Namenda (memantine)
NAMENDA (memantine) – an orally active NMDA receptor antagonist commonly used to treat Alzheimer’s disease. Persistent activation of central nervous system N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors by the excitatory amino acid glutamate has been hypothesized to contribute to the symptomatology of Alzheimer’s disease. Memantine is postulated to exert its therapeutic effect through its action as a low to moderate affinity uncompetitive (open-channel) NMDA receptor antagonist which binds preferentially to the NMDA receptor-operated cation channels.
FDA approved uses: Namenda is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe dementia of the Alzheimer’s type.
Available dosage forms: Tablets – 5, 10 mg, Oral Solution – 2 mg/ml.
Usual dosage: The recommended starting dose of Namenda is 5 mg once daily. The recommended target dose is 20 mg/day. Namenda can be given with or without food.
Contraindications: Namenda (memantine hydrochloride) is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to memantine hydrochloride or to any excipients used in the formulation.
Special warnings: None.
Adverse reactions (side effects) of these medications: The most common side effects of Namenda include fatigue, pain, hypertension, dizziness, headache, constipation, vomiting, back pain, confusion, somnolence, hallucination, cough, and dyspnea. Other adverse events reported include syncope, hypothermia, heart arrhythmias, ataxia, tremors and other nervous system changes, psychosis, amnesia, conjunctivitis, and allergic reactions.
Common drug interactions: alterations of urine pH towards the alkaline state may lead to an accumulation of the drug with a possible increase in adverse effects. Drugs that alkalinize the urine (e.g. carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, sodium bicarbonate) would be expected to reduce renal elimination of memantine.
Special instructions for patients: Take this medication exactly as directed by physician. If administering the Oral Solution, caregivers should receive instructions on how to use this formulation safely.
Full prescribing information may be found at the manufacturer‘s official website Namenda.com or at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s website at Namenda Info at Drugs@FDA
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