A medicine for Alzheimer's dementia
Galantamine
A cholinesterase inhibitor used to help with the symptoms of mild to moderate Alzheimer's dementia.
What is Galantamine?
Galantamine is a cholinesterase inhibitor used for mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. It raises levels of acetylcholine, a brain chemical important for memory and thinking, which can ease symptoms for a time. It does not cure dementia, and it comes as standard or modified-release (once-daily) capsules and tablets.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Galantamine — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Galantamine is used for the symptoms of mild to moderate Alzheimer's dementia. It treats symptoms rather than curing the disease, aiming to help someone stay more able for longer. It is available as standard tablets, modified-release (slow-release) capsules taken once a day, and an oral liquid. As with similar medicines, it is started low and the dose built up gradually.
How it works
Alzheimer's disease is linked to a drop in acetylcholine, a brain messenger involved in memory and thinking. Galantamine slows the breakdown of acetylcholine and also gently boosts the brain's response to it. Together this keeps more of the messenger active, which can help symptoms for a period of time.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Janssen (originator).
A cholinesterase inhibitor, originally derived from snowdrop and daffodil bulbs, used for Alzheimer's disease.
What it treats
Conditions Galantamine is used for
Practical use
How to take Galantamine
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- Standard tablets or liquid are usually taken twice a day with food; the modified-release capsule is taken once a day in the morning with food.
- Take it with food and plenty of fluid to reduce nausea.
- Swallow modified-release capsules whole and do not crush or chew them.
- Build the dose up exactly as your doctor advises rather than increasing it quickly.
- If you miss a dose, skip it and take the next one as normal; if several days are missed, contact your doctor before restarting.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Galantamine
Advantages
- Can help memory, thinking and daily function in mild to moderate Alzheimer's for a time.
- A once-daily modified-release option makes it easier to take.
- Well established within the UK health service with several formulations including a liquid.
Disadvantages
- Does not cure dementia and the benefit eventually wears off.
- Commonly causes nausea, vomiting, dizziness and weight loss, especially when the dose is increased.
- Carries a rare risk of serious skin reactions and can slow the heart.
Practical use
Good to know
Galantamine is started at a low dose and increased slowly over weeks, which reduces nausea, vomiting and dizziness. The once-daily modified-release capsule can make it easier to remember. A rare but serious risk is severe skin reactions: if a widespread rash, blistering, or peeling of the skin develops, stop the medicine and seek urgent medical help. Weight loss and poor appetite can occur, so weight is monitored. It is important to keep well hydrated, especially if you have sickness or diarrhoea, as dehydration can occur.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People with certain slow or irregular heart rhythms, heart block or fainting need caution or may be unsuitable.
- People with severe liver or kidney problems, active stomach ulcers, asthma or COPD need careful assessment.
- People who have had a serious skin reaction or allergy to galantamine should not take it.
Monitoring
- Weight, appetite and stomach symptoms are reviewed, especially during dose increases.
- Heart rate, dizziness and any fainting are monitored.
- Skin is checked for serious reactions, and benefit is reviewed at follow-up appointments.
Side effects
- Common: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, weight loss, dizziness and headache.
- Stop the medicine and seek urgent help for a widespread rash, blistering or peeling skin.
- Report a very slow or irregular heartbeat, fainting, severe stomach pain or signs of dehydration.
Key interactions
- Other medicines that slow the heart, such as beta-blockers, add to its effect.
- Some antidepressants, antifungals and heart medicines can raise galantamine levels and side effects.
- Anticholinergic medicines (some bladder, allergy or sleep medicines) can work against it and worsen confusion.
Available as: Standard tablets, modified-release (once-daily) capsules, and an oral liquid.
Answers
Galantamine: frequently asked questions
What skin problems should I watch for?
Rarely, galantamine can cause serious skin reactions. Stop it and seek urgent medical help if you get a widespread rash, blistering or peeling of the skin.
Does galantamine cure Alzheimer's?
No. It helps symptoms for a time but does not cure dementia or stop it progressing.
Should I take it with food?
Yes, taking it with food and plenty of fluid helps reduce nausea, which is a common early side effect.
What is the once-daily capsule?
It is a modified-release form that slowly releases the medicine, so it only needs taking once a day. Swallow it whole rather than crushing it.
Why is my weight being checked?
Galantamine can reduce appetite and cause weight loss, so weight is monitored and your doctor may adjust treatment if needed.
The wider class
About Cholinesterase inhibitors (dementia)
Galantamine belongs to the cholinesterase inhibitors (dementia) class. For how the class as a whole works, its shared safety principles and monitoring, see the full guide.
Browse by body system
Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
Building a medicines information resource?
We create evidence-led, dose-free drug and formulary references for teams.