Is someone in your family, perhaps your beloved mother, father, or life partner suffering from forgetfulness caused by Alzheimer's disease? We know how sensitive and responsible it is to take care of such a person. So, today we will talk simply and clearly about the drug 'Galantamine', which doctors prescribe to control the symptoms of this disease, such as memory loss and confusion.
What is Galantamine?
Simply put, Galantamine is a medication used to treat mild to moderate dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease.
The most important thing to keep in mind is that this is not a cure for Alzheimer's disease. However, it can help improve the patient's memory, attention, and ability to perform daily tasks to some extent.
To be precise, this medicine works by increasing the levels of a neurotransmitter called 'Acetylcholine', which helps in the communication between nerve cells in our brain. Since Alzheimer's patients have low levels of this chemical, galantamine helps to control the deficiency to some extent and relieves the symptoms. Your doctor may also prescribe this medicine for other medical reasons.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
It is extremely important that your patient provides the doctor with a complete description of their health before starting galantamine. Be sure to inform them of any of the following conditions:
| Does your patient have these conditions? | Why should I notify? (Simple explanation) |
|---|---|
| Asthma or other lung diseases | This medicine may increase breathing difficulties. |
| Heart disease or slow heartbeat | Since galantamine can further reduce heart rate, it is essential to inform about heart disease. |
| Kidney or Liver disease | Since medications are eliminated from the body through these organs, if their function is impaired, the dosage of the medication may need to be changed. |
| Epilepsy (Seizures / Fits) | This medicine may slightly increase the risk of fits. |
| Stomach ulcers or intestinal diseases | This can increase stomach acid secretion, which can worsen stomach ulcers. |
| Difficulty urinating | This medicine may affect bladder function. |
| Allergies to galantamine or other medicines/foods | It is very important for safety to inform about any allergies in advance. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | In such cases, it is imperative to inform the doctor as the safety of this medication has not been confirmed. |
How should I use the medicine?
This medicine comes as an oral solution. Therefore, follow these instructions exactly.
- Accurate measurement: Use only the special measuring syringe that comes with the medicine. You cannot get an accurate measurement from things you have in your kitchen, such as teaspoons and syrup cups.
- How to take: Take this medicine with or after a meal , with a glass of water, to reduce stomach upset.
- On time: Take the prescribed dose at the time prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip doses.
- Stopping:Even if you think your symptoms have subsided, do not stop taking the medication without your doctor's advice .
- If you miss a dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once. If you have missed more than 3 days of medication, consult your doctor before starting again.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you or your patient have any suspicions that they have taken too much of this medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately . Alternatively, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Can there be problems with other medications? (Interactions)
Yes. Galantamine can interact with some other medications. Therefore, give your doctor a complete list of all medications your patient is taking, including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements.
Be especially careful if you are taking the following medications:
- Some medications for heart disease (e.g. Digoxin)
- Medicines for fungal infections (e.g. Ketoconazole, Itraconazole)
- Medications for depression or other mental illnesses
- Medicines given to relax muscles during surgery
- Some medications for allergies and vomiting
- Other medications for Alzheimer's disease
This list is not complete, so it is best to inform the doctor about everything the patient is taking.
What side effects can occur?
Like all medications, galantamine can cause side effects. Some of these are serious, while others are common. It is important to be aware of these.
| Side effects and what to do | |
|---|---|
| 🚨 Serious side effects should be reported to the doctor immediately. | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Serious skin reactions | Skin redness, blistering, peeling (even inside the mouth). |
| Heartbeat | Very slow heartbeat, palpitations. |
| Dizziness and falls | Severe dizziness, fainting. |
| Digestive system | Severe stomach pain, severe diarrhea, vomiting. |
| Abnormal bleeding | Bruising, red or purple spots on the skin. |
| Other | Weight loss, changes in appearance. |
| 🩺 Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Headache | Mild to moderate headache. |
| Anorexia | Decreased appetite. |
| Nausea and diarrhea | Mild nausea or vomiting may occur, especially when starting the medication. |
Other things to consider when taking the medicine
Your patient feels sleepy or dizzy when taking this medicine.You may feel dizzy. Until you know exactly how the medicine affects the body, avoid driving, operating machinery, and doing tasks that require alertness . See your doctor regularly to check on your progress.
How should the medicine be stored?
- Keep out of reach of children: This is extremely important. Keep the medicine bottle in a safe place out of the reach and sight of children.
- Temperature: Store at room temperature (between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius). Protect from extreme heat or extreme cold (freezing).
- Expiration: Throw away any medicine left after the expiration date.
Take-Home Message
- Galantamine is not a cure for Alzheimer's disease. It helps control symptoms and improve the patient's quality of life.
- The medicine should be used in the dosage and method prescribed by the doctor. Use the special syringe that comes with it to measure the medicine.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and even traditional herbs your patient is taking.
- Be mindful of the patient's safety, as dizziness and drowsiness may occur.
- If you notice a serious side effect (such as skin blistering, difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat), seek medical advice immediately.
- Always store the medicine bottle in a safe place, out of the reach of children.
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