Memantine helps to improve the symptoms of dementia such as loss of memory, reasoning, and social abilities in individuals with Alzheimer's disease (a progressive disease which destroys memory and other important mental functions).
This medicine cannot cure Alzheimer's disease, but it can improve the quality of life for people who have this disease.
Take Memantine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Memantine is available as a conventional tablet, oral solution, and extended-release capsule. Do not change from one drug form to another without consulting your doctor first.
If you are taking the conventional tablet, swallow it whole with a glass of water.
If you are taking the extended-release type of capsule (usually labelled as "XR"), swallow it whole or it may be opened and sprinkled on applesauce and should be swallowed immediately. Do not divide, chew, or crush the capsule.
If you are taking the oral solution, use the measuring device provided to measure or deliver your dose. Your doctor or pharmacist will show you how to properly use the measuring device and administer the dose. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure how to take your medicine.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the severity of your condition and your response to the medication.
Memantine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
If you missed your doses for several days, notify your doctor immediately. You may be required to restart the treatment.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- current or history of epilepsy (fits or seizures)
- risk factors for epilepsy
- heart disease or problems in the heart or blood vessels e.g. recent heart attack, heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood), uncontrolled high blood pressure
- severe urinary tract infection
- renal tubular acidosis (a condition wherein the kidneys are unable to remove acid from the blood into the urine)
- serious changes in diet e.g. from high-protein to vegetarian diet
- kidney disease
- severe liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to Memantine regularly.
Memantine may cause any of the following side effects: headache, dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness, diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation, back pain, sleep disturbance, and balance problems.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
- confusion, unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed or agitated), seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not existent
- fits or seizures
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines used to treat Parkinson's disease (disorder that affects the movement of a person, causing symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movement and impaired balance or walking) e.g. amantadine, levodopa, bromocriptine
- medicines that reduce stomach acid production e.g. cimetidine, ranitidine
- medicines for irregular heartbeat e.g. procainamide, quinidine
- medicines used for stomach cramps or spasms and travel sickness
- medicines that cause drowsiness or affect your concentration
- medicines for mood disorders
- muscle relaxants e.g. baclofen, dantrolene
- hydrochlorothiazide (water pill or medicine for water retention)
- dextromethorphan (medicine used to relieve cough)
- ketamine (medicine to block pain and sensation)
- quinine (medicine used to treat malaria [a disease characterised by chills, fever and sweating that is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito])
- nicotine (medicine used as an aid for smoking cessation)
- sodium bicarbonate (medicine that neutralises stomach acids)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Memantine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
The oral solution should be used within 12 weeks after opening.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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