Memantine
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DRUG STATUS
Approvals
US(FDA), UK(BNF)
Essential Medicine
NO
Teratogenicity
Unlisted
Pharmaceutical Class
N-methyl-D-aspartate Receptor Antagonist
Memantine
Know More About This Medicine -
Click HereSummary
Memantine is primarily used to treat moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease, a brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It helps reduce symptoms like confusion, memory loss, and difficulty with everyday activities.
Memantine works by blocking a specific type of brain receptor called the NMDA receptor. This receptor is involved in memory and learning. By blocking it, Memantine helps keep the brain functioning better, improving memory and cognitive abilities. It also regulates a brain chemical involved in learning and memory to prevent overstimulation of nerve cells.
Adults usually start with a low dose of 7mg and gradually increase it weekly until they reach 28mg a day. The medication is taken orally once a day.
Common side effects of Memantine include headache, diarrhea, dizziness, confusion, and constipation. Other reported effects include hallucinations, suicidal ideation, insomnia, and somnolence.
Do not take Memantine if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. It's important to inform your doctor about all prescription drugs you take to ensure safety. Memantine may interact with other medications, especially those affecting the brain or kidneys. The safety of Memantine during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not well-established. Consult your doctor before using it under these conditions.
Indications and Purpose
What is Memantine used for?
Memantine is a medication used to treat moderate to severe memory loss (dementia) in people with Alzheimer's disease. It works by improving the communication between nerve cells in the brain, which can help reduce symptoms like confusion, memory loss, and difficulty with everyday activities.
How does Memantine work?
Memantine helps improve memory in Alzheimer's disease by blocking a specific type of brain receptor called the NMDA receptor. This receptor is involved in memory and learning. By blocking it, memantine helps keep the brain functioning better, improving memory and cognitive abilities.
Is Memantine effective?
Memantine is effective for managing symptoms of moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease. It works by regulating glutamate, a brain chemical involved in learning and memory, to prevent overstimulation of nerve cells.
How does one know if Memantine is working?
Memantine is effective for managing symptoms of moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease. It works by regulating glutamate, a brain chemical involved in learning and memory, to prevent overstimulation of nerve cells.
Directions for Use
What is the usual dose of Memantine?
Memantine is a medicine. Adults usually start with a low dose (7mg) and gradually increase it weekly until they reach 28mg a day. Children's doses depend on their weight: under 20kg, they take 3mg; 20-39kg, 6mg; 40-59kg, 9mg; and over 60kg, 15mg. All doses are taken once a day.
How do I take Memantine?
You can take Memantine hydrochloride oral solution with or without food.
For how long do I take Memantine?
Memantine is typically used long-term for Alzheimer's disease, as long as it provides benefits and is well-tolerated, with regular evaluations by a healthcare provider.
How long does it take for Memantine to start working?
Memantine may take a few weeks to several months to show noticeable effects. Improvement in symptoms, such as memory and cognitive function, is typically gradual. Individual response times can vary, so it's important to continue taking the medication as prescribed and follow up regularly with your healthcare provider to monitor progress.
How should I store Memantine?
Store Memantine in a cool, dry place, away from moisture and heat. Keep it in its original container with the lid tightly closed. Do not store it in the bathroom. Keep the medication out of reach of children and pets.
Warnings and Precautions
Who should avoid taking Memantine?
* Memantine tablets are not for everyone. Do not take them if you are allergic to any of their ingredients. * Take memantine tablets only for the condition your doctor has prescribed them for. Do not share them with others, even if they have the same condition. * Certain conditions, like high urine pH, can make memantine stay in your body longer and increase its effects.
Can I take Memantine with other prescription drugs?
Memantine may interact with other medications, especially those affecting the brain or kidneys. Always inform your doctor about all prescription drugs you take to ensure safety.
Can I take Memantine with vitamins or supplements?
You can take memantine with most vitamins, but some (like calcium or magnesium) may affect absorption. Always consult your doctor about supplements to avoid interactions.
Can Memantine be taken safely while pregnant?
The safety of memantine during pregnancy is not well-established. Consult your doctor to weigh potential benefits and risks before using it while pregnant.
Can Memantine be taken safely while breastfeeding?
There is no information on whether memantine passes into breast milk or affects the baby. Breastfeeding is important for the baby's development and health. You and your doctor should talk about the benefits and risks of taking memantine while breastfeeding.
Is Memantine safe for the elderly?
Memantine is a medicine often used for older adults (65 and up). It generally works well and is safe for most, even those with slightly weak kidneys or livers. However, if someone has a severely damaged liver, doctors need to be extra careful. And if their kidneys are severely damaged, they might need a lower dose of the medicine.
Is it safe to exercise while taking Memantine?
The information regarding any specific interactions between exercise and memantine hydrochloride is not found.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Memantine?
The provided information does not specifically mention alcohol consumption with memantine. However, it is generally recommended to avoid alcohol while taking medications as it can interact with them and worsen side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider about drinking alcohol while taking memantine hydrochloride.
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