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
Therapeutic class
Drugs for 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.
Side effects
Common Side Effects (≤2%):
- Hallucination
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Fatigue
Occasional: Anxiety, hypertonus, vomiting, bladder infections, increased sexual drive
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
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to Memantine Hydrochloride or excipients
- Severe renal impairment (with specific dose adjustment)
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.
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.
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.
Storage conditions
Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Memantine Hydrochloride