Galantamine 4 mg Tablet, Film Coated, 90-count
🆔 Identity & classification
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🏷️ RxNorm drug class
This medicine belongs to the Cholinesterase Inhibitor class.
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🏭 Manufacturer & labeler
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🩺 Clinical
Galantamine is used to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD; a brain disease that affects memory, thinking, and behavior). Galantamine is in a class of medications called acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. It works by increasing the amount of a certain naturally occurring substance in the brain.
Read the full MedlinePlus article ↗- Galantamine helps boost a brain chemical called acetylcholine that Alzheimer's disease gradually depletes. This can help maintain memory and thinking for a period of time, but it d...
- What exactly does galantamine do for Alzheimer's — will it stop the disease from getting worse?
- Nausea and vomiting are the most common side effects, especially when the dose is being increased. The good news is that nausea usually only lasts about 5 to 7 days and tends to ge...
- I heard galantamine can upset your stomach — is there anything I can do about that?
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🧪 Inactive Ingredients / Excipients
Inactive ingredients, also called excipients, are components of the drug product other than the active ingredient. They may include fillers, dyes, coatings, preservatives, flavors, or other formulation ingredients.
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UNII EX438O2MRT
Ferric oxide yellow is a naturally occurring iron compound used as a colorant in medications. It gives tablets, capsules, and other forms a yellow or golden hue for identification and appearance.
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UNII R75537T0T4
Hypromellose 2910 is a plant-derived thickening agent made from cellulose. It serves as a binder that holds tablet ingredients together, a film-coating for pills, and a viscosity controller in liquids.
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UNII 70097M6I30
Magnesium stearate is a salt made from magnesium and stearic acid, a fatty substance. It's used in tablets and capsules as a lubricant and glidant to help ingredients flow smoothly during manufacturing and prevent sticking.
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UNII OP1R32D61U
Microcrystalline cellulose is a purified form of cellulose, a natural fiber from plant sources. It acts as a binder and filler in tablets and capsules, helping hold ingredients together and give the medicine its shape and size.
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UNII 6DC9Q167V3
Propylene glycol is a clear liquid derived from petroleum or vegetable sources. It acts as a solvent, humectant, and preservative in medicines, helping dissolve active ingredients and maintain product stability.
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Silicon dioxide is a naturally occurring mineral used as a glidant and anti-caking agent. It helps powder ingredients flow smoothly and prevents clumping during manufacturing and storage.
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UNII O8232NY3SJ
A plant-based carbohydrate derived from corn kernels. It acts as a filler to add bulk, a binder to hold ingredients together, and a disintegrant to help the tablet break apart in your stomach for absorption.
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UNII 7SEV7J4R1U
A powder made from a naturally occurring mineral. In medicines, talc works as a glidant and anti-caking agent, helping tablets and capsules flow smoothly during manufacturing and preventing clumping.
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UNII 15FIX9V2JP
Titanium dioxide is a bright white mineral powder commonly used as a colorant and opacifying agent. It makes pills and tablets white or lighter in color and helps make coatings non-transparent.
9 inactive ingredients listed in the exact product block matched to this NDC.
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ingredient classCode="IACT" elements from the exact product block matched by this NDC. Label-section narrative from DailyMed / the openFDA label index is shown separately when available.Inactive ingredient FAQ
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💲 Pricing
A drug doesn't have one price. Each row is a different public payment system, and none is what you'd pay at the counter — that depends on your insurance. The ⓘ on each row explains what it measures.
| Price system | Per each | Per package |
|---|---|---|
| Retail pharmacies payNADAC · weekly | Not in the retail survey — common for institutional, discontinued, or low-volume packs. | |
| Medicaid paysCMS SDUD · 12 mo | No recent Medicaid claims on file for this NDC — rare and low-volume NDCs are suppressed in the public data. | |
| Medicare drug plans payPart D · Q2 2026 | $0.5336 | $48.02 / 90 tablets |
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🔁 Therapeutic equivalents
| Product | Labeler | Pack | NADAC/unit | TE | Status | Price vs. this |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galantamine 4 mg 24979-0722-04 | Upsher-Smith | 60 tablets | $0.284 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Galantamine 4 mg 57237-0049-60 | Rising | 60 tablets | $0.284 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Galantamine 4 mg 68084-0729-21 | American | 1 tablet | $0.284 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Galantamine 4 mg 70436-0004-06 | Slate | 60 tablets | $0.374 | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Galantamine 4 mg 51407-0906-60 | Golden | 60 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Galantamine 4 mg 65862-0458-19 | Aurobindo | 10000 tablets | — | — | FDA listed | — |
| Galantamine 4 mgthis 71335-2766-02 | Bryant | 90 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
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⏳ Availability & generic status
This product is an FDA-approved generic. Other versions of the same drug are listed under Therapeutic equivalents, least expensive first.
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📦 Packaging — all sizes for this product
| Package NDC | Description | Marketing start | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 71335-2766-01 | 60 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (71335-2766-1) | 2025-10-03 | Active |
| 71335-2766-02 You're viewing this | 90 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (71335-2766-2) | 2025-10-03 | Active |
You're viewing the largest of 2 pack sizes for this product.
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🧭 About this NDC listing & data coverage
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| NDC identity (package / product / labeler codes) | ✓ Available |
| Labeler | ✓ Available |
| Product & package description | ✓ Available |
| Marketing category & status | ✓ Available |
| Active ingredient / dosage form / route | ✓ Available |
| FDA label (SPL via DailyMed) | ✓ Available |
| Package photos | ✓ Available |
| Inactive ingredients (structured) | ✓ Available |
| NADAC pharmacy acquisition price (CMS) | — Not published for this NDC CMS publishes NADAC only for NDCs reported in its retail-pharmacy survey. |
| Orange Book / therapeutic-equivalence data | ✓ Available |
| HCPCS J-code billing crosswalk | — Not published for this NDC Most self-administered / retail products have no J-code — that is normal. |
| Medicaid utilization (CMS SDUD) | — Not published for this NDC CMS reports utilization only for NDCs with Medicaid claims above its privacy threshold. |
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📄 Full prescribing information FDA SPL
🎯 Indications and Usage ▾
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Galantamine tablets are indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate dementia of the Alzheimer’s type. Galantamine tablets are a cholinesterase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate dementia of the Alzheimer’s type ( 1 )
⏱️ Dosage and Administration ▾
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Galantamine tablets: recommended starting dosage is 4 mg twice daily; increase to initial maintenance dosage of 8 mg twice daily after a minimum of 4 weeks. Based on clinical benefit and tolerability, dosage may be increased to 12 mg twice daily after a minimum of 4 weeks at 8 mg twice daily. (2.2) Take with food; ensure adequate fluid intake during treatment (2.2) Hepatic impairment: should not exceed 16 mg/day for moderate hepatic impairment; do not use in patients with severe hepatic impairment (2.3) Renal impairment: should not exceed 16 mg/day for creatinine clearance 9 to 59 mL/min; do not use in patients with creatinine clearance less than 9 mL/min (2.4)
2.2Galantamine Immediate-Release Tablets The dosage of galantamine tablets shown to be effective in controlled clinical trials is 16 to 32 mg/day given as twice daily dosing. As the dosage of 32 mg/day is less well tolerated than lower dosages and does not provide increased effectiveness, the recommended dosage range is 16 to 24 mg/day given twice daily. The dosage of 24 mg/day did not provide a statistically significant greater clinical benefit than 16 mg/day.
It is possible, however, that a daily dosage of 24 mg of galantamine tablets might provide additional benefit for some patients. The recommended starting dosage of galantamine tablets is 4 mg twice a day (8 mg/day). The dosage should be increased to the initial maintenance dosage of 8 mg twice a day (16 mg/day) after a minimum of 4 weeks.
A further increase to 12 mg twice a day (24 mg/day) should be attempted after a minimum of 4 weeks at 8 mg twice a day (16 mg/day). Dosage increases should be based upon assessment of clinical benefit and tolerability of the previous dose. Galantamine tablets should be administered twice a day, preferably with morning and evening meals.
Patients and caregivers should be advised to ensure adequate fluid intake during treatment. If therapy has been interrupted for more than three days, the patient should be restarted at the lowest dosage and the dosage escalated to the current dose. The abrupt withdrawal of galantamine tablets in those patients who had been receiving dosages in the effective range was not associated with an increased frequency of adverse events in comparison with those continuing to receive the same dosages of that drug.
The beneficial effects of galantamine tablets are lost, however, when the drug is discontinued.
2.3Dosage in Patients with Hepatic Impairment In patients with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score of 7 to 9), the dosage should generally not exceed 16 mg/day. The use of galantamine tablets in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score of 10 to 15) is not recommended [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .
2.4Dosage in Patients with Renal Impairment In patients with creatinine clearance of 9 to 59 mL/min, the dosage should generally not exceed 16 mg/day. In patients with creatinine clearance less than 9 mL/min, the use of galantamine tablets is not recommended [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .
💊 Dosage Forms and Strengths ▾
3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Galantamine tablets USP contain 4 mg, 8 mg, and 12 mg galantamine as 5.126 mg, 10.253 mg, and 15.379 mg of galantamine hydrobromide, respectively. Galantamine tablets USP are available in the following strengths: 4 mg off-white, circular, biconvex, film-coated tablets debossed with ‘F’ on one side and ‘49’ on the other side 8 mg pink, circular, biconvex, film-coated tablets debossed with ‘F’ on one side and ‘50’ on the other side 12 mg orange-brown, circular, biconvex, film-coated tablets debossed with ‘F’ on one side and ‘51’ on the other side Tablets – 4 mg, 8 mg, 12 mg ( 3 )
⛔ Contraindications ▾
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Galantamine tablets are contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to galantamine hydrobromide or to any excipients used in the formulation. Known hypersensitivity to galantamine hydrobromide or any excipients
⚠️ Warnings and Cautions ▾
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Serious skin reactions: discontinue at first appearance of skin rash (5.1) All patients should be considered at risk for adverse effects on cardiac conduction, including bradycardia and AV block, due to vagotonic effects on sinoatrial and atrioventricular nodes (5.3) Active or occult gastrointestinal bleeding: monitor, especially those with an increased risk for developing ulcers (5.4) Cholinomimetics may cause bladder outflow obstruction (5.5) Monitor for respiratory adverse events in patients with a history of severe asthma or obstructive pulmonary disease (5.7)
5.1Serious Skin Reactions Serious skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis) have been reported in patients receiving galantamine. Inform patients and caregivers that the use of galantamine should be discontinued at the first appearance of a skin rash, unless the rash is clearly not drug-related. If signs or symptoms suggest a serious skin reaction, use of this drug should not be resumed and alternative therapy should be considered.
5.2Anesthesia Galantamine, as a cholinesterase inhibitor, is likely to exaggerate the neuromuscular blocking effects of succinylcholine-type and similar neuromuscular blocking agents during anesthesia.
5.3Cardiovascular Conditions Because of their pharmacological action, cholinesterase inhibitors have vagotonic effects on the sinoatrial and atrioventricular nodes, leading to bradycardia and AV block. Bradycardia and all types of heart block have been reported in patients both with and without known underlying cardiac conduction abnormalities [see Adverse Reactions (6.1 , 6.2) ] . Therefore, all patients should be considered at risk for adverse effects on cardiac conduction.
Patients treated with galantamine up to 24 mg/day using the recommended dosing schedule showed a dose-related increase in risk of syncope (placebo 0.7% [2/286]; 4 mg twice daily 0.4% [3/692]; 8 mg twice daily 1.3% [7/552]; 12 mg twice daily 2.2% [6/273]).
5.4Gastrointestinal Conditions Through their primary action, cholinomimetics may be expected to increase gastric acid secretion due to increased cholinergic activity. Therefore, patients should be monitored closely for symptoms of active or occult gastrointestinal bleeding, especially those with an increased risk for developing ulcers, e.g., those with a history of ulcer disease or patients using concurrent nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Clinical studies of galantamine have shown no increase, relative to placebo, in the incidence of either peptic ulcer disease or gastrointestinal bleeding.
Galantamine, as a predictable consequence of its pharmacological properties, has been shown to produce nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and weight loss. During therapy, the patient’s weight should be monitored.
5.5Genitourinary Conditions Although this was not observed in clinical trials with galantamine, cholinomimetics may cause bladder outflow obstruction.
5.6Neurological Conditions Seizures: Cholinesterase inhibitors are believed to have some potential to cause generalized convulsions [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] . Seizure activity may also be a manifestation of Alzheimer’s disease. Patients with Alzheimer’s disease should be monitored closely for seizures while taking galantamine. An increase in cholinergic tone may worsen symptoms related to extrapyramidal disorders [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] .
5.7Pulmonary Conditions Because of its cholinomimetic action, galantamine should be prescribed with care to patients with a history of severe asthma or obstructive pulmonary disease. Respiratory function should be monitored closely for the occurrence of respiratory adverse effects.
5.8Deaths in Subjects with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) In two randomized placebo-controlled trials of 2 years duration in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a total of 13 patients on galantamine (n=1026) and 1 patient on placebo (n=1022)…
🤒 Adverse Reactions ▾
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS Serious adverse reactions are discussed in more detail in the following sections of the labeling: Serious skin reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Cardiovascular Conditions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Gastrointestinal Conditions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Genitourinary Conditions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Neurological Conditions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Pulmonary Conditions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Deaths in subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] The most common adverse reactions (≥5%) were nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, and decreased appetite ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Aurobindo Pharma USA, Inc. at 1-866-850-2876 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
6.1Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The most common adverse reactions in galantamine-treated patients from double-blind clinical trials (≥5%) were nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, and decreased appetite. The most common adverse reactions associated with discontinuation (≥1%) in galantamine-treated patients from double-blind clinical trials were nausea (6.2%), vomiting (3.3%), decreased appetite (1.5%), and dizziness (1.3%).
The safety of the extended-release capsule and immediate-release tablet formulations of galantamine was evaluated in 3956 galantamine-treated patients who participated in 8 placebo-controlled clinical studies and 1454 subjects in 5 open-label clinical studies with mild to moderate dementia of the Alzheimer’s type. In clinical studies, the safety profile of once-daily treatment with extended-release galantamine was similar in frequency and nature to that seen with tablets. The information presented in this section was derived from pooled double-blind studies and from pooled open-label data.
Commonly-Observed Adverse Reactions in Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trials Table 1 lists the adverse reactions reported in ≥1% of galantamine-treated patients in 8 placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trials. Table 1. Adverse Reactions Reported by ≥1% of Galantamine-Treated Patients in Pooled Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Trials System/Organ Class Adverse Reaction Galantamine (n=3956) % Placebo (n=2546) % Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders Decreased appetite 7.4
2.1Psychiatric Disorders Depression 3.6
2.3Nervous System Disorders Dizziness 7.5
3.4Headache 7.1
5.5Tremor 1.6
0.7Somnolence 1.5
0.8Syncope 1.4
0.6Lethargy 1.3
0.4 Cardiac Disorders Bradycardia 1
0.3Gastrointestinal Disorders Nausea 20.7
5.5Vomiting 10.5
2.3Diarrhea 7.4
4.9Abdominal pain 3.8 2 Abdominal discomfort 2.1
0.7Dyspepsia 1.5 1 Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders Muscle spasms 1.2
0.5General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions Fatigue 3.5
1.8 Asthenia 2
1.5Malaise 1.1
0.5Investigations Decreased weight 4.7
1.5Injury, Poisoning and Procedural Complications Fall 3.9 3 Laceration 1.1
0.5The majority of these adverse reactions occurred during the dose-escalation period. In those patients who experienced the most frequent adverse reaction, nausea, the median duration of the nausea was 5 to 7 days. Other Adverse Reactions Observed in Clinical Trials of Galantamine The following adverse reactions occurred in <1% of all galantamine-treated patients (N=3956) in the above double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial data sets.
In addition, the following also includes all adverse reactions reported at any frequency rate in patients (N=1454) who participated in open-label studies. Adverse reactions listed in Table 1 above were not included below: Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders: Dehydra…
🔄 Drug Interactions ▾
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Potential to interfere with the activity of anticholinergic medications ( 7.1 ) Synergistic effect expected when given concurrently with succinylcholine, other cholinesterase inhibitors, similar neuromuscular blocking agents, or cholinergic agonists ( 7.2 )
7.1Use with Anticholinergics Galantamine has the potential to interfere with the activity of anticholinergic medications [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .
7.2Use With Cholinomimetics and Other Cholinesterase Inhibitors A synergistic effect is expected when cholinesterase inhibitors are given concurrently with succinylcholine, other cholinesterase inhibitors, similar neuromuscular blocking agents or cholinergic agonists such as bethanechol [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .
👥 Use in Specific Populations ▾
8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Pregnancy: Based on animal data may cause fetal harm. ( 8.1 )
8.1Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no adequate data on the developmental risk associated with the use of galantamine hydrobromide in pregnant women. In studies conducted in animals, administration of galantamine during pregnancy resulted in developmental toxicity (increased incidence of morphological abnormalities and decreased growth in offspring) at doses similar to or greater than those used clinically (see Data). In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively.
The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. Data Animal Data In rats, administration of galantamine (oral doses of 2, 8, or 16 mg/kg/day), from day 14 (females) or day 60 (males) prior to mating and continuing in females through the period of organogenesis, resulted in an increased incidence of fetal skeletal variations at the two highest doses, which were associated with maternal toxicity. The no-effect dose for embryo-fetal developmental toxicity in rats (2 mg/kg/day) is approximately equal to the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 24 mg/day on a body surface area (mg/m 2 ) basis.
When galantamine (oral doses of 4, 12, 28, or 40 mg/kg/day) was administered to pregnant rabbits throughout the period of organogenesis, small increases in fetal visceral malformations and skeletal variations were observed at the highest dose which was associated with maternal toxicity. The no-effect dose for embryo-fetal developmental toxicity in rabbits (28 mg/kg/day) is approximately 20 times the MRHD on a mg/m 2 basis. In a study in which pregnant rats were orally dosed with galantamine (2, 8, or 16 mg/kg/day) from the beginning of organogenesis through day 21 post-partum, pup weights were decreased at birth and during the lactation period at the two highest doses.
The no-effect dose for pre- and postnatal developmental toxicity in rats (2 mg/kg/day) is approximately equal to the MRHD on a mg/m 2 basis.
8.2Lactation Risk Summary There are no data on the presence of galantamine in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects of galantamine hydrobromide on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for galantamine hydrobromide and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from galantamine hydrobromide or from the underlying maternal condition.
8.4Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.
8.5Geriatric Use Eight double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials and 5 open-label trials in a total of 6519 patients have investigated galantamine hydrobromide in the treatment of mild to moderate dementia of the Alzheimer’s type [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) and Clinical Studies (14) ] . The mean age of patients enrolled in these clinical studies was 75 years; 78% of these patients were between 65 and 84 years of age, and 10% of patients were 85 years of age or older.
8.6Hepatic Impairment In patients with moderate hepatic impairment, a dosage adjustment is recommended. The use of galantamine hydrobromide in patients with severe hepatic impairment is not recommended [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .
8.7Renal Impairment In patients with a creatinine clearance of 9 to 59 mL/min, a dosage adjustment is recommended. The use of galantamine hydrobromide in patients with creatinine clearance less than 9 mL/min is not recommended [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .
🤰 Pregnancy ▾
8.1Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no adequate data on the developmental risk associated with the use of galantamine hydrobromide in pregnant women. In studies conducted in animals, administration of galantamine during pregnancy resulted in developmental toxicity (increased incidence of morphological abnormalities and decreased growth in offspring) at doses similar to or greater than those used clinically (see Data). In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively.
The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. Data Animal Data In rats, administration of galantamine (oral doses of 2, 8, or 16 mg/kg/day), from day 14 (females) or day 60 (males) prior to mating and continuing in females through the period of organogenesis, resulted in an increased incidence of fetal skeletal variations at the two highest doses, which were associated with maternal toxicity. The no-effect dose for embryo-fetal developmental toxicity in rats (2 mg/kg/day) is approximately equal to the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 24 mg/day on a body surface area (mg/m 2 ) basis.
When galantamine (oral doses of 4, 12, 28, or 40 mg/kg/day) was administered to pregnant rabbits throughout the period of organogenesis, small increases in fetal visceral malformations and skeletal variations were observed at the highest dose which was associated with maternal toxicity. The no-effect dose for embryo-fetal developmental toxicity in rabbits (28 mg/kg/day) is approximately 20 times the MRHD on a mg/m 2 basis. In a study in which pregnant rats were orally dosed with galantamine (2, 8, or 16 mg/kg/day) from the beginning of organogenesis through day 21 post-partum, pup weights were decreased at birth and during the lactation period at the two highest doses.
The no-effect dose for pre- and postnatal developmental toxicity in rats (2 mg/kg/day) is approximately equal to the MRHD on a mg/m 2 basis.
🧒 Pediatric Use ▾
8.4Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.
🧓 Geriatric Use ▾
8.5Geriatric Use Eight double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials and 5 open-label trials in a total of 6519 patients have investigated galantamine hydrobromide in the treatment of mild to moderate dementia of the Alzheimer’s type [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) and Clinical Studies (14) ] . The mean age of patients enrolled in these clinical studies was 75 years; 78% of these patients were between 65 and 84 years of age, and 10% of patients were 85 years of age or older.
🆘 Overdosage ▾
10 OVERDOSAGE Because strategies for the management of overdose are continually evolving, it is advisable to contact a poison control center to determine the latest recommendations for the management of an overdose of any drug. As in any case of overdose, general supportive measures should be utilized. Signs and symptoms of significant overdosing of galantamine are predicted to be similar to those of overdosing of other cholinomimetics.
These effects generally involve the central nervous system, the parasympathetic nervous system, and the neuromuscular junction. In addition to muscle weakness or fasciculations, some or all of the following signs of cholinergic crisis may develop: severe nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal cramping, salivation, lacrimation, urination, defecation, sweating, bradycardia, hypotension, respiratory depression, collapse and convulsions. Increasing muscle weakness is a possibility and may result in death if respiratory muscles are involved.
Tertiary anticholinergics such as atropine may be used as an antidote for galantamine hydrobromide overdosage. Intravenous atropine sulfate titrated to effect is recommended at an initial dose of 0.5 to 1 mg intravenous with subsequent doses based upon clinical response. Atypical responses in blood pressure and heart rate have been reported with other cholinomimetics when co-administered with quaternary anticholinergics.
It is not known whether galantamine and/or its metabolites can be removed by dialysis (hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, or hemofiltration). Dose-related signs of toxicity in animals included hypoactivity, tremors, clonic convulsions, salivation, lacrimation, chromodacryorrhea, mucoid feces, and dyspnea. In one postmarketing report, one patient who had been taking 4 mg of galantamine daily for a week inadvertently ingested eight 4 mg tablets (32 mg total) on a single day.
Subsequently, she developed bradycardia, QT prolongation, ventricular tachycardia and torsades de pointes accompanied by a brief loss of consciousness for which she required hospital treatment. Two additional cases of accidental ingestion of 32 mg (nausea, vomiting, and dry mouth; nausea, vomiting, and substernal chest pain) and one of 40 mg (vomiting), resulted in brief hospitalizations for observation with full recovery. One patient, who was prescribed 24 mg/day and had a history of hallucinations over the previous two years, mistakenly received 24 mg twice daily for 34 days and developed hallucinations requiring hospitalization.
Another patient, who was prescribed 16 mg/day of oral solution, inadvertently ingested 160 mg (40 mL) and experienced sweating, vomiting, bradycardia, and near-syncope one hour later, which necessitated hospital treatment. His symptoms resolved within 24 hours.
🧬 Clinical Pharmacology ▾
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
12.1Mechanism of Action Although the etiology of cognitive impairment in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is not fully understood, it has been reported that acetylcholine-producing neurons degenerate in the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. The degree of this cholinergic loss has been correlated with degree of cognitive impairment and density of amyloid plaques (a neuropathological hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease). Galantamine, a tertiary alkaloid, is a competitive and reversible inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase.
While the precise mechanism of galantamine’s action is unknown, it is postulated 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. If this mechanism is correct, galantamine’s effect may lessen as the disease process advances and fewer cholinergic neurons remain functionally intact.
There is no evidence that galantamine alters the course of the underlying dementing process.
12.3Pharmacokinetics The pharmacokinetics of galantamine are linear over a dose range of 8 to 32 mg/day. Absorption and Distribution Galantamine is absorbed with time to peak concentration of about 1 hour. The absolute bioavailability of galantamine is about 90%.
Food did not affect the AUC of galantamine, but C max was decreased by 25% and T max was delayed by 1.5 hours, when galantamine was administered with food. The mean volume of distribution of galantamine is 175 L. The plasma protein binding of galantamine is 18% at therapeutically relevant concentrations.
In whole blood, galantamine is mainly distributed to blood cells (52.7%). The blood to plasma concentration ratio of galantamine is 1.2. Metabolism and Elimination Galantamine is metabolized by hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes, glucuronidated, and excreted unchanged in the urine.
In vitro studies indicate that cytochrome CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 were the major cytochrome P450 isoenzymes involved in the metabolism of galantamine, and inhibitors of both pathways increase oral bioavailability of galantamine modestly. O-demethylation, mediated by CYP2D6 was greater in extensive metabolizers of CYP2D6 than in poor metabolizers. In plasma from both poor and extensive metabolizers, however, unchanged galantamine and its glucuronide accounted for most of the sample radioactivity.
In studies of oral 3 H-galantamine, unchanged galantamine and its glucuronide, accounted for most plasma radioactivity in poor and extensive CYP2D6 metabolizers. Up to 8 hours post-dose, unchanged galantamine accounted for 39 to 77% of the total radioactivity in the plasma, and galantamine glucuronide for 14 to 24%. By 7 days, 93 to 99% of the radioactivity had been recovered, with about 95% in urine and about 5% in the feces.
Total urinary recovery of unchanged galantamine accounted for, on average, 32% of the dose and that of galantamine glucuronide for another 12% on average. After intravenous or oral administration, about 20% of the dose was excreted as unchanged galantamine in the urine in 24 hours, representing a renal clearance of about 65 mL/min, about 20 to 25% of the total plasma clearance of about 300 mL/min. Galantamine has a terminal half-life of about 7 hours.
Specific Populations Elderly Data from clinical trials in patients with Alzheimer’s disease indicate that galantamine concentrations are 30 to 40% higher in those patients than in healthy young subjects. Gender and Race A population pharmacokinetic analysis (on 539 men and 550 women) indicates that galantamine clearance is about 20% lower in women than in men (which is explained by a lower body weight in women) and that race (n=1029 White, 24 Black, 13 Asian and 23 other) did not affect the clearance of galantamine.
Hepatic Impairment Following a single 4 mg dose of galantamine tablets, the pharmacokinetics of galantamine in subjects with mild hepatic impairment (n=8; Child-Pugh…
🧬 Mechanism of Action ▾
12.1Mechanism of Action Although the etiology of cognitive impairment in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is not fully understood, it has been reported that acetylcholine-producing neurons degenerate in the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. The degree of this cholinergic loss has been correlated with degree of cognitive impairment and density of amyloid plaques (a neuropathological hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease). Galantamine, a tertiary alkaloid, is a competitive and reversible inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase.
While the precise mechanism of galantamine’s action is unknown, it is postulated 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. If this mechanism is correct, galantamine’s effect may lessen as the disease process advances and fewer cholinergic neurons remain functionally intact.
There is no evidence that galantamine alters the course of the underlying dementing process.
📦 How Supplied / Storage and Handling ▾
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Galantamine Tablets USP, 4 mg are off-white, circular, biconvex, film-coated tablets debossed with ‘F’ on one side and ‘49’ on the other side. NDC: 71335-2766-1: 60 Tablets in a BOTTLE NDC: 71335-2766-2: 90 Tablets in a BOTTLE Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Keep out of reach of children.
Repackaged/Relabeled by: Bryant Ranch Prepack, Inc. Burbank, CA 91504
📋 Description ▾
11 DESCRIPTION Galantamine tablets, USP contain galantamine, a reversible, competitive acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, as the hydrobromide salt. Galantamine hydrobromide is known chemically as (4a S ,6 R ,8a S )-4a,5,9,10,11,12-hexahydro-3-methoxy-11-methyl-6 H -benzofuro[3a,3,2- ef ][2]benzazepin-6-ol hydrobromide. It has a molecular formula of C 17 H 21 NO 3 •HBr and a molecular weight of 368.27.
Galantamine hydrobromide is a white or almost white powder and is sparingly soluble in water. The structural formula for galantamine hydrobromide is: Galantamine tablets, USP contain 4 mg, 8 mg, and 12 mg galantamine as 5.126 mg, 10.252 mg, and 15.378 mg of galantamine hydrobromide USP, respectively. Inactive ingredients include colloidal silicon dioxide, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, pregelatinized starch (maize), propylene glycol, talc, and titanium dioxide.
The 4 mg tablets contain iron oxide yellow. The 8 mg tablets contain iron oxide red. The 12 mg tablets contain iron oxide red and FD&C yellow #6 aluminum lake.
💬 Information for Patients ▾
17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION Serious Skin Reactions Advise patients and caregivers to discontinue galantamine tablets and seek immediate medical attention at the first appearance of skin rash [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . General Dosing Guidance Instruct caregivers about the recommended dosage and administration of galantamine tablets. Galantamine tablets should be administered twice per day, preferably with the morning and evening meals.
Dose escalation (dose increases) should follow a minimum of four weeks at prior dose. If therapy has been interrupted for more than three days, the patient should be restarted with the lowest dose and then re-titrated to an appropriate dosage [see Dosage and Administration (2) ] . Advise patients and caregivers to ensure adequate fluid intake during treatment [see Dosage and Administration (2) ] .
Advise patients and caregivers that the most frequent adverse events associated with use of the drug can be minimized by following the recommended dosage and administration. Distributed by: Aurobindo Pharma USA, Inc. 279 Princeton-Hightstown Road East Windsor, NJ 08520 Manufactured by: Aurobindo Pharma Limited Hyderabad-500 032, India Revised: 08/2021