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Galantamine (Razadyne®, Razadyne® ER): Basic Information

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 the 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 a 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


References

Galantamine extended-release (Razadyne® ER) Prescribing Information


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Disclaimer: The material on this website is provided as general education for medical professionals. It is not intended or recommended for patients or other laypersons or as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients must always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding their diagnosis and treatment. Healthcare professionals should always check this website for the most recently updated information.

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