INTRODUCTION

GALAMER 4MG contains Galantamine which belongs to the group of medicines called Cholinesterase Inhibitors. It is used to manage mild to moderate dementia caused due to Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s type dementia is a type of brain disease where the dementia (disorder of thoughts, memory and behaviour) happens due to degeneration of brain cells that carry memories.

Galantamine controls the symptoms of dementia by increasing the levels of a chemical messenger (acetylcholine) in the brain which plays an important role in the functions of memory and cognition. As a result, it improves memory, thinking and behavior in patients with Alzheimer’s type dementia.

Before taking GALAMER 4MG, inform your doctor if you have any liver, kidney, or heart problems. You must also inform your doctor if you have bleeding in the stomach, asthma, or fits. Consult your doctor before taking GALAMER 4MG if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Patients taking GALAMER 4MG must drink adequate water to keep themselves hydrated.

The most common side effects of taking GALAMER 4MG are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weak muscle, headache, dizziness. These side effects are unusually temporary and disappears as your body gets used to GALAMER 4MG. However, consult your doctor if they become uncontrollable to manage.

USES OF GALAMER 4MG

• Manages mild to moderate Alzheimer’s type dementia

HOW GALAMER 4MG WORKS

GALAMER 4MG effectively controls the symptoms of dementia by increasing the levels of a chemical messenger called acetylcholine in the brain. Acetylcholine is a brain chemical which plays an important role in the functions of memory and cognition. GALAMER 4MG acts by blocking the effects of an enzyme called cholinesterase which breaks down acetylcholine. As a result, it improves memory, thinking and behavior in patients with Alzheimer’s type dementia.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Take GALAMER 4MG as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of therapy for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition.

SIDE EFFECTS OF GALAMER 4MG

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Nausea and Vomiting:

Take GALAMER 4MG with or just after meals. Stick to simple meals. Avoid eating oil rich or spicy foods. Consult your doctor if your nausea worsens.

Diarrhea:

Hydrate yourself by drinking plenty of fluids, such as water or fruit juices. Consuming ORS can also be beneficial. Do not self-manage diarrhea on your own. Consult your doctor if your diarrhea becomes uncontrollable.

Headache:  

Rest and relax. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids such as water or electrolytes. Applying a pain-relieving balm on your forehead can be beneficial. Do not consume excessive alcohol, as it could aggravate your headache. Consult your doctor if your headache worsens.

Dizziness:

Try to rest and relax. Get enough sleep. Avoid driving or operating any tools or machines completely while you are feeling dizzy. Do not consume excessive alcohol, as it could aggravate your dizziness. Consult your doctor if your dizziness worsens.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

INTERACTIONS

A. Drug-Drug Interactions:

Before taking GALAMER 4MG, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

• anticholinergic medicines (used to increase heart rate, decrease muscle movements) Ex. atropine, dicyclomine
• succinylcholine (a medicine used to relax skeletal muscles)
• medicines used to increase salivation (Ex. bethanechol, acetylcholine)
• other medicines used to manage dementia (Ex. rivastigmine, donepezil)
• ketoconazole (a medicine used to manage fungal infections)
• erythromycin (a medicine used to manage bacterial infections)
• medicines used to manage depression (Ex. amitriptyline, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine)
• quinidine, digoxin (medicines used to manage irregular heartbeat)
• medicines used to manage acidity or stomach ulcers (Ex. cimetidine, ranitidine)
• memantine (a medicine used to manage viral infections or Parkinsonism)
• warfarin (a medicine used to prevent blood clots)

Overdosage:

If you or anyone else accidentally took more GALAMER 4MG, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital straight away. Symptoms of overdose are muscle weakness or twitching, severe nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, salivation, tears, urination, defecation, sweating, slow heartbeat, low blood pressure, breathing difficulty and fits.

SYNOPSIS

MORE INFORMATION

• Keep GALAMER 4MG out of reach of children
• Store GALAMER 4MG at room temperature

FAQs ABOUT GALAMER 4MG

How and when should I take GALAMER 4MG?

GALAMER 4MG is taken preferably after meals either in the morning or at night before going to bed. However, your doctor will decide the time of administration and number of doses based on your age, body weight and disease condition. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine.

What if I forget to take a dose of GALAMER 4MG?

If you forget to take a dose of GALAMER 4MG, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is time to take the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one at regular times. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose as it could lead to toxicity.

What precautions do I need to follow while taking GALAMER 4MG?

Before taking GALAMER 4MG, inform your doctor if you have any liver, kidney, or heart problems. You must also inform your doctor if you have bleeding in the stomach, asthma, or fits. Consult your doctor before taking GALAMER 4MG if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.

Can the use of GALAMER 4MG cause headache?

Yes. GALAMER 4MG may cause headache in some individuals. This side effect is unusually temporary and disappears as your body gets used to GALAMER 4MG. However, consult your doctor if they become uncontrollable to manage.

Can I stop taking GALAMER 4MG?

Do not stop taking GALAMER 4MG without consulting your doctor, as it may make you lose the beneficial effects of GALAMER 4MG. Also, if the therapy has been interrupted for more than three days, once again patients must restart the therapy with a lower dose. If you feel that your symptoms subside after taking GALAMER 4MG, consult your doctor for advice. Your doctor will access your health condition and gradually reduce the dose of GALAMER 4MG before complete cessation.

 Can GALAMER 4MG cause vomiting?

Yes. If you experience vomiting after taking GALAMER 4MG, get adequate rest. Drink lots of fluids, especially water. Have small sips if you feel sick. Eat when you feel like it – you do not need to eat or avoid any specific foods. Do not take any medicine for vomiting without asking your doctor.

What does GALAMER 4MG do?

GALAMER 4MG contains Galantamine which is used to manage mild to moderate Alzheimer’s type dementia. It controls the symptoms of dementia by increasing the levels of a chemical messenger (acetylcholine) in the brain which plays an important role in the functions of memory and cognition

Is it safe to take GALAMER 4MG?

Yes. GALAMER 4MG is generally safe when taken at the doses prescribed by the physician. However, it may cause few minor side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weak muscle, headache, dizziness. These side effects are unusually temporary and disappears as your body gets used to GALAMER 4MG. However, consult your doctor if they become uncontrollable to manage.

Does GALAMER 4MG improve cognition?

Yes, GALAMER 4MG does improve cognition in people suffering from mental illness like dementia. It controls the symptoms of dementia by increasing the levels of a chemical messenger (acetylcholine) in the brain which plays an important role in the functions of memory and cognition. As a result, it improves memory and reduce the unpleasant symptoms of dementia.

REFERENCES

1. K.D. Tripathi. Cholinergic system and Drugs. CNS stimulants and cognitive enhancers. Essentials of Medical Pharmacology. Seventh Edition. Page – 108 and 490.

2. J Olin , L Schneider. Galantamine for Alzheimer's disease. NIH. National Library of Medicine. National Center of Biotechnology Information. Pubmed.gov. 2002. [Accessed on 17th June 2022] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12137632/

3. Galantamine. Patriot Pharmaceuticals.  [Revised in October 2021] [Accessed on 10th May 2022] https://www.janssenlabels.com/package-insert/product-monograph/prescribing-information/galantamine-pi.pdf