Galantamine
Galantamine is a cholinesterase inhibitor used to treat cognitive symptoms in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. It works by increasing acetylcholine levels in the brain, a neurotransmitter that becomes depleted as the disease progresses. This medication helps improve memory, thinking, and daily functioning in affected patients.
Galantamine treats mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease by inhibiting an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, thereby increasing this key neurotransmitter in the brain.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N06DA04
- RxNorm
- 4637
- Generic
- Galantamine
- Class
- atc-n06
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- capsule, tablet, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
12 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse with extreme caution
use only if benefits outweigh risks; may affect fetus near delivery
fetal monitoring and assessment of newborn after delivery
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid
not recommended during breastfeeding; discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue drug
monitor infant for adverse effects
geriatric
elderlystart at low end of dosing range
use with caution; may be more sensitive to cholinergic effects
monitor for gastrointestinal adverse effects and bradycardia
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children adolescentsnot recommended
not indicated for use in pediatric patients; safety and efficacy not established
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
mildno adjustment needed
no dosage adjustment required for mild renal impairment
monitor renal function periodically
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
moderatereduce dose
reduce dose; consider starting at 4mg once daily
monitor renal function and for adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severeavoid
use not recommended in severe renal impairment; contraindicated
monitor renal function
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
hepatic_impairment
mildno adjustment needed
no dosage adjustment required for mild hepatic impairment
monitor hepatic function periodically
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderatereduce dose
reduce dose; consider starting at 4mg once daily
monitor hepatic function and for adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severeavoid
use not recommended in severe hepatic impairment; contraindicated
monitor hepatic function
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval for Alzheimer's disease treatment
Drug class
Pharmacological classification
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indication
Mechanism of action
Pharmacodynamic properties
Treatment of mild to moderate dementia of the Alzheimer's type to improve cognitive function, memory, and activities of daily living.
Galantamine reversibly inhibits acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine. By preventing this breakdown, it increases acetylcholine availability at neuronal synapses in the brain, compensating for the cholinergic neuron loss seen in Alzheimer's disease.
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, and dizziness—usually occurring early in treatment. Should be taken with food to minimize gastrointestinal effects. Use cautiously in patients with cardiac conditions, seizures, or asthma. Dose titration is required; starting dose is typically 4mg twice daily with gradual increases. Not a cure for Alzheimer's disease but may slow symptom progression.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy