GALAMER 8mg Tablet

GALAMER 8MG TABLET belongs to a group of medicines called ‘anti-dementia agents’ used to treat mild to moderate dementia caused by Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurological disorder, which causes dementia (memory loss), and slowly destroys the ability to think, learn, communicate, and handling daily activities. Dementia is a condition associated with impairment in memory, communication and thinking.

GALAMER 8MG TABLET contains ‘Galantamine’ that belongs to the class of ‘Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors’. Galantamine blocks the action of the enzyme cholinesterase, an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine.

Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter or a chemical messenger that transmits the message from one nerve cell to another nerve cell, muscle cell, or gland cell.

GALAMER 8MG TABLET thus increases acetylcholine levels allowing the nerve cells to communicate. It restores the balance of neurotransmitters and thus improves mental function, such as memory and thinking.

GALAMER 8MG TABLET is available in oral tablet, extended-release capsule, and liquid formulations. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration based on your disease’s severity and response to treatment.

Common side effects of GALAMER 8MG TABLET include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, shakiness (tremor), weakness, depression, and loss of appetite.

These side effects are not familiar to everyone and vary individually. If you notice any side effects that are not manageable, please consult your doctor.

Please tell your doctor if you are allergic to GALAMER 8MG TABLET or its components. If you are using any prescription and non-prescription medications, let your doctor know before starting GALAMER 8MG TABLET.

Inform your doctor beforehand if you have a history of liver or kidney diseases, heart problems, electrolyte imbalance, stomach ulcer, fits, Parkinson’s disease, breathing disorders, and urination problems. If you had recent surgery on the stomach, intestines or bladder, tell your doctor.

If you are pregnant, planning to conceive or a breastfeeding mother, inform your doctor before starting GALAMER 8MG TABLET. Avoid consuming alcohol along with GALAMER 8MG TABLET as it can make you dizzy or drowsy. Read more:

WHAT IS GALANTAMINE?

Galantamine is a medication which helps in improving the function of the nerve cells in the brain. It works by stopping the breakdown of a chemical called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is crucial for the processes of memory, thinking, and reasoning.

The level of this chemical is usually lower than normal in people with dementia. Galantamine is therefore prescribed for people with mild to moderate dementia induced by Alzheimer’s disease.

It is sold under various trade names, some of which are Razadyne and Galamer (made by Sun Pharma). Galantamine may also be given for treatments not listed here.

Galamer 8 Tablet is used to treat mild to moderate dementia in Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive illness that gradually affects memory and thinking. It does not cure this illness but may help improve memory, awareness, and other symptoms.

Your doctor will explain how to take Galamer 8 Tablet. Follow the instructions carefully to get the most benefit. The dose may change from time to time to suit your individual needs.

You may take it with food, preferably at night before going to bed. It can take up to a few weeks for symptoms to improve so keep taking your medicine regularly. You should not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor.

The most common side effects of this medicine are nausea and vomiting. It may also cause diarrhea, decreased appetite, hallucination, depression, fainting, dizziness, headache, sleepiness, fatigue, indigestion, and abdominal pain. Some people may experience dizziness, increase in blood pressure, or slow heart rate.

You may have side effects more often when you start your treatment or when your dose is increased. Usually, the side effects will slowly go away as your body gets used to the Galamer 8 Tablet. If they are severe or will not go away, you should contact your doctor.

Before using Galamer 8 Tablet, you should tell your doctor if you have ever had heart problems, stomach ulcers, epilepsy, or asthma. It may also affect, or be affected by, some other drugs you are using so let your doctor know what these are to be safe. During pregnancy, this medicine should only be taken if it is advised.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT GALANTAMINE:

You should inform your doctor in advance before taking Galantamine anti convulsant medication (Razadyne, Galamer) if you have any of these conditions: heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder, urination problems, stomach ulcers or bleeding, a seizure disorder, asthma, kidney disease, or liver disease.

Immediately stop using Galantamine medication and seek medical attention if you experience chest pain, low heart rate, bloody stools, coughing up blood, reduced urination, weakness, confusion, extreme thirst, or hot or dry skin.

There are several drugs which can interact with Galantamine. Notify your doctor about all medications and related products (OTC vitamin pill, herbal products and others) which you may be using prior to taking this medication. If you are scheduled for a surgery, you may be required to suspend taking Galantamine for a short period.

Let your surgeon know well in advance that you are taking this medication. If you have stopped taking this medication and want to start again after sometime, ensure that you consult your doctor first as you may require a lower dose initially.

Galantamine may impact your thinking capabilities and reflexes. So take extra care while indulging in activities that require a high degree of mental awareness and thinking such as driving.

Galantamine is a FDA pregnancy category B drug which implies that it is not expected to harm and unborn baby if taken while being pregnant. Notify your doctor of you pregnancy or any plans to become pregnant.

It is not known if Galantamine can pass into breast milk and harm a nursing baby. Do not take this medication without asking a doctor if you are breastfeeding a baby.

BEFORE TAKING GALANTAMINE:

Before taking Galantamine (Razadyne, Galamer), take care of all precautions mentioned above and discuss them with your doctor.

HOW SHOULD I TAKE GALANTAMINE?

Take Galantamine anti convulsant medication (Razadyne, Galamer) strictly according to your doctor’s direction or according to the instructions on the medication label.

Do not alter the dosage unless your doctor advises you to do so. Your doctor may occasionally change the dosage to get the maximum benefit out of the medication. Also, do not take this medication after the prescribed period is over.

Galantamine extended release capsule is usually taken once per day in the morning or according to your doctor’s instructions. It works best if taken along with food. Avoid crushing, breaking, or chewing a Galantamine extended release tablet as doing so may lead to too much of the medicine to be release at once.

Instead swallow it whole with a full glass of water. Ensure to drink plenty of water (6-8 glasses) to prevent dehydration while taking Galantamine.

Always store Galantamine medication in a cool and dry place.

WHAT IF I MISS A DOSE?

If you miss a dose of Galantamine, take it as soon as you remember. Don’t take the missed dose if the time to take the next dose is almost up. Taking multiple doses near to each other can lead to excess medication in your body which can be harmful.

WHAT IF I OVERDOSE?

In case of an overdose of Galantamine, get emergency medical attention or call the Doctor immediately. Overdose may lead to symptoms like severe nausea, vomiting, cramps in stomach, muscle weakness or spasm, watery eyes, drooling, increased urination or bowel movements, sweating, slow heart rate, light headedness, or seizures.

THINGS AND ACTIVITIES TO AVOID WHILE TAKING GALANTAMINE:

Galantamine may impact your thinking capabilities and reflexes. So take extra care while indulging in activities that require a high degree of mental awareness and thinking such as driving.

SIDE EFFECTS DUE TO GALANTAMINE:

You may witness or experience some side effects while taking Galantamine (Razadyne, Galamer). Some of the side effects due to Galantamine are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, appetite loss, or weight loss. Seek emergency medical attention if any of these effects persist for a longer period or deteriorate further.

Any serious side effect is rare but get in touch with your doctor immediately if you have any of these serious side effects of Galantamine: fainting, unusually slow heartbeat, difficulty while urinating, seizures, black or bloody stools, bloody vomit that looks like coffee grounds, stomach pain/abdominal pain, or irregular heartbeat.

These are not the only side effects of Galantamine medication. There may be others. Contact your doctor right away if you experience any serious side effects or if your condition worsens after taking Galantamine.

GALANTAMINE DOSING INFORMATION:

Galantamine dosage may depend on a range of factors like age, sex, drug allergies, or seriousness of the condition among several other factors. Your dosage will be fixed by your doctor after examining you properly. Remember to obey your doctor strictly for best results.

INTERACTION WITH OTHER DRUGS:

Some drugs can interact with Galantamine. Let your doctor know in advance if you are already using any of these interacting drugs: erythromycin, donepezil, paroxetine, antifungal medicine like ketoconazole or others, rivastigmine, atropine, belladonna, scopolamine, bladder or urinary medicines such as darifenacin.

flavoxate, oxybutynin or others, bronchodilators such as ipratropium or tiotropium, irritable bowel medicines such as dicyclomine, hyoscyamine, or propantheline, ulcer medications like mepenzolate or glycopyrrolate, or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, celecoxib, naproxen, or others.

The list of drugs mentioned here in this guide is not a complete one and there may be other interacting drugs. Share the list of all present medication which you may be using with your doctor. Never start a new medication on your own.

In-Depth Precautions and Warning

Drug Warnings

If you are using prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal products, inform your doctor before starting GALAMER 8MG TABLET. Brief your medical history if you have any liver or kidney diseases, heart problems (chest discomfort, sick sinus syndrome, heart attack, heart failure, and slow or uneven heartbeat), electrolyte imbalance (potassium), stomach ulcer, fits, Parkinson’s disease, breathing problems (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)), and urination problems.

If you had recent surgery on the stomach, intestines or bladder, tell your doctor. It is not known if GALAMER 8MG TABLET is released into breast milk. Please consult your doctor know if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or a breastfeeding mother.

Avoid consuming alcohol along with GALAMER 8MG TABLET as it might lead to increased side effects like dizziness and drowsiness. Store GALAMER 8MG TABLET below 25°C away from direct sunlight.

Avoid driving or operating machinery as GALAMER 8MG TABLET may decrease your mental alertness, making you feel dizzy or drowsy. GALAMER 8MG TABLET is not recommended for children below 18years as the safety and effectiveness have not been established.

Drug Interactions

Drug-Drug Interaction: GALAMER 8MG TABLET may interact with other Alzheimer treating medicines (donepezil, rivastigmine), heart-related drugs (digoxin, amiodarone, atropine, quinidine), drugs treating frequent urination (darifenacin, fesoterodine, oxybutynin, tolterodine, solifenacin), respiratory drugs (diphenhydramine, aclidinium, ipratropium, tiotropium), pain killers (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen), urinary retention medicine (bethanechol), vomiting medicine (scopolamine), anti-depressants (fluoxetine, paroxetine, amitriptyline), antifungals (ketoconazole), high blood pressure medicine (metoprolol, propranolol), antibiotics (erythromycin), HIV/AIDS drugs (ritonavir), drugs used for muscle weakness (ambenonium, neostigmine, pyridostigmine), and drugs treating dry mouth (pilocarpine).

Drug-Food Interaction: Do not consume alcohol while taking GALAMER 8MG TABLET as it could lead to increased dizziness and drowsiness.

Drug-Disease Interaction: Before using GALAMER 8MG TABLET, let your doctor know if you have any liver or kidney diseases, heart problems (chest discomfort, sick sinus syndrome, heart attack, heart failure, and slow or uneven heartbeat), electrolyte imbalance (potassium), stomach ulcer, fits, Parkinson’s disease, breathing problems (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)), and urination problems.

Safety Advice

ALCOHOL
It is advised to limit alcohol consumption while taking GALAMER 8MG TABLET. Alcohol intake, along with GALAMER 8MG TABLET, may cause increased dizziness and drowsiness. Please consult your doctor for more information.

PREGNANCY
GALAMER 8MG TABLET is a pregnancy category C drug. Animal studies showed that GALAMER 8MG TABLET affects the foetus in pregnancy, but there is limited data in humans. GALAMER 8MG TABLET should be used during pregnancy only if the benefit outweighs the risk. Please consult your doctor before taking GALAMER 8MG TABLET if you are pregnant or planning to conceive.

BREAST FEEDING
It is not known if GALAMER 8MG TABLET is excreted into breast milk. Please consult your doctor before taking GALAMER 8MG TABLET if you are a breastfeeding mother.