galantamine hydrobromide
galantamine hydrobromide
Pharmacologic class: Cholinesterase inhibitor
Therapeutic class: Anti-Alzheimer's agent
Pregnancy risk category B
Action
Unclear. May reversibly inhibit acetylcholinesterase, increasing concentration of acetylcholine (necessary for nerve impulse transmission) in brain synapses.
Availability
Capsules (extended-release): 8 mg, 16 mg, 24 mg
Oral solution: 4 mg/ml
Tablets: 4 mg, 8 mg, 12 mg
Indications and dosages
➣ Mild to moderate dementia of Alzheimer's disease
Adults: Initially, 4 mg P.O. b.i.d. If patient tolerates dosage well after at least 4 weeks of therapy, increase to 8 mg P.O. b.i.d. May increase to 12 mg P.O. b.i.d. after at least 4 weeks at previous dosage. Recommended range is 16 to 24 mg daily in two divided doses. Or initially, 8 mg P.O. daily (Razadyne ER). If patient tolerates dosage after at least 4 weeks, increase to 16 mg P.O. daily. Further increase to 24 mg P.O. daily should be attempted after minimum of 4 weeks at 16 mg/day.
Dosage adjustment
• Moderate hepatic or renal impairment
Off-label uses
• Vascular dementia
Contraindications
• Hypersensitivity to drug
• Severe hepatic or renal impairment
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Children
Precautions
Use cautiously in:
• asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, GI bleeding, moderate hepatic or renal impairment, Parkinson's disease, seizures.
Administration
• Before giving, make sure patient is well hydrated, to minimize GI upset.
• Give with morning and evening meals.
• Give with antiemetics as needed.
• Use pipette to add oral solution to beverage; have patient drink it right away.
Adverse reactions
CNS: depression, dizziness, headache, tremor, insomnia, drowsiness, fatigue, syncope
CV: bradycardia
EENT: rhinitis
GI: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, anorexia
GU: urinary tract infection, hematuria
Hematologic: anemia
Other: weight loss
Interactions
Drug-drug Anticholinergics: antagonism of anticholinergic activity
Cholinergics: synergistic effects
Cimetidine, erythromycin, ketoconazole, paroxetine: increased galantamine bioavailability
Patient monitoring
• Assess fluid intake and output to ensure adequate hydration, which helps reduce GI upset.
• Monitor cognitive status.
• Evaluate patient for cardiac conduction abnormalities. Assess pulse regularly for bradycardia.
• Observe for bleeding tendencies.
See Assess for depression and suicidal ideation.
Patient teaching
• Instruct caregiver in proper technique for using oral pipette.
• Teach caregiver how to measure patient's pulse. Tell him to report slow pulse right away.
• Recommend frequent, small servings of healthy food and adequate fluids to minimize GI upset.
See Tell patient or caregiver to watch for and report signs and symptoms of depression.
• Advise patient or caregiver to establish effective bedtime routine.
• Caution caregiver to prevent patient from performing hazardous activities until adverse reactions are known.
• As appropriate, review all other significant adverse reactions and interactions, especially those related to the drugs mentioned above.