Tiscali Quicklinks. Please visit our Accessibility Page for a list of the Access Keys you can use to find your way around the site, skip directly to the main navigation, to the page content, or to more links within lifestyle.
Acetylcholine is a natural compound known as a neurotransmitter. Neurotransmitters are stored in nerve cells in the brain and nervous system, and are involved in transmitting messages between the nerve cells. They are necessary for the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system. Acetylcholine in the brain is continually being released by nerve cells, and then broken down by another natural chemical called acetylcholinesterase.
One of the features of Alzheimer's disease appears to be a lower than normal level of acetylcholine in the brain. This is due in part to degeneration of brain cells, in particular those that normally release acetylcholine.
Galantamine increases the level of acetylcholine in the brain. It does this by preventing the action of acetylcholinesterase, the compound which normally breaks it down. This slows the breakdown of acetylcholine that is released from remaining undamaged nerve cells in the brain.
Galantamine also enhances the activity of the acetylcholine in the brain. The overall result of these two actions is an improvement in the levels and activity of acetylcholine in the brain. This improves the cognitive processes of thinking, learning and memory, and improves the symptoms of dementia and daily functioning in Alzheimer's disease.
Galantamine is used to treat mild to moderately severe dementia in people with Alzheimer's disease. However, it only slows the worsening of the disease, rather than being a cure. The benefit of the medicine should be reassessed on a regular basis and treatment should be stopped when it is considered that the medicine is no longer providing a beneficial effect.
Reminyl tablets and oral solution are known as immediate release dose forms. This means that the medicine is absorbed into the bloodstream from the gut soon after they are taken. These dose forms are taken twice a day.
Reminyl XL capsules are known as prolonged release capsules. They are designed to release the medicine slowly over the day as the capsule passes through the gut. This means the capsules only need to be taken once a day, in the morning. The capsules should be swallowed whole with liquid and not chewed or crushed, as this would stop their prolonged release action from working.
What is it used for?
Warning!
Use with caution in
Not to be used in
This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.
Label warnings
Go To Next Page>>
The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use
![]()
© Copyright 1998 - 2004 NetDoctor.co.uk - All rights reserved