Memantine belongs to a class of medications called glutamate receptor antagonists It is used for the treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease. Memantine works by blocking certain receptors from being overly excited by a substance called glutamate, and may protect nerve cells from damage. Memantine may be used on its own or in combination with other drugs for dementia such as cholinesterase inhibitors (i.e. Donepezil, Galantamine, Rivastigmine).
Memantine is taken by mouth as conventional tablets. The starting dose is 5 mg once per day, followed by a gradual weekly increase in the dose, up to a maximum dose of 20 mg daily. Doses greater than 5 mg daily should be taken twice per day.
A common side effect of Memantine is dizziness. It may rarely worsen confusions or hallucinations.
People allergic to Memantine or any ingredient of the formulation.
Common dosing schedule:
You can take Memantine with or without food.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Memantine may interact with:
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Memantine is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Memantine in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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