Galantamine (Razadyne, Razadyne ER, and generic) is a reversible cholinesterase inhibitor. Here is basic information about this medication.
FDA-approved indications
Treatment of mild to moderate dementia of the Alzheimer’s type
Dosage
Galantamine immediate-release tablets and oral solution
Starting: Recommended dosage is 4 mg twice daily
Titration: Increase to initial maintenance dosage of 8 mg twice daily after a minimum of 4 weeks. Based on clinical benefit and tolerability, dosage may be increased to 12 mg twice daily after a minimum of 4 weeks at 8 mg twice daily
Tablets and oral solution should be administered preferably with morning and evening meals. Patients and caregivers should be advised to ensure adequate fluid intake during treatment.
If therapy has been interrupted for more than three days, the patient should be restarted at the lowest dosage and the dosage escalated to the current dose.
Galantamine ER extended-release capsules
Starting: 8 mg/day orally in the morning with food
Titration: Increase to initial maintenance dose of 16 mg/day after a minimum of 4 weeks. Based on clinical benefit and tolerability, dosage may be increased to 24 mg/day after a minimum of 4 weeks at 16 mg/day
Conversion from galantamine immediate-release tablets and oral solution to extended-release capsules
Should occur at the same daily dosage with the last dose of galantamine tablets/oral solution taken in evening and starting galantamine ER once daily treatment the next morning.
Special considerations
Hepatic impairment
Moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score of 7-9): Dosage of galantamine and galantamine ER should generally not exceed 16 mg/day.
Severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score of 10-15): Not recommended
Renal impairment
Renal Impairment (creatinine clearance of 9 to 59 mL/min): Dosage should generally not exceed 16 mg/day.
Renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 9 mL/min:) Not recommended
Dosage forms and strengths
Tablets: 4 mg, 8 mg, 12 mg
Oral solution: 4 mg/mL
Extended-release capsules: 8 mg, 16 mg, 24 mg
Please refer to Prescribing Information (see link below) for complete discussion of dosage, administration, warnings and precautions, contraindications, etc.
Related Pages
Tips for interviewing patients with dementia
Neuroimaging in persons with dementia
Key points from the APA Practice Guideline on the Use of Antipsychotics to Treat Agitation or Psychosis in Patients with Dementia
Neurocognitive disorders: Classification (Free)
References
Galantamine (Razadyne, Razadyne ER) prescribing information
Copyright 2016, Rajnish Mago, MD. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced in any form without express written permission.
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