galantamine hydrobromide at a glance
Medicine class
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor
Licensed use
Symptomatic treatment of mild to moderately severe dementia of the Alzheimer type
Available forms
Prolonged-release hard capsules and oral solution
Food and fluids
Taking it with food may reduce stomach effects; adequate fluid intake is important
What is galantamine hydrobromide used for?
The selected products are licensed for symptomatic treatment of mild to moderately severe dementia of the Alzheimer type in adults.
Licensed: mild to moderately severe Alzheimer’s dementia.
NHS information notes that galantamine may help some symptoms of dementia with Lewy bodies in some people. This is outside the selected product licences and requires specialist assessment.
How does galantamine hydrobromide work?
Galantamine reversibly inhibits acetylcholinesterase, reducing the breakdown of acetylcholine used by nerve cells to communicate. It also enhances acetylcholine activity at nicotinic receptors.
galantamine hydrobromide preparations and strengths
Capsule
Route: Oral
Strengths: 8 mg, 24 mg
Modified-release capsule
Route: Oral
Strengths: 8 mg, 16 mg, 24 mg
How to take galantamine hydrobromide
Follow the product label and prescriber’s instructions. Taking galantamine with food and maintaining adequate fluid intake may improve tolerability.
Swallow prolonged-release capsules whole with liquid; do not chew or crush them.
Measure oral solution with the supplied pipette. It may be emptied into a non-alcoholic drink and consumed immediately.
Do not change between capsules and oral solution without instructions from the prescriber.
galantamine hydrobromide side effects
Common or expected effects
- Nausea or vomiting
- Reduced appetite or weight loss
- Diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort or indigestion
- Dizziness, headache or sleepiness
- Fatigue or weakness
- Tremor or muscle spasms
- Hallucinations or depression
- Slow heartbeat
- Falls
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe blistering, peeling or widespread pustular skin reactions
- Marked slowing or disturbance of the heartbeat, especially with fainting
- Seizures
- Persistent vomiting with dehydration
- Severe allergic reaction
galantamine hydrobromide in pregnancy
There are no clinical data from pregnancies exposed to galantamine, and animal studies found reproductive toxicity. Use during pregnancy requires careful prescriber assessment.
galantamine hydrobromide while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether galantamine passes into human milk, and studies in breastfeeding women are unavailable. The selected product information states that women taking galantamine should not breastfeed.
galantamine hydrobromide interactions
A medicines review is important because interactions can increase cholinergic effects, alter galantamine exposure or affect the heart and anaesthesia.
Donepezil, rivastigmine and other cholinomimetics
Concurrent use can produce additive cholinergic effects and should be avoided.
Anticholinergic medicines, including atropine
Galantamine may oppose their effects; abruptly stopping an anticholinergic may intensify galantamine effects.
Beta-blockers, digoxin, amiodarone and some calcium-channel blockers
Combined effects may further slow the heartbeat or disturb cardiac conduction.
Common questions about galantamine hydrobromide
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is galantamine hydrobromide a cure for Alzheimer’s disease?
No. It treats symptoms and may temporarily support cognition and daily function, but does not cure dementia or stop the underlying disease process.
Can capsules be crushed or chewed?
No. Prolonged-release capsules must be swallowed whole with liquid.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.