Razadyne

Razadyne is used for the management of dementia (memory loss and mental changes) in the patients with Alzheimer’s disease. 

This drug cannot cure the Alzheimer’s disease; rather it is just used to manage the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. It will stop the progression of symptoms. 

Razadyne has also shown to improve the thinking ability in some patients with Alzheimer’s. A lot of chemical changes take place in the brain of a patient with Alzheimer’s disease. 

One of these changes is that there’s lack of a chemical called acetylcholine (Ach). Acetylcholine is necessary for the proper functioning of the brain. 

Razadyne decreases the rate of deterioration of Ach in the brain which results in a greater effect of Ach. However, the levels of Ach decrease further and further in an Alzheimer patient, so its effect may not be permanent.

This medicine is only available through a doctor's prescription. This product is available in the following dosage forms:

• Capsule, Extended Release
• Tablet
• Solution

If you are about to start Razadyne, speak with your doctor about what you need to know. Like any other medication, galantamine has potential side effects.

So, the benefits of this drug should always be weighed against its associated risks. Your doctor will consider these risks before prescribing the drug and will inform you about them.

Following factors should be considered before taking this drug:

• Allergies: If you have had an allergic reaction to this drug in the past, inform your doctor. You should also tell your healthcare provider if you are allergic to any other drugs or food products.

• Age-specific problems: The data regarding the effects of galantamine specific to the pediatric age group is not yet available. Its safety and efficacy have not been established in children.

The studies specific to the geriatric age group have not demonstrated any adverse effect that would limit the use of this drug in old age group.

• Pregnancy: Regarding the safety of usage of this drug during pregnancy, it comes under “C” category, which means that clinical trials on animals have revealed harmful effects to the developing fetus or relevant studies have not been performed.

• Drug Interactions: Certain drugs should not be used together because they can interact inside the body which can have a harmful effect. On the other hand, certain drugs are allowed to be used together. 

So, you should tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking. If there is a chance of interaction between those two drugs, the doctor may change the dose or may prescribe an alternative drug.

Razadyne should be used cautiously with following drugs:

• Bepridil
• Amifampridine
• Pimozide
• Cisapride
• Dronedarone
• Mesoridazine
• Saquinavir
• Piperaquine
• Terfenadine
• Degarelix
• Sparfloxacin
• Ziprasidone
• Thioridazine
• Amiodarone
• Anagrelide
• Aripiprazole
• Arsenic Trioxide
• Bupropion
• Buserelin
• Clarithromycin
• Crizotinib
• Delamanid
• Dabrafenib
• Domperidone
• Deslorelin
• Donepezil
• Escitalopram
• Goserelin
• Fluoxetine
• Gonadorelin
• Histrelin
• Leuprolide
• Hydroxychloroquine
• Ivabradine
• Metronidazole
• Levofloxacin
• Moxifloxacin
• Nafarelin
• Pasireotide
• Ondansetron
• Panobinostat
• Pazopanib
• Tacrolimus
• Quetiapine
• Sevoflurane
• Triptorelin
• Vinflunine
• Vandetanib
• Vemurafenib

Furthermore, certain medications should not be taken with alcohol or tobacco, which may also result in harmful interactions. Ask your doctor about the concurrent use of this drug along with alcohol or tobacco. 

You should also inform your doctor about any other medical condition you may be suffering from, especially:

• Seizures 
• Asthma (severe)
• Stomach bleeding or ulcers
• Lung disease (eg, obstructive pulmonary disease) 
• Urinary bladder blockage
• Decompensated chronic liver disease, severe
• Heart rhythm problems
• Recent stomach or bowel surgery, Use is not recommended in these conditions.
• Kidney disease

To use Razadyne properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. Follow these instructions if you are using the extended-release capsules:

• Swallow the extended-release capsule as a whole. Do not break, crush or chew it.
• Take it with your breakfast

If you are using the oral liquid:

• You should measure the dose you are taking with a measuring spoon, medicine cup or oral. The typical spoon used in household may not measure the accurate amount.
• Follow the instruction manual for the proper dosage of the oral liquid. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Take the oral liquid or tablets with morning or evening meals.
• Always try to drink extra fluids so you may dilute the medicine in your blood stream. This may help prevent kidney problems.

To avoid adverse effects, this drug should be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not overuse or misuse this drug and do not use it longer than the recommended time. Read all the instructions mentioned in the medication guide. 

Do not miss any dose. The dose of this drug varies according to the condition of each person. The number of doses per day, the time interval between the doses and the length of time you have to take the medicine depends on your condition individually and all these factors should only be determined by your healthcare provider.

 Follow each and every instruction of your doctor and also read the label carefully.

In case you miss one dose of this drug, take it as soon as you can. 

If it is almost time for your subsequent dose, you can then skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at once. Call your doctor if you’ve missed the dose of galantamine for more than 3 days.

Storage: This medicine should be stored at room temperature within a closed container, away from heat, direct light and moisture. Keep this drug out of the reach of children. Do not store expired or outdated medicines or the medicine no longer needed. 

In using Razadyne, you must be careful and take some precautions as advised by your doctor. Razadyne can lead to some serious skin reactions.

Check with your doctor right away if you have: 

• blistering
• red skin lesions
• peeling or loose skin severe acne or skin rash
• fever or chills sores 
• ulcers on the skin while you are using this medicine.

Galantamine may also lead to stomach or bowel problems. Check with your doctor right away if you have nausea, stomach pain, and diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss or vomiting

Regular follow-up is necessary during and after the treatment. It is important to allow your doctor to monitor your progress and to make sure that there aren’t any side effects from the medication. 

Contact your doctor if your symptoms have not improved even after taking the full course of treatment. 

Avoid taking any other medicine unless thoroughly discussed with your doctor. Always ask your doctor before using any prescription, non-prescription or herbal medicine. 

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Razadyne. Although these side effects may occur only in a handful of patients but if they do occur, contact your physician immediately.

This medication is associated with following side effects:

• lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
• Chest pain or discomfort
• shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
• unusual tiredness
• shortness of breath
• slow or irregular heartbeat
• confusion
• fainting
• Blurred vision
• decreased urination
• dry mouth
• rapid breathing
• fast, irregular, pounding or racing heartbeat or pulse
• redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
• the feeling of warmth
• thirst
• sweating
• sunken eyes
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• wrinkled skin
• troubled breathing
• Blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin
• cough
• chills
• dark urine
• headache
• fever
• general tiredness and weakness
• joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
• hoarseness
• irritation
• nausea and vomiting
• light-colored stools
• rash hives or itching skin
• nervousness
• pounding in the ears
• redness of the skin
• red skin lesions, often with a purple center
• red, irritated eyes

Seek medical help instantly, if you experience any of these symptoms while on this medication. Also contact your health care professional immediately, if have overdosed on this drug.