How does it work?

This medicine contains the active ingredient memantine hydrochloride, which is a type of medicine called an NMDA-receptor antagonist. It is used for treating Alzheimer's disease. There is increasing evidence that memory loss and dementia in Alzheimer's disease are related to malfunctioning of the signals that pass messages between the nerve cells in the brain. In particular, there is evidence that excessive activity of a chemical called glutamate contributes to the symptoms of Alzheimer's and the progression of this disease. Glutamate acts on receptors called NMDA receptors that are found on nerve cells in the brain. These receptors and nerve cells are involved in transmitting nerve messages in the brain that are important in learning and memory. Glutamate can damage the nerve cells by excessively stimulating the NMDA receptors. Memantine works by blocking the NMDA receptors in the brain. This blocks the excessive activity of glutamate, but still allows the normal activation of these receptors that occurs when the brain forms a memory. Memantine can therefore improve brain functioning in Alzheimer's disease, and also blocks the glutamate activity that may further damage the brain cells. Memantine is used to treat moderately severe to severe Alzheimer's disease. Studies have demonstrated that memantine causes an improvement or stabilisation in the cognitive functioning (thinking, learning and memory) and daily functioning of this group of patients.

What is it used for?

Moderately severe to severe Alzheimer's disease

Warning!

This medicine may reduce your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you and you are sure it won't affect your performance.

The safety and efficacy of this medicine in children and adolescents under 18 years of age has not been established.

This medicine is not recommended for people with severely decreased kidney function.

You should tell your doctor if you have recently changed or plan to change your diet substantially, for example from a meat-eating diet to a strict vegetarian diet or vice versa, as your doctor may need to change your dose of this medicine.

Use with caution in

Condition where urine of normal acidity is not produced due to a kidney disorder, resulting in accumulation of acidic substances in the blood (renal tubular acidosis)

Epilepsy

Heart failure

Moderately decreased kidney function

People who have recently had a heart attack

Severe infections of the urinary tract with Proteus bacteria

Uncontrolled high blood pressure

Not to be used in

Breastfeeding

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. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

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.

The safety of this medicine for use during pregnancy has not been established. It is not recommended for use in pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

It is not known whether this medicine passes into breast milk. Mothers who need to take this medicine should not breastfeed. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Tiredness

Vomiting

Confusion

Increased tension in the muscles

False perceptions of things that are not really there (hallucinations)

Dizziness

Anxiety

Increased sex drive (libido)

Inflammation of the urinary bladder, commonly caused by infection (Cystitis)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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