Memantin-Highlights
- Memantine oral tablet is available in branded and generic versions.Mark: I'm married.
- Memantine comes in three forms: immediate-release tablet, oral solution, and extended-release capsule.
- Memantine oral tablet is used to treat moderate to severe dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease.
Memantine is a prescription drug. It is available in three forms: immediate-release tablet, oral solution, and extended-release capsule.
Memantine oral tablet is available as a brand name drugI married.It is also available as a generic. Generic drugs generally cost less than the branded version. In some cases, they may not be available in all strengths or forms like the brand name drug.
Memantine can be used as part of a combination therapy. That means you need to take it with other medications to treat dementia associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Because it's needed
Memantine oral tablet is used for treatmentdementiain adults withAlzheimer. It helps relieve the symptoms of dementia, but it doesn't cure or slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
How does it work
Memantine belongs to a class of drugs called NMDA receptor antagonists. A class of drugs is a group of drugs that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions.
The cause of Alzheimer's disease is not fully understood. People with the disease may be overexposed to the chemical glutamate. This is thought to damage brain cells in people with Alzheimer's disease.
Memantine works by blocking receptors in the brain that glutamate would normally bind to. This reduces the harmful effects of glutamate on the brain and may help improve symptoms of dementia.
Memantine oral tablet can cause mild or severe side effects. The list below contains some of the most important side effects that may occur when taking memantine. This list does not include all possible side effects.
For more information on the possible side effects of memantine, or for advice on how to manage a side effect of concern, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
The most common side effects
Some of the more common side effects that can occur with memantine include:
- sleepiness
- dizziness
- Headache
- confusion
- constipation
If these effects are mild, they may go away in a few days or a few weeks. If they get worse or don't go away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
serious side effects
Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if you feel your symptoms are life-threatening or if you think you have a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include:
- Allergic reaction. Symptoms can include:
- swelling of the tongue, lips or face
- difficulty breathing
- Acne
- Urticaria
- Hepatitis(inflammation of the liver). Symptoms can include:
- yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes
- Pancreatitis(inflammation of the pancreas). Symptoms can include:
- severe nausea
- severe abdominal pain
- Mental health change. Symptoms can include:
- hallucinations
- suicidal thoughts
- congestive heart failure. Symptoms can include:
- difficulty breathing
- Swelling in the feet and ankles
Memantine oral tablet can interact with several other medications. Different interactions can produce different effects. For example, some may make a drug less effective, while others may cause increased side effects.
Below is a list of medications that may interact with memantine. This list does not include all drugs that may interact with memantine.
Before taking memantine, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other medications you are taking. Also, let them know about the vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.
If you have any questions about drug interactions that could affect you, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Medicines used to treat glaucoma
Taking these medicines with memantine may increase the amount of memantine in your body. This can lead to more side effects. Examples of these drugs are:
- Acetazolamide
- Methazolamid
Natriumbicarbonat
Taking memantine with baking soda, which can be used to treat heartburn, can increase the amount of memantine in your body. This can lead to more side effects.
Medicines for Parkinson's disease
amantadinIt works similar to memantine. Taking them together can lead to increased side effects.
anesthetics
KetamineIt works similar to memantine. Taking them together can lead to increased side effects.
Cough Syrup
dextrometorfanoIt works similar to memantine. Taking them together can lead to increased side effects.
The memantine dose prescribed by your doctor depends on several factors. These include:
- the type and severity of the disease you are using memantine for
- your age
- the form of memantine you are taking
- other medical conditions you may have
Your doctor will usually start you on a low dose and adjust it over time to get to the dose that is right for you. Ultimately, they prescribe the smallest dose that achieves the desired effect.
The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, make sure to take the dose prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor will determine the best dosage for your needs.
dosage forms and strengths.
Generic:entrust
- Form:immediate release oral tablet
- Strengthen:5 mg, 10 mg
Marke:I married
- Form:immediate release oral tablet
- Strengthen:5 mg, 10 mg
Dosage for Alzheimer's disease
Dosage for adults (over 18 years)
- Typical starting dose:5 mg taken once a day.
- The dose increases:Your doctor will likely increase your dose to 5 mg twice a day or more.
- maximum dose:20 mg pro Tag.
Dose for children (0 to 17 years)
This medicine has not been proven safe or effective for use in children. It should not be used in children under 18 years of age.
Special notes on dosing
For people with kidney problems:If you have severe kidney problems, your doctor may give you a lower dose of memantine.
This drug comes with several warnings.
Warning of kidney and liver problems
If you have or develop severe kidney or liver problems, your dose of this medicine may need to be changed.
Allergy Alert
This medicine can cause a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms can include:
- itching
- Urticaria
- rash
- peeling or blistering of the skin
- swelling of the tongue, lips or face
- difficulty breathing
If you develop these symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Do not take this medicine again if you have ever had an allergic reaction.Re-administration could be fatal (cause death).
Warnings for people with certain health problems
For people with kidney problems:If your kidneys are not working well, more of this medicine may stay in your body longer. This increases the risk of side effects. If you have severe kidney problems, your doctor may reduce the dose of this medicine.
For people with liver problems:Tell your doctor if you have had severe liver problems in the past. If your liver is not working well, more of this medicine may stay in your body longer. This increases the risk of side effects.
Warnings for other groups
For pregnant women:There are not enough human studies to show whether memantine poses a risk to a human fetus. Some negative effects have been seen in animal studies, but animal studies don't always predict how humans would respond.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. This drug should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk.
For breastfeeding women:It is not known if this medicine passes into breast milk. This can have serious consequences for a breastfeeding child. Talk to your doctor if you are currently taking this medication and plan to breastfeed.
For seniors:Older people may process this drug more slowly. A typical adult dose can cause drug levels in your body to be higher than normal. You may need a lower dose or a different dosing schedule.
For children:This medicine has not been proven safe or effective for use in children. It should not be used in children under 18 years of age.
Memantine oral tablet is used for long-term treatment. It comes with serious risks if you don't take it as prescribed.
If you stop taking the medicine or do not take it at all:Your dementia symptoms may not improve and may get worse.
If you miss a dose or do not take the medicine on time:Your medicine may not work as well or may stop working altogether. For this medicine to work well, there needs to be a certain amount in your body at all times.
If you take too much:If you take too much of this medicine you may be at increased risk of side effects. This can include:
- Agitation
- confusion
- hallucinations
- slow heartbeat
- Elevated blood pressure
- dizziness
- instability
- fainting
- fatigue
- weakness
If you think you have taken too much of this medication, call your doctor or seek advice from the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or yourOnline-Tool.But if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
What to do if you miss a dose:If you miss your dose of this medication, skip that dose and take your next dose as planned. Never try to catch up by taking two doses at once. This can lead to dangerous side effects.
How to know if the medicine is working:Your mental function should improve. Your ability to perform simple, everyday tasks should improve.
This medicine is not a cure.All people with Alzheimer's have symptoms that get worse over time. This is true even if they are taking medications like memantine to aid in treatment.
Keep these considerations in mind if your doctor prescribes memantine for you.
Generally
You can crush or cut the tablet.
storage
- Store this medication between 15°C and 25°C (59°F and 77°F).
- Keep this medicine away from light and high temperatures.
- Do not store this medication in damp or damp areas such as bathrooms.
refills
A prescription for this drug is refillable. You should not need a new prescription to refill this drug. Your doctor will write the number of authorized refills on your prescription.
Travel
If you are traveling with your medication:
- Always carry your medicine with you. When you fly, never put it in checked baggage. Keep it in your tote bag.
- Don't worry about the X-ray machines at the airport. They cannot harm your medicine.
- You may be required to show the pharmacy label of your medication to airport staff. Always carry the original labeled prescription drug packaging with you.
- Do not put this medication in the glove box of your car and do not leave it in the car. Avoid doing this at all costs when the weather is very hot or very cold.
clinical surveillance
During your treatment with this drug, your doctor will monitor your cognitive function (how well your memory and thought processes are working). They will also check your kidney and liver function.
Availability
Not all pharmacies carry this drug. When filling out your prescription, be sure to call ahead to make sure your pharmacy has it.
Prior Approval
Many insurance companies require prior approval for this drug. This means that your doctor must obtain approval from your health insurance company before your health insurance company will pay for the prescription.
There are other medications to treat your condition. Some may suit you better than others. Talk to your doctor about other medications that might be right for you.
Disclaimer:Healthline has made every effort to ensure that all information is accurate, complete and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and experience of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information in this document is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular drug does not mean that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or for all specific uses.