Brand name : Reminyl
Pronounced: REM-in-ill
Generic name: Galantamine
Why is Reminyl prescribed?
Reminyl 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.)
Reminyl is a temporary remedy. It doesn't work for everyone, and it
doesn't halt the underlying disease.
Most important fact about Reminyl
Reminyl therapy starts at a low dose and increases over several months.
It is important to wait 4 weeks between dosage adjustments. If treatment
with Reminyl 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 Reminyl?
Reminyl 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.
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.
Reminyl side effects
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 Reminyl.
* Side effects may include:
Abdominal pain, anemia, blood in urine, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue,
headache, inability to sleep, indigestion, loss of appetite, nausea, runny
nose, sleepiness, tremor, urinary tract infection, vomiting, weight loss
Why should Reminyl not be prescribed?
Reminyl 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 Reminyl
Use Reminyl with caution if the patient has severe asthma, obstructive
lung disease, or a history of stomach ulcers.
Reminyl 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 Reminyl.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Reminyl
If Reminyl 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 Reminyl 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 Voltaren
Paroxetine (Paxil)
Urinary tract medications such as Urispas and Urecholine.
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Reminyl 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. Reminyl should not be used by nursing
mothers.
Recommended dosage for Reminyl
ADULTS
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. A massive
overdose of Reminyl could prove fatal. If you suspect an overdose,
seek medical attention immediately.
