|
CHEMICAL NAME
GALANTAMINE.
INDICATIONS
Razadyne ER is used to treat Alzheimer's disease. Use of galantamine for any illnesses occurring in children is not recommended.
DIRECTIONS
Take Razadyne ER Capsules by mouth, usually once daily in the morning with breakfast (or on an empty stomach if necessary) as directed. Drink plenty of fluids with this medication unless instructed otherwise. Your dose will be adjusted over time until the right amount of medicine is determined. Use this medication exactly as prescribed to minimize the occurrence of side effects. Do not stop taking it or increase the dose unless instructed to do so by your doctor. Swallow the capsules whole. Do not crush or chew the capsules; doing so can destroy the long action of the drug and may increase side effects. If you have not taken the drug for several days, contact your doctor to re-establish your dosing schedule. To minimize side effects, you should be restarted at the lowest dose. The dosage will then gradually be increased. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. It may take at least four weeks of continued use before the full benefit of this drug takes effect. The recommended maximum total daily dose is 24 mg.
SIDE EFFECTS
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, decreased appetite or weight loss may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fainting, new-onset or worsening heartburn, unusually slow heartbeat, chest pain, stomach pain, loss of bladder control or difficulty urinating. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: convulsions, black stool, bloody or "coffee-ground" vomit, irregular heartbeat. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: heart problems (e.g., bradycardia, AV block, arrhythmia), stomach/intestinal problems (peptic ulcer disease, GERD), difficulty urinating, convulsions, lung disease (severe asthma, obstructive pulmonary disease), liver or kidney disease, recent tobacco use, recent/frequent alcohol use, any allergies (including allergy to daffodil plants). This drug may make you dizzy; use caution when performing activities that require alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages because it may cause dizziness and make your stomach more likely to bleed. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly, as they may be more sensitive to drug side effects. Galantamine should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding is not recommended while using galantamine.
OVERDOSAGE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include muscle weakness or twitching; severe nausea; severe stomach cramping; slow or shallow breathing; severe dizziness; slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat; fainting; loss of consciousness; and convulsions.
INFORMATION
Do not share this medication with others. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and restart your usual dosing schedule. Do not double your dose to catch up. Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) and away from light and moisture. Do not store in bathroom.
NOTES
The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially: anticholinergic drugs (e.g., benztropine, scopolamine), cholinergic drugs (e.g., bethanechol), other cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., donepezil), succinylcholine-type muscle blocking drugs, aspirin, NSAIDS (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen). Also report use of heart drugs (those which decrease heart rate or block AV impulse conduction) such as: digoxin, beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol, propranolol), calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem, verapamil). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
|
