#19: memantine (Namenda) | Dementia Associated to Alzheimer’s Disease

Memantine is a NMDA antagonist that goes by the brand name Namenda. There are also titration packs available in the name brand. Memantine treats but does not cure confusion and dementia associated to Alzheimer’s disease. There are multiple dosage forms being a capsule, solution, and tablet. Special considerations are for patients with renal and hepatic impairment. Memantine does appear to have higher exposure in women than men. Memantine is purposed to work on the glutamate receptor blocking the receptor much like magnesium does under “normal” conditions. This drug has a long elimination half-life between 60-80 hours. The main side effects are weight gain, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea and vomiting. A serious side effect is Stevens Johnson Syndrome. Two main types of drugs that interact with Namenda are alkalinizing agents and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. The drug can be taken with or without food and if a dose is missed it should not be doubled on the next dose. The missed dose should be skipped and resumed regularly.  Go to DrugCardsDaily.com for episode show notes which consist of the drug summary, quiz, and link to the drug card for FREE! Please SUBSCRIBE, FOLLOW, and RATE on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever your favorite place to listen to podcasts are. The main goal is to go over the Top 200 Drugs with the occasional drug of interest. Also, if you’d like to say hello, suggest a drug, or leave some feedback I’d really appreciate hearing from you! Leave a voice message at anchor.fm/drugcardsdaily or find me on twitter @drugcardsdaily