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What is memantine oral solution?

MEMANTINE (Namenda®) helps treat the symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease or dementia. It is not a cure for Alzheimer's disease but offers improvement in memory, attention, reason, language, and the ability to perform simple tasks. Benefits are usually greater in the later stages of the disease. Generic memantine oral solution is not yet available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• kidney disease
• seizures (convulsions) or a seizure disorder
• an unusual reaction to memantine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should this medicine be used?

Take memantine oral solution by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Use the oral dosing syringe provided to correctly measure the dose. Ask your health care provider how to use the oral dosing syringe if you are not sure. You may take memantine with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Continue to take your medicine even if you feel better. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with memantine?

• amantadine
• dextromethorphan
• levodopa
• medicines for colds, flu, hayfever, or allergies (antihistamines)
• pergolide
• pramipexole
• ropinirole
• trihexyphenidyl

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking memantine?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check with your prescriber or health care professional if there is no improvement in your symptoms or if they get worse.

You may get dizzy or feel faint. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how memantine affects you.

If you are going to have surgery tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking memantine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving memantine?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• agitation or a feeling of restlessness
• confusion
• dizziness
• hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not really there)
• not able to hold your urine
• shortness of breath
• swelling in throat or tongue
• skin rash or redness, peeling of skin
• vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• constipation or diarrhea (mild)
• drowsiness or unable to sleep
• feeling of nausea, upset stomach
• headache

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 degrees and 30 degrees C (59 degrees and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.