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