Drug reference

Galantamine

Cholinesterase Inhibitor · Management of Dementia

Cholinesterase InhibitorManagement of Dementia

CDSCO approved

EXCRETION

—

not curated

INTERACTIONS

6 major

SEVERE in our sources

PREGNANCY

—

not curated

Top interactionssee all 6 →

BupropionSevereDatabaseDDInter
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IopamidolSevereDatabaseDDInter
OzanimodSevereDatabaseDDInter

Mechanism

Galantamine is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. It increases the concentration of acetylcholine in the synaptic clefts by inhibiting its breakdown. This action enhances cholinergic neurotransmission, which is thought to be beneficial in cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

Indications

Mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s diseaseMild-to-moderate dementia with Lewy bodies (off-label)Vascular dementia with suspected co-morbid Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease dementia, or dementia with Lewy bodies (off-label)Symptomatic treatment of mild-moderate AD dementiaOther neurodegenerative diseases with cholinergic deficitsalzheimer’s disease

Dosing

Hepatic adjustment: Manufacturer advises caution (risk of increased exposure in mild to moderate impairment; no information available in severe impairment). Dose escalation should be performed according to individual tolerability in mild to moderate impairment.

Pharmacokinetics

Bioavailability

100 (91–110)%

Protein binding

18%

Metabolism

CYP2D6, CYP3A4

Excretion

20 (18–22)%

Contraindications

Intolerance to acetylcholinesterase inhibitors
Frontotemporal dementia
Cognitive impairment caused by multiple sclerosis

Side effects

Common

Aggressionagitationappetite decreasedcommon colddiarrhoeadizzinessfatiguegastrointestinal disordershallucinationheadacheinjurymuscle crampsnauseapainskin reactionssleep disorderssyncopeurinary incontinencevomitingGI distressmuscle crampingabnormal dreams

Serious