Galantamine tablets

What is this medicine?

GALANTAMINE (ga LAN ta meen) is used to treat mild to moderate dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take with food and plenty of liquid to reduce stomach upset. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take more often than directed. Continue to take your medicine even if you feel better. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• changes in vision or balance

• dizziness, fainting spells, or falls

• severe diarrhea

• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

• slow heartbeat, or palpitations

• stomach pain

• unusual bleeding or bruising, red or purple spots on the skin

• vomiting

• weight loss

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• headache

• loss of appetite

• mild diarrhea, especially when starting treatment

• nausea

What may interact with this medicine?

• atropine

• benztropine

• bethanecol

• cimetidine

• dicyclomine

• digoxin

• erythromycin

• glycopyrrolate

• hyoscyamine

• medicines for fungal infections like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, terbinafine

• medicines for motion sickness like dimenhydrinate, meclizine, scopolamine

• medicines that relax your muscles for surgery

• other medicines for Alzheimer's disease

• oxybutynin

• quinidine

• some medicines for depression, anxiety or mood disorders

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. If you miss more than 3 days of treatment, contact your doctor for instructions.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• asthma or other lung disease

• difficulty passing urine

• heart disease, slow heartbeat

• kidney or liver disease

• seizures (convulsions)

• stomach or intestine disease, ulcers, or stomach bleeding

• an unusual or allergic reaction to galantamine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check with your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you.