Galantamine Hydrobromide restores the balance of certain natural substances in the brain. This helps improve memory, awareness, and the ability to perform daily functions.

This prescription is used for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. The disease causes brain cells to waste away and die. This is a progressive disorder that is the most common cause of dementia. It is a continuous decline in thinking, behavioral, and social skills that disrupts a person’s ability to function independently. The early signs of the disease may be forgetting conversations or recent events. As the disease progresses, a person with Alzheimer’s disease will develop severe memory impairment. Memory loss is a key symptom of Alzheimer’s disease. As the disease progresses, memory impairments worsen and other symptoms develop. At first, a person with Alzheimer’s disease may be aware of having difficulty with remembering things and organizing thoughts. People with Alzheimer’s may:

• Repeat statements and questions over and over
• Have trouble finding the right words to identify objects, express thoughts or take part in conversations
• Get lost in familiar places
• Forget conversations, appointments or events, and not remember them later
• Routinely misplace possessions, often putting them in illogical locations
• Eventually, forget the names of family members and everyday objects

Galantamine Hydrobromide has already approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This is supplied as a tablet for oral use. Each tablet is available in the dosage forms of 4 mg, 8 mg, and 12 mg.

How does Galantamine Hydrobromide work?

Galantamine Hydrobromide is a type of medicine called an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that slows the breakdown of a neurotransmitter in the body called acetylcholine. Neurotransmitters are stored in nerve cells in the brain and nervous system. These are involved in transmitting messages between the nerve cells. They are needed for the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system. Acetylcholine in the brain is continually being released by nerve cells. Then it is being broken down by another natural chemical called acetylcholinesterase.

This drug increases the level of acetylcholine in the brain. It is by preventing the action of acetylcholinesterase. Acetylcholinesterase is the compound which normally breaks it down. This slows the breakdown of acetylcholine that is released from remaining undamaged nerve cells in the brain. Galantamine Hydrobromide also develops the activity of the acetylcholine in the brain. The overall result of these two actions is an improvement in the levels and activity of acetylcholine in the brain. This improves the cognitive processes of thinking, learning, and memory. This also improves the symptoms of dementia and daily functioning in Alzheimer’s disease.  

How to use Galantamine Hydrobromide?

Galantamine Hydrobromide is usually taken twice with the morning and evening meals. This is to be taken as directed by your doctor. Remember to take it at the same time and in the same way each day. Drink plenty of fluids while having this treatment. Take it regularly for the best benefit of this product. Do not suddenly stop this treatment without the consent of your doctor. The tablet is to be taken by mouth depending on the dosage that will be prescribed to you. Swallow the tablet as a whole with a full glass of water. Do not break, chew, or crush it.

The given dosage is based on your medical condition and response to the medication. Your doctor may give you a lower dose to start and gradually increase it. Take each dose exactly as it is given by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than the prescription. Let your doctor know if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse.           

What are the side effects of Galantamine Hydrobromide?

Common side effects:

• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Loss of appetite
• Dizziness
• Tiredness
• Weight loss
• Headache
• Drowsiness
• Runny nose
• Blurred vision
• Depression
• Sleep problems or insomnia
• Unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth

Tell your doctor right away if you have these serious side effects:

• Unusually slow heartbeat
• Fainting
• Difficult urination

If you these signs of an allergic reaction, call for medical emergency help right away:

• Trouble breathing
• Hives or itching
• Swelling of your lips, face, throat, or tongue

Warnings and Precautions

• Do not share this with others even if they have the same symptoms as yours.
• You should not take this drug more than the maximum recommended dose of 24 milligrams per day.
• It may take at least 4 weeks of continued use before the full benefit of this drug takes effect.
• A doctor will only prescribe this medicine if the patient has a caregiver available who will regularly make sure that the patient is taking the medicine.
• Let your doctor know if you have any medications including vitamins or herbal supplements.
• This medication may cause sleepiness and dizziness, particularly in the first few weeks after treatment is started. As a result, it may decrease the ability of the patient to perform potentially risky tasks safely.
• People with liver problems may be asked to take Galantamine less frequently.
• People with Alzheimer’s disease lose weight. Galantamine may also cause weight loss. For this reason, body weight should be regularly monitored in people taking this medicine.
• People with severely decreased kidney or liver function should not take this prescription.
• For women who are pregnant and breastfeeding, this drug should not be used. Unless it is considered essential by your doctor.
• This medicine is not recommended for people with a blockage in the stomach, intestines, or urinary tract. As well as for people recovering from stomach, intestinal or bladder surgery.

• People who are allergic to any of the ingredients of the medicine. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.
• Keep this product far from the reach of children.

This should be used with caution in people with:

• Liver or kidney problems
• A disturbance in the levels of potassium in their blood
• Heart disease, heart failure, or sick sinus syndrome
• History of stroke or mini-stroke
• Epilepsy
• Parkinson’s disease
• Active lung infections
• History of peptic ulcers, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or severe asthma