galantamine
Pronunciation: gah-LAN-ta-meen
A cholinesterase inhibitor medication used to treat mild to moderate dementia in Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia.
Full Definition
Galantamine is a reversible cholinesterase inhibitor that also modulates nicotinic receptors, used primarily in the treatment of mild to moderate dementia associated with Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. Unlike other cholinesterase inhibitors, it has a dual mechanism of action that includes both acetylcholinesterase inhibition and allosteric modulation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. The medication may cause gastrointestinal side effects and requires careful dose titration. In neuropsychiatric writing, proper spelling is critical as it's often confused with similar-sounding medications.
Usage
Usage note: Often misspelled as 'galantamine' with double 'l'. Brand names Reminyl and Razadyne refer to the same medication.
In Context
- "The patient was started on galantamine 4 mg twice daily with plans to titrate based on tolerance." — Clinical progress note
- "Galantamine showed modest benefits in cognitive function compared to placebo in the 24-week trial." — Research publication