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NERVOUS SYSTEM › PSYCHOANALEPTICS › ANTI-DEMENTIA DRUGS › Other anti-dementia drugs
memantine
N06DX01
Forms & Strengths
- Oral Tablet: 5 mg, 10 mg
- Oral Extended-Release Capsule: 7 mg, 14 mg, 21 mg, 28 mg
- Oral Solution: 2 mg/mL
Adult Dosing
- Moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease: Initial 5 mg daily, titrate by 5 mg/week to target 10 mg twice daily (immediate-release)
- Extended-release: Initial 7 mg once daily, titrate by 7 mg/week to target 28 mg once daily
- Severe renal impairment (CrCl 5-29 mL/min): Maximum 5 mg twice daily or 14 mg ER once daily
Pediatric Dosing
- Not recommended for pediatric patients under 18 years of age
- Safety and efficacy have not been established in pediatric neurodegenerative disorders
Indications
- Treatment of moderate to severe dementia of the Alzheimer's type
Mechanism of Action
- Uncompetitive (open-channel) NMDA receptor antagonist
- Blocks pathological tonic levels of glutamate that lead to neuronal dysfunction
- Modulates the effects of elevated glutamate without disrupting normal physiological neurotransmission
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to memantine or any excipients in the formulation
Adverse Reactions
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Confusion
- Constipation
- Hypertension
- Somnolence
Drug Interactions
- Alkalinizing agents (e.g., carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, sodium bicarbonate) may decrease renal elimination and increase serum memantine concentrations
- Concomitant use with other NMDA antagonists (amantadine, ketamine, dextromethorphan) should be avoided due to additive CNS toxicity
- May increase plasma levels of L-dopa/carbidopa and dopaminergic agonists
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use