Before taking galantamine

Before taking galantamine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you have liver, kidney or heart problems.
• If you have ever had a stomach ulcer.
• If you have asthma or any other problem which affects your breathing.
• If you have difficulty passing urine or have severe constipation.
• If you have recently had any surgery to your stomach, intestines or bladder.
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
• If you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

How to take galantamine

• Before starting this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack.
• Take galantamine exactly as your doctor has told you. It is usually started at a low dose and then increased slowly. This is to reduce the risk of unpleasant side-effects.
• Take galantamine with a snack or just after a meal.
• If you are taking the modified release form of galantamine (Reminyl® XL), swallow the capsules whole. Do not chew or open the capsules.
• Try to take your doses of galantamine at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
• Doses of the oral solution are measured using a pipette which is supplied with the bottle. Each 1 ml contains 4 mg of galantamine. If you are unsure how to measure out your dose, ask your pharmacist to show you. The solution can be taken mixed with any non-alcoholic drink.
• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Make sure that you drink plenty of water while you are taking galantamine.
• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be monitored. Your doctor may want to increase your dose as you adjust to the new medicine.
• It may take several weeks before galantamine appears to take effect.
• If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking galantamine.
• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.

Can galantamine cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store galantamine

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Do not keep the oral solution for longer than 3 months once the bottle has been opened. Make sure you order a fresh supply from your doctor.

Important information about all medicines

References

• Manufacturer's PIL, Reminyl® Tablets, Shire Pharmaceuticals Ltd., electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated May 2010.
• Manufacturer's PIL, Reminyl® Oral Solution, Shire Pharmaceuticals Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated May 2010.
• Manufacturer's PIL, Reminyl® XL, Shire Pharmaceuticals Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated August 2010.
• British National Formulary; 61st Edition (March 2011) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF)