine, nortriptyline), which generally have less potent anticholinergic effects than tertiary TCAs (e.g., amitriptyline, clomipramine).
Indacaterol; Glycopyrrolate: (Moderate) The therapeutic benefits of galantamine, a cholinesterase inhibitor, may be diminished during chronic co-administration with antimuscarinics or medications with potent anticholinergic activity. When concurrent use is not avoidable, the patient should be monitored for cognitive decline and anticholinergic side effects. Clinicians should generally avoid multiple medications with anticholinergic activity in the patient with dementia. Some of the common selective antimuscarinic drugs for bladder problems, (such as oxybutynin, darifenacin, trospium, fesoterodine, tolerodine, or solifenacin), do not routinely cause problems with medications used for dementia, but may cause anticholinergic side effects in some patients. Atropine may be used to offset bradycardia in cholinesterase inhibitor overdose.
Ketamine: (Moderate) Muscle relaxation produced by succinylcholine can be prolonged when the drug is administered with a cholinesterase inhibitor. If used during surgery, extended respiratory depression could result from prolonged neuromuscular blockade. Other neuromuscular blockers may interact with cholinesterase inhibitors in a similar fashion. Cholinesterase inhibitors are therefore also likely to exaggerate muscle relaxation under general anesthetics.
Labetalol: (Moderate) The increase in vagal tone induced by cholinesterase inhibitors, such as galantamine, may produce bradycardia or syncope. The vagotonic effect of galantamine may theoretically be increased when given with beta-blockers.
Levobunolol: (Moderate) The increase in vagal tone induced by cholinesterase inhibitors, such as galantamine, may produce bradycardia or syncope. The vagotonic effect of galantamine may theoretically be increased when given with beta-blockers.
Lidocaine: (Moderate) Local anesthetics can antagonize the effects of cholinesterase inhibitors by inhibiting neuronal transmission in skeletal muscle, especially if large doses of local anesthetics are used; dosage adjustments of the cholinesterase inhibitor may be necessary. In addition, inhibitors of CYP1A2, such as tacrine, could theoretically reduce lidocaine metabolism and increase the risk of toxicity when given concurrently. Also, rivastigmine is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor and therefore is likely to exaggerate muscle relaxation under general anesthetics.
Lidocaine; Epinephrine: (Moderate) Local anesthetics can antagonize the effects of cholinesterase inhibitors by inhibiting neuronal transmission in skeletal muscle, especially if large doses of local anesthetics are used; dosage adjustments of the cholinesterase inhibitor may be necessary. In addition, inhibitors of CYP1A2, such as tacrine, could theoretically reduce lidocaine metabolism and increase the risk of toxicity when given concurrently. Also, rivastigmine is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor and therefore is likely to exaggerate muscle relaxation under general anesthetics.
Lidocaine; Prilocaine: (Moderate) Local anesthetics can antagonize the effects of cholinesterase inhibitors by inhibiting neuronal transmission in skeletal muscle, especially if large doses of local anesthetics are used. Also, local anesthetics interfere with the release of acetylcholine. Dosage adjustment of the cholinesterase inhibitor may be necessary. (Moderate) Local anesthetics can antagonize the effects of cholinesterase inhibitors by inhibiting neuronal transmission in skeletal muscle, especially if large doses of local anesthetics are used; dosage adjustments of the cholinesterase inhibitor may be necessary. In addition, inhibitors of CYP1A2, such as tacrine, could theoretically reduce lidocaine metabolism and increase the risk of toxicity when given concurrently. Also, rivastigmine is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor and therefore is likely to exaggerate muscle relaxation under general anesthetics.
Maprotiline: (Moderate) Due to their anticholinergic actions, some cyclic antidepressants, including mapotiline, may antagonize the therapeutic actions of the cholinesterase-inhibitors such as galantamine, which are used for the treatment of dementia. Consider alternatives if concurrent therapy is needed. If alternative therapy is not possible, monitor for deceased efficacy of galantamine.
Meclizine: (Moderate) Concurrent use of sedating H1-blockers and galantamine should be avoided if possible. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and improves the availability of acetylcholine. Sedating H1-blockers may exhibit significant anticholinergic activity, thereby interfering with the therapeutic effect of galantamine.
Mepivacaine: (Moderate) Local anesthetics can antagonize the effects of cholinesterase inhibitors by inhibiting neuronal transmission in skeletal muscle, especially if large doses of local anesthetics are used. Also, local anesthetics interfere with the release of acetylcholine. Dosage adjustment of the cholinesterase inhibitor may be necessary.
Methenamine; Sodium Acid Phosphate; Methylene Blue; Hyoscyamine: (Moderate) The therapeutic benefits of galantamine, a cholinesterase inhibitor, may be diminished during chronic co-administration with antimuscarinics or medications with potent anticholinergic activity. When concurrent use is not avoidable, the patient should be monitored for cognitive decline and anticholinergic side effects. Clinicians should generally avoid multiple medications with anticholinergic activity in the patient with dementia. Some of the common selective antimuscarinic drugs for bladder problems, (such as oxybutynin, darifenacin, trospium, fesoterodine, tolerodine, or solifenacin), do not routinely cause problems with medications used for dementia, but may cause anticholinergic side effects in some patients. Atropine may be used to offset bradycardia in cholinesterase inhibitor overdose.
Methocarbamol: (Moderate) Methocarbamol may inhibit the effect of cholinesterase inhibitors. Methocarbamol also has sedative properties that may interfere with cognition. Therefore, methocarbamol should be used with caution in patients receiving cholinesterase inhibitors.
Methscopolamine: (Moderate) The therapeutic benefits of galantamine, a cholinesterase inhibitor, may be diminished during chronic co-administration with antimuscarinics or medications with potent anticholinergic activity. When concurrent use is not avoidable, the patient should be monitored for cognitive decline and anticholinergic side effects. Clinicians should generally avoid multiple medications with anticholinergic activity in the patient with dementia. Some of the common selective antimuscarinic drugs for bladder problems, (such as oxybutynin, darifenacin, trospium, fesoterodine, tolerodine, or solifenacin), do not routinely cause problems with medications used for dementia, but may cause anticholinergic side effects in some patients. Atropine may be used to offset bradycardia in cholinesterase inhibitor overdose.
Metoprolol: (Moderate) The increase in vagal tone induced by cholinesterase inhibitors, such as galantamine, may produce bradycardia or syncope. The vagotonic effect of galantamine may theoretically be increased when given with beta-blockers.
Metoprolol; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) The increase in vagal tone induced by cholinesterase inhibitors, such as galantamine, may produce bradycardia or syncope. The vagotonic effect of galantamine may theoretically be increased when given with beta-blockers.
Mivacurium: (Moderate) A higher mivacurium dose may be required to achieve neuromuscular block with concomitant use of a cholinesterase inhibitor, such as galantamine.
Nadolol: (Moderate) The increase in vagal tone induced by cholinesterase inhibitors, such as galantamine, may produce bradycardia or syncope. The vagotonic effect of galantamine may theoretically be increased when given with beta-blockers.
Nebivolol: (Moderate) The increase in vagal tone induced by cholinesterase inhibitors, such as galantamine, may produce bradycardia or syncope. The vagotonic effect of galantamine may theoretically be increased when given with beta-blockers.
Nebivolol; Valsartan: (Moderate) The increase in vagal tone induced by cholinesterase inhibitors, such as galantamine, may produce bradycardia or syncope. The vagotonic effect of galantamine may theoretically be increased when given with beta-blockers.
Neostigmine; Glycopyrrolate: (Moderate) The therapeutic benefits of galantamine, a cholinesterase inhibitor, may be diminished during chronic co-administration with antimuscarinics or medications with potent anticholinergic activity. When concurrent use is not avoidable, the patient should be monitored for cognitive decline and anticholinergic side effects. Clinicians should generally avoid multiple medications with anticholinergic activity in the patient with dementia. Some of the common selective antimuscarinic drugs for bladder problems, (such as oxybutynin, darifenacin, trospium, fesoterodine, tolerodine, or solifenacin), do not routinely cause problems with medications used for dementia, but may cause anticholinergic side effects in some patients. Atropine may be used to offset bradycardia in cholinesterase inhibitor overdose.
Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs: (Moderate) NSAIDs may cause additive pharmacodynamic GI effects with cholinesterase inhibitors, leading to gastrointestinal intolerance. Patients receiving concurrent NSAIDs should be monitored closely for symptoms of active or occult gastrointestinal bleeding. While NSAIDs appear to suppress microglial activity, which in turn may slow inflammatory neurodegenerative processes important for the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD), there are no clinical data at this time to suggest that NSAIDs alone or as combined therapy with AD agents result in synergistic effects in AD.
Nortriptyline: (Moderate) The therapeutic benefits of galantamine may be diminished when coadministered with drugs known to exhibit anticholinergic properties including tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). When concurrent use cannot be avoided, monitor the patient for reduced galantamine efficacy, and consider use of secondary TCAs (e.g., desipramine, nortriptyline), which generally have less potent anticholinergic effects than tertiary TCAs (e.g., amitriptyline, clomipramine).
Olanzapine: (Moderate) Atypical antipsychotics with significant anticholinergic effects, such olanzapine, are more likely than other atypical antipsychotics to diminish the therapeutic action of galantamine in treating dementia. Use of an alternative antipsychotic should be considered. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and exerts its therapeutic effect by improving the availability of acetylcholine. Consider the use of an antipsychotic with less prominent anticholinergic effects. Monitor for decreased clinical efficacy of galantamine if olanzapine must be used concurrently.
Olanzapine; Fluoxetine: (Moderate) Atypical antipsychotics with significant anticholinergic effects, such olanzapine, are more likely than other atypical antipsychotics to diminish the therapeutic action of galantamine in treating dementia. Use of an alternative antipsychotic should be considered. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and exerts its therapeutic effect by improving the availability of acetylcholine. Consider the use of an antipsychotic with less prominent anticholinergic effects. Monitor for decreased clinical efficacy of galantamine if olanzapine must be used concurrently.
Olanzapine; Samidorphan: (Moderate) Atypical antipsychotics with significant anticholinergic effects, such olanzapine, are more likely than other atypical antipsychotics to diminish the therapeutic action of galantamine in treating dementia. Use of an alternative antipsychotic should be considered. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and exerts its therapeutic effect by improving the availability of acetylcholine. Consider the use of an antipsychotic with less prominent anticholinergic effects. Monitor for decreased clinical efficacy of galantamine if olanzapine must be used concurrently.
Orphenadrine: (Moderate) The therapeutic benefits of galantamine may be diminished when co-administered with drugs known to exhibit anticholinergic properties, such as orphenadrine.
Oxybutynin: (Moderate) The therapeutic benefits of galantamine, a cholinesterase inhibitor, may be diminished during chronic co-administration with antimuscarinics or medications with potent anticholinergic activity. When concurrent use is not avoidable, the patient should be monitored for cognitive decline and anticholinergic side effects. Clinicians should generally avoid multiple medications with anticholinergic activity in the patient with dementia. Some of the common selective antimuscarinic drugs for bladder problems, (such as oxybutynin, darifenacin, trospium, fesoterodine, tolerodine, or solifenacin), do not routinely cause problems with medications used for dementia, but may cause anticholinergic side effects in some patients. Atropine may be used to offset bradycardia in cholinesterase inhibitor overdose.
Pancuronium: (Moderate) A higher pancuronium dose may be required to achieve neuromuscular block with concomitant use of a cholinesterase inhibitor, such as galantamine.
Perphenazine; Amitriptyline: (Moderate) The therapeutic benefits of galantamine may be diminished when coadministered with drugs known to exhibit anticholinergic properties including tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). When concurrent use cannot be avoided, monitor the patient for reduced galant

amine efficacy, and consider use of secondary TCAs (e.g., desipramine, nortriptyline), which generally have less potent anticholinergic effects than tertiary TCAs (e.g., amitriptyline, clomipramine).
Phenobarbital; Hyoscyamine; Atropine; Scopolamine: (Moderate) The therapeutic benefits of galantamine, a cholinesterase inhibitor, may be diminished during chronic co-administration with antimuscarinics or medications with potent anticholinergic activity. When concurrent use is not avoidable, the patient should be monitored for cognitive decline and anticholinergic side effects. Clinicians should generally avoid multiple medications with anticholinergic activity in the patient with dementia. Some of the common selective antimuscarinic drugs for bladder problems, (such as oxybutynin, darifenacin, trospium, fesoterodine, tolerodine, or solifenacin), do not routinely cause problems with medications used for dementia, but may cause anticholinergic side effects in some patients. Atropine may be used to offset bradycardia in cholinesterase inhibitor overdose.
Pindolol: (Moderate) The increase in vagal tone induced by cholinesterase inhibitors, such as galantamine, may produce bradycardia or syncope. The vagotonic effect of galantamine may theoretically be increased when given with beta-blockers.
Prilocaine: (Moderate) Local anesthetics can antagonize the effects of cholinesterase inhibitors by inhibiting neuronal transmission in skeletal muscle, especially if large doses of local anesthetics are used. Also, local anesthetics interfere with the release of acetylcholine. Dosage adjustment of the cholinesterase inhibitor may be necessary.
Prilocaine; Epinephrine: (Moderate) Local anesthetics can antagonize the effects of cholinesterase inhibitors by inhibiting neuronal transmission in skeletal muscle, especially if large doses of local anesthetics are used. Also, local anesthetics interfere with the release of acetylcholine. Dosage adjustment of the cholinesterase inhibitor may be necessary.
Promethazine: (Moderate) Promethazine exhibits anticholinergic properties that could potentially interfere with the cholinesterase inhibitor activity of galantamine. When concurrent use cannot be avoided, monitor the patient for reduced galantamine efficacy.
Promethazine; Dextromethorphan: (Moderate) Promethazine exhibits anticholinergic properties that could potentially interfere with the cholinesterase inhibitor activity of galantamine. When concurrent use cannot be avoided, monitor the patient for reduced galantamine efficacy.
Promethazine; Phenylephrine: (Moderate) Promethazine exhibits anticholinergic properties that could potentially interfere with the cholinesterase inhibitor activity of galantamine. When concurrent use cannot be avoided, monitor the patient for reduced galantamine efficacy.
Propantheline: (Moderate) The therapeutic benefits of galantamine, a cholinesterase inhibitor, may be diminished during chronic co-administration with antimuscarinics or medications with potent anticholinergic activity. When concurrent use is not avoidable, the patient should be monitored for cognitive decline and anticholinergic side effects. Clinicians should generally avoid multiple medications with anticholinergic activity in the patient with dementia. Some of the common selective antimuscarinic drugs for bladder problems, (such as oxybutynin, darifenacin, trospium, fesoterodine, tolerodine, or solifenacin), do not routinely cause problems with medications used for dementia, but may cause anticholinergic side effects in some patients. Atropine may be used to offset bradycardia in cholinesterase inhibitor overdose.
Propofol: (Moderate) Muscle relaxation produced by succinylcholine can be prolonged when the drug is administered with a cholinesterase inhibitor. If used during surgery, extended respiratory depression could result from prolonged neuromuscular blockade. Other neuromuscular blockers may interact with cholinesterase inhibitors in a similar fashion. Cholinesterase inhibitors are therefore also likely to exaggerate muscle relaxation under general anesthetics.
Propranolol: (Moderate) The increase in vagal tone induced by cholinesterase inhibitors, such as galantamine, may produce bradycardia or syncope. The vagotonic effect of galantamine may theoretically be increased when given with beta-blockers.
Propranolol; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) The increase in vagal tone induced by cholinesterase inhibitors, such as galantamine, may produce bradycardia or syncope. The vagotonic effect of galantamine may theoretically be increased when given with beta-blockers.
Protriptyline: (Moderate) The therapeutic benefits of galantamine may be diminished when coadministered with drugs known to exhibit anticholinergic properties including tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). When concurrent use cannot be avoided, monitor the patient for reduced galantamine efficacy, and consider use of secondary TCAs (e.g., desipramine, nortriptyline), which generally have less potent anticholinergic effects than tertiary TCAs (e.g., amitriptyline, clomipramine).
Pseudoephedrine; Triprolidine: (Moderate) Concurrent use of sedating H1-blockers and galantamine should be avoided if possible. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and improves the availability of acetylcholine. Sedating H1-blockers may exhibit significant anticholinergic activity, thereby interfering with the therapeutic effect of galantamine.
Pyrilamine: (Moderate) Concurrent use of sedating H1-blockers and galantamine should be avoided if possible. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and improves the availability of acetylcholine. Sedating H1-blockers may exhibit significant anticholinergic activity, thereby interfering with the therapeutic effect of galantamine.
Rocuronium: (Moderate) A higher rocuronium dose may be required to achieve neuromuscular block with concomitant use of a cholinesterase inhibitor, such as galantamine.
Ropivacaine: (Moderate) Local anesthetics can antagonize the effects of cholinesterase inhibitors by inhibiting neuronal transmission in skeletal muscle, especially if large doses of local anesthetics are used. Also, local anesthetics interfere with the release of acetylcholine.
Scopolamine: (Moderate) The therapeutic benefits of galantamine, a cholinesterase inhibitor, may be diminished during chronic co-administration with antimuscarinics or medications with potent anticholinergic activity. When concurrent use is not avoidable, the patient should be monitored for cognitive decline and anticholinergic side effects. Clinicians should generally avoid multiple medications with anticholinergic activity in the patient with dementia. Some of the common selective antimuscarinic drugs for bladder problems, (such as oxybutynin, darifenacin, trospium, fesoterodine, tolerodine, or solifenacin), do not routinely cause problems with medications used for dementia, but may cause anticholinergic side effects in some patients. Atropine may be used to offset bradycardia in cholinesterase inhibitor overdose.
Sedating H1-blockers: (Moderate) Concurrent use of sedating H1-blockers and galantamine should be avoided if possible. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and improves the availability of acetylcholine. Sedating H1-blockers may exhibit significant anticholinergic activity, thereby interfering with the therapeutic effect of galantamine.
Solifenacin: (Moderate) The therapeutic benefits of the cholinesterase inhibitors for dementia or other neurologic conditions may be diminished during chronic co-administration with antimuscarinics or medications with potent anticholinergic activity. Some of the common selective antimuscarinic drugs for bladder problems, (such as solifenacin), do not routinely cause problems with medications used for dementia, but may cause anticholinergic side effects in some patients. When concurrent use is not avoidable, the patient should be monitored for cognitive decline and anticholinergic side effects. Clinicians should generally avoid multiple medications with anticholinergic activity in the patient with dementia.
Sotalol: (Moderate) The increase in vagal tone induced by cholinesterase inhibitors such as galantamine may produce bradycardia or syncope. The vagotonic effect of galantamine may theoretically be increased when given with beta-blockers.
Succinylcholine: (Moderate) A synergistic effect may be expected when succinylcholine is given concomitantly with a cholinesterase inhibitor, such as galantamine.
Tetracaine: (Moderate) Local anesthetics can antagonize the effects of cholinesterase inhibitors by inhibiting neuronal transmission in skeletal muscle, especially if large doses of local anesthetics are used. Also, local anesthetics interfere with the release of acetylcholine. Dosage adjustment of the cholinesterase inhibitor may be necessary.
Thioridazine: (Moderate) Conventional antipsychotics with significant anticholinergic effects, such thioridazine, are more likely than other conventional antipsychotics to diminish the therapeutic action of galantamine in treating dementia. Use of an alternative antipsychotic should be considered. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and exerts its therapeutic effect by improving the availability of acetylcholine. Consider the use of an antipsychotic with less prominent anticholinergic effects.
Timolol: (Moderate) The increase in vagal tone induced by cholinesterase inhibitors, such as galantamine, may produce bradycardia or syncope. The vagotonic effect of galantamine may theoretically be increased when given with beta-blockers.
Tolterodine: (Moderate) The therapeutic benefits of the cholinesterase inhibitors for dementia or other neurologic conditions may be diminished during chronic co-administration with antimuscarinics or medications with potent anticholinergic activity. Some of the common selective antimuscarinic drugs for bladder problems, (such as tolterodine), do not routinely cause problems with medications used for dementia, but may cause anticholinergic side effects in some patients. When concurrent use is not avoidable, the patient should be monitored for cognitive decline and anticholinergic side effects. Clinicians should generally avoid multiple medications with anticholinergic activity in the patient with dementia.
Tricyclic antidepressants: (Moderate) The therapeutic benefits of galantamine may be diminished when coadministered with drugs known to exhibit anticholinergic properties including tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). When concurrent use cannot be avoided, monitor the patient for reduced galantamine efficacy, and consider use of secondary TCAs (e.g., desipramine, nortriptyline), which generally have less potent anticholinergic effects than tertiary TCAs (e.g., amitriptyline, clomipramine).
Trihexyphenidyl: (Moderate) The therapeutic benefits of galantamine, a cholinesterase inhibitor, may be diminished during chronic co-administration with antimuscarinics or medications with potent anticholinergic activity. When concurrent use is not avoidable, the patient should be monitored for cognitive decline and anticholinergic side effects. Clinicians should generally avoid multiple medications with anticholinergic activity in the patient with dementia. Some of the common selective antimuscarinic drugs for bladder problems, (such as oxybutynin, darifenacin, trospium, fesoterodine, tolerodine, or solifenacin), do not routinely cause problems with medications used for dementia, but may cause anticholinergic side effects in some patients. Atropine may be used to offset bradycardia in cholinesterase inhibitor overdose.
Trimipramine: (Moderate) The therapeutic benefits of galantamine may be diminished when coadministered with drugs known to exhibit anticholinergic properties including tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). When concurrent use cannot be avoided, monitor the patient for reduced galantamine efficacy, and consider use of secondary TCAs (e.g., desipramine, nortriptyline), which generally have less potent anticholinergic effects than tertiary TCAs (e.g., amitriptyline, clomipramine).
Triprolidine: (Moderate) Concurrent use of sedating H1-blockers and galantamine should be avoided if possible. Galantamine inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the degradation of acetylcholine, and improves the availability of acetylcholine. Sedating H1-blockers may exhibit significant anticholinergic activity, thereby interfering with the therapeutic effect of galantamine.
Trospium: (Moderate) The therapeutic benefits of the cholinesterase inhibitors for dementia or other neurologic conditions may be diminished during chronic co-administration with antimuscarinics or medications with potent anticholinergic activity. Some of the common selective antimuscarinic drugs for bladder problems, (such as trospium), do not routinely cause problems with medications used for dementia, but may cause anticholinergic side effects in some patients. When concurrent use is not avoidable, the patient should be monitored for cognitive decline and anticholinergic side effects. Clinicians should generally avoid multiple medications with anticholinergic activity in the patient with dementia.
Vecuronium: (Moderate) A higher vecuronium dose may be required to achieve neuromuscular block with concomitant use of a cholinesterase inhibitor, such as galantamine.

Galantamine/Galantamine Hydrobromide/Razadyne/Razadyne ER/Reminyl/Reminyl ER Oral Cap ER: 8mg, 16mg, 24mg
Galantamine/Galantamine Hydrobromide/Razadyne/Reminyl Oral Sol: 1mL, 4mg
Galantamine/Galantamine Hydrobromide/Razadyne/Reminyl Oral Tab: 4mg, 8mg, 12mg

Adults

24 mg/day PO.

Elderly

24 mg/day PO.

Adolescents

Not indicated.

Children

Not indicated.

Galantamine is a tertiary alkaloid that is a reversible inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), one of the enzymes responsible for the degradation of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Since galantamine is tertiary in structure, it penetrates the CNS and can inhibit brain AChE. Patients with Alzheimer's disease show a slow decline in memory, learning, behavior, emotions, and social and executive functioning, partially related to cholinergic deficits. This cholinergic loss has been correlated with the degree of cognitive impairment and density of amyloid plaques (a neuropathological hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease). Cholinesterase inhibitors are designed to offset the loss of cholinergic neurons by symptomatically slowing the decline in memory and the ability to perform functions of daily living by increasing central synaptic concentrations of acetylcholine. This mechanism requires that intact cholinergic neurons be present. As Alzheimer's disease progresses, fewer intact cholinergic neurons remain, and cholinesterase inhibitors become less effective. In addition, there is no evidence to suggest that the drugs have an effect on the underlying neuropathology or progression of dementia. CNS structural defects noted on biopsy or postmortem exam include cholinergic lesions in the nuclei projecting from the forebrain nucleus up to the cerebral cortex and the hippocampus, which is the specific region involved with the function of memory. Unlike other AChE inhibitors, galantamine enhances the effect of acetylcholine on nicotinic receptors, likely through binding to an allosteric site on the receptor; however, human data have not shown evidence that the nicotinic receptor activity of the drug results in clinically significant benefit over other AChE inhibitors.

Galantamine is administered orally. The plasma protein binding is 18% at therapeutically relevant concentrations. In whole blood, it is mainly distributed to blood cells (roughly 53%).
 
Galantamine does not appear to be a significant inhibitor of the hepatic CYP450 microsomal enzymes; however, it is partially metabolized via this system. Multiple metabolic pathways and renal excretion are involved in elimination, so no single pathway appears predominant. Hepatic isoenzymes CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 are involved in the formation of the metabolites O-desmethylgalantamine and N-oxide-galantamine, respectively. O-demethylation, mediated by CYP2D6, is greater in extensive metabolizers of CYP2D6 than in poor metabolizers. Population pharmacokinetic analysis indicate that there is a 25% decrease in median clearance in poor metabolizers compared to extensive metabolizers. However, dosage adjustment is not necessary in patients identified as poor metabolizers as the dose of drug is individually titrated to tolerability. The elimination half-life averages 7 hours. Approximately 20% of a dose is excreted through the kidneys in 24 hours as unchanged galantamine. In studies of radiolabeled oral galantamine, unchanged galantamine and its glucuronide accounted for most of the plasma radioactivity. By 7 days, 93—99% of the total radioactivity was recovered, with about 95% in urine and about 5% in the feces.
 
Affected cytochrome P450 isoenzymes and drug transporters: CYP2D6, CYP3A4
Galantamine is partially metabolized by the cytochrome P450 system, specifically by isoenzymes CYP3A4 and CYP2D6. Agents that are inhibitors or inducers of CYP3A4 and/or CYP2D6 may alter serum concentrations of galantamine.

Oral Route

Galantamine is rapidly and completely absorbed following oral administration with time to peak concentration about 1 hour. Bioavailability of the immediate-release tablet is the same as an oral solution; bioavailability is roughly 90%. The rate of absorption is delayed by administration with food; however, the extent of absorption is not affected. Administration with food is recommended to limit drug intolerance.

Pregnancy

There are no adequate data on the developmental risk associated with the use of galantamine during human pregnancy. In animal studies, developmental toxicity (increased incidence of morphological abnormalities and decreased offspring growth) and maternal toxicity were observed during the use of doses similar to or greater than the maximum recommended human dose. The effects of galantamine in labor and delivery are unknown.

The developmental and health benefits of breast-feeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for galantamine and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from the drug or from the underlying maternal condition. It is not known whether galantamine is excreted in human breast milk. There are no data regarding the effects of galantamine on the breastfed infant or the effects of the drug on milk production.