Razadyne (Galantamine HBr)

Do’s

• Take Razadyne exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider, typically twice daily with food, in the morning and evening meals.
• Drink plenty of fluids while taking Razadyne unless your healthcare provider advises otherwise.
• Take Razadyne consistently to experience the maximum benefit.
• Inform your healthcare provider if your Alzheimer's symptoms worsen.

Don'ts

• Don't stop taking Razadyne or change your dosage without consulting your healthcare provider.
• Don't abruptly stop taking Razadyne, especially if you've been on it for more than 3 days. Your healthcare provider might need to gradually restart you at a lower dose to minimize side effects.
• Don't use the liquid form of Razadyne without following the specific instructions provided with the medication, including using the measuring device and mixing it with the recommended amount of beverage.

Common side effects:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Throat irritation
• Fatigue
• Dryness or soreness of the throat
• General feeling of discomfort or illness
• Muscle and joint pains
• Cough
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Bruising easily
• Chills
• Colds
• Respiratory infections, such as the common cold
• Stuffy nose
• Ear infections
• Gastroenteritis (inflammation in the stomach and intestine caused by a virus)
• Nosebleeds
• Conjunctivitis (pink eye)

Serious side effects that may require immediate medical attention include:

• Chest pain
• Slow heart rate
• Little or no urination
• Blood in the urine
• Signs of stomach bleeding, such as bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• Liver problems: nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Dehydration symptoms: feeling very thirsty or hot, being unable to urinate, heavy sweating, or hot and dry skin
• A light-headed feeling, like you might pass out
• Seizures
• Serious skin reactions: rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling in the face or throat
• Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or swelling

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Razadyne,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Disclose any allergies to galantamine, daffodil plants, or other medications before using Razadyne.

Inform your healthcare provider about your medical history, particularly if you have:

• Liver problems
• Kidney problems
• Stomach/intestinal problems (ulcers, bleeding)
• Heart problems (sick sinus syndrome, bradycardia, AV block, arrhythmias)
• Breathing/lung problems (severe asthma, COPD)
• Seizures
• Problems urinating (enlarged prostate)

Razadyne may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or activities requiring alertness until the effects wear off. Limit alcohol and marijuana use which can worsen dizziness and drowsiness.

Razadyne may cause abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation). This can lead to serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms requiring immediate medical attention (severe dizziness, fainting).

The risk of QT prolongation increases with certain medical conditions or medications. Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you take and if you have any of these conditions:

• Certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, EKG showing QT prolongation)
• Family history of certain heart problems (EKG showing QT prolongation, sudden cardiac death)

Low blood potassium or magnesium levels can also increase the risk. Talk to your healthcare provider if you use diuretics or have conditions like severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting.

Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you take, including Razadyne, before any surgery.

Older adults may be more sensitive to side effects, especially QT prolongation.

Razadyne should only be used during pregnancy if clearly necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider. It is unknown if Razadyne passes into breast milk. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding.