Razadyne (galantamine HBr)

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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data

Overview

Galantamine hydrobromide is a centrally active, reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor.

Galantamine hydrobromide, a phenanthrene alkaloid, is a reversible, competitive acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that is structurally unrelated to other acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (e.g, donepezil, rivastigmine, tacrine).

The precise mechanism(s) of action of galantamine in patients with dementia of the Alzheimer's type (Alzheimer's disease) has not been fully elucidated. Galantamine is an anticholinesterase agent that binds reversibly with and inactivates acetylcholinesterase, thus inhibiting hydrolysis of acetylcholine and increasing the concentration of acetylcholine at cholinergic synapses. The drug also binds allosterically with nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and may potentiate the action of agonists (e.g., acetylcholine) at these receptors.

Because a deficiency of acetylcholine caused by selective loss of cholinergic neurons in the cerebral cortex, nucleus basalis, and hippocampus is recognized as one of the early pathophysiologic features of Alzheimer's disease associated with memory loss and cognitive deficits, enhancement of cholinergic function with an anticholinesterase agent, such as galantamine, is one of the pharmacologic approaches to treatment. The deficiency of cholinergic transmission in Alzheimer's disease has been associated with the accumulation of beta-amyloid peptide and neurofibrillary tangles that is characteristic of the disease. Galantamine's effect may diminish as the disease process advances and fewer cholinergic neurons remain functioning.

Galantamine is metabolized by hepatic cytochrome P-450 (principally CYP2D6 and 3A4) isoenzymes and by glucuronidation; the drug also is excreted unchanged in the urine.

USES: Galantamine is used to treat mild to moderate confusion (dementia) related to Alzheimer's disease. It does not cure Alzheimer's disease, but it may improve memory, awareness, and the ability to perform daily functions. This medication works by restoring the balance of certain natural substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain.

Generic name: galantamine HBr
Pronunciation: (ga-LAN-ta-meen)

Reference product & biosimilars

No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.

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Indications

The following indications are listed for Razadyne:

  • Mild To Moderate Alzheimer's Type Dementia

Dosing

Dosage of galantamine hydrobromide is expressed in terms of galantamine.

The recommended initial adult dosage of galantamine for the management of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease is 4 mg twice daily (as conventional tablets or oral solution) or 8 mg once daily (as extended-release capsules). Dosage may be increased after a minimum of 4 weeks to 8 mg twice daily (as conventional tablets or oral solution) or 16 mg once daily (as extended-release capsules). Subsequent increases to 12 mg twice daily (as conventional tablets or oral solution) or 24 mg once daily (as extended-release capsules) should be attempted after a minimum of 4 weeks of treatment at the previous dosage. Dosage increments should be based on clinical assessment of benefit and tolerance of the previous dosage. The recommended maintenance dosage is 8-12 mg twice daily (as conventional tablets or oral solution) or 16-24 mg once daily (as extended-release capsules). Higher dosages (e.g., 16 mg twice daily) do not result in greater efficacy and are less well tolerated than lower dosages.

If galantamine therapy has been interrupted for more than 3 days, therapy should be restarted using the lowest dosage and titrated upward to the prior dosage.

Drug interactions

There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.

Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to galantamine hydrobromide or any ingredient in the formulation.

Adverse reactions

Adverse effects reported in 5% or more of patients receiving galantamine hydrobromide include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, and decreased appetite. Most adverse effects associated with galantamine occurred during upward titration of dosages.

Precautions

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ICD codes

No ICD codes are available for this drug.

Formulary status

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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data