Generic
Memantine Hydrochloride
10 brands available in the market
At a glance
Memantine Hydrochloride is used for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. It acts as an NMDA receptor antagonist to reduce glutamate-induced excitotoxicity and improve memory and thinking.
Description
Memantine is a noncompetitive NMDA-receptor antagonist that affects glutamate transmission in the CNS. Glutamate may contribute to Alzheimer's pathogenesis by overstimulating glutamate receptors, resulting in excitotoxicity and neuronal cell death.
Indications
- All forms of dementia of the Alzheimer's type
- Other types of dementia
Pharmacological class
NMDA Receptor Antagonist
Pharmacology
Memantine binds to NMDA receptor-operated cation channels to reduce glutamate-induced excitotoxicity and prevent neuronal cell death.
Mechanism of action
Improves memory and thinking by inhibiting excessive glutamate action.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Oral):
- Week 1: Morning 5 mg
- Week 2: Morning 5 mg + Night 5 mg
- Week 3: Morning 10 mg + Night 5 mg
- Week 4+: Morning 10 mg + Night 10 mg (maintenance 20 mg/day)
Renal Impairment: CrCl 30-49: 10 mg/day (may increase to 20 mg/day if tolerated); CrCl 5-29: 10 mg/day
Administration
- Swallow tablet whole; do not chew, crush or break
- May be taken with or without food, but at a fixed time is preferable
- Doses >10 mg/day should be given in 2 divided doses
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, skip it and continue with your normal schedule; do not double the dose.
Drug interactions
- May increase effects of antimuscarinics and dopaminergics
- May reduce effects of antipsychotics and barbiturates
- May alter effects of dantrolene, baclofen
- Reduced clearance with carbonic anhydrase inhibitors and sodium bicarbonate
- Increased risk of adverse effects with amantadine, dextromethorphan, ketamine
Food interactions
Caution with alcohol; consult your doctor.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to Memantine Hydrochloride or excipients
- Severe renal impairment (with specific dose adjustment)
Side effects
Common Side Effects (≤2%):
- Hallucination
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Fatigue
Occasional: Anxiety, hypertonus, vomiting, bladder infections, increased sexual drive
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Memantine Hydrochloride is generally considered safe during pregnancy (Category B); animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby.
Pregnancy Category: B — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: No information available on use during breastfeeding; consult your doctor.
Precautions & warnings
- Reaction time may be significantly altered; caution when driving or operating machinery
- May increase seizure probability in patients with epilepsy history
- Monitor kidney function regularly in renal dysfunction
- Consult doctor during pregnancy and lactation
Pediatric use
Not recommended for children under 18 years due to lack of safety and efficacy data.
Geriatric use
No dose adjustment needed in elderly; caregivers should be instructed on administration.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Caution in severe kidney disease; dose adjustment based on CrCl.
Hepatic Impairment: Mild-moderate: no dose adjustment; severe: not recommended.
Overdose effects
No specific overdose information available; symptomatic and supportive treatment.
Therapeutic class
Drugs for Dementia
Storage conditions
Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Memantine Hydrochloride