Memantine
Memantine is an NMDA receptor antagonist used to treat moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease. It works by reducing excessive glutamate activity at NMDA receptors in the brain, which may help improve cognitive function, memory, and daily living abilities in patients with dementia. This medication is typically used when cholinesterase inhibitors alone are not sufficiently effective.
Memantine is an Alzheimer's medication that blocks NMDA receptors to reduce harmful glutamate activity in the brain.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N06DX01
- RxNorm
- 6719
- Generic
- Memantine
- Class
- atc-n06
- Brands
- Namzaric, Namenda
- 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
- 10mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 5mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 10mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
12 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits to mother outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits to mother outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
discontinue near term if possible, use only if benefits outweigh risks
fetal monitoring and assessment at delivery
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue breastfeeding
memantine is excreted in breast milk, breastfeeding should be discontinued
infant monitoring for sedation and feeding problems
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlystart low, go slow
initiate at 5mg daily, titrate to 10mg twice daily; monitor for dizziness and falls
regular assessment of renal function and adverse effects
pediatric_age
children adolescentsnot recommended
not approved for use in patients under 18 years of age
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
mild renal impairmentno adjustment required
standard dosing may be used, monitor renal function periodically
monitor creatinine clearance regularly
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
moderate renal impairmentdose reduction required
reduce starting dose to 5mg daily, may increase to 5mg twice daily after one week
monitor renal function and for adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentsignificant dose reduction required
limit to 5mg twice daily maximum, consider further reduction based on tolerance
close monitoring of renal function and adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild hepatic impairmentno adjustment required
standard dosing recommended
periodic liver function monitoring
hepatic_impairment
moderate hepatic impairmentuse with caution
start at 5mg daily, titrate slowly
monitor liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severe hepatic impairmentuse with extreme caution
limited data available, consider dose reduction
close monitoring of liver function and clinical response
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval for Alzheimer's disease treatment
Drug class
Pharmacological classification
Primary indication
Therapeutic indication
Mechanism of action
Pharmacodynamic properties
Memantine is FDA-approved for treating moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease. It may be used alone or in combination with cholinesterase inhibitors (such as donepezil or rivastigmine) for patients who have not responded adequately to monotherapy.
Memantine acts as a low-to-moderate affinity, uncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist. It binds to the open channel of the receptor, reducing excessive calcium influx caused by high glutamate levels. This is thought to protect neurons from excitotoxic damage associated with Alzheimer's pathology.
Common side effects include dizziness, headache, confusion, and constipation. Memantine should be used with caution in patients with seizure disorders or severe renal impairment. It is not a cure for Alzheimer's but may help slow symptom progression. Dosage is typically started low and gradually increased to the target dose.
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