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Brand name:

Reminyl

Pronounced: REM-in-ill
Generic name: Galantamine

Why is this drug 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 this drug

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 this medication?

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.

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 Reminyl.

• More common 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, abdominal pain, urinary tract infection, vomiting, weight loss

• Less common side effects may include:
  Chest pain, dizziness, fainting, gas, incontinence, slow heartbeat

• Rare side effects may include:
  Apathy, black stools, convulsions, delirium, difficulty swallowing, drooling, dry mouth, frequent urination, heart failure, hiccup, inability to comprehend language, increased sex drive, kidney stones, low blood pressure, movement and muscle disorders, nighttime urination, nosebleed, paranoia, purple or red discoloration of the skin, rapid or irregular heartbeat, rectal bleeding, stomach upset, swelling, tingling or prickly sensation, urinary retention, vertigo, weakness

Why should this drug 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 this medication

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 this medication

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

ADULTS

For patients with mild to moderate liver problems and kidney problems, dosage should not exceed 16 milligrams per day.

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.

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