Galantamine (Reminyl ® )
Galantamine hydrobromide (Reminyl ® ) is a reversible, competitive acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. Although the exact mechanism of galantamine's effect is unknown, it is thought to exert its therapeutic effect by enhancing cholinergic function. This is accomplished by increasing the concentration of acetylcholine through reversible inhibition of its hydrolysis by cholinesterase.

In clinical studies the effectiveness of Reminyl ® was evaluated using a dual outcome assessment strategy as measured by the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS-cog) and the Clinicians Interview Based Impression of Change (CIBIC-plus) and showed a gain of 6-12 units on the ADAS-cog for ambulatory patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease per year while patients receiving a placebo had an average decline of 4.5 units per year.

Dosage:The dosage of Reminyl ® (galantamine hydrobromide) shown to be effective in controlled clinical trials is 16-32 mg/day given as twice daily dosing. The recommended starting dose of Reminyl ® is 4 mg twice a day (8 mg/day) preferably with morning and evening meals.
Precautions: Reminyl ® should not be taken by patients with asthma, severe hepatic or renal impairment or obstructive pulmonary disease. May cause bradycardia. May cause an increase in gastric acid production. Reminyl ® has the potential to interfere with the activity of anticholinergic medications.