Memantine (Systemic)

Brand Names : Namenda

Before Using This Medicine

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For memantine, the following should be considered:

Allergies - Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to memantine. Also tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy - Memantine has not been studied in pregnant women. However, memantine has not been shown to cause birth defects or other problems in animal studies.

Breast-feeding - It is not known whether memantine passes into breast milk. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in small amounts, many of them may be used safely when breast feeding. Mothers who are taking this medicine and who wish to breast feed should discuss it with their doctor.

Children - Studies on this medicine have only been done in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing the use of memantine in children with use in other age groups. This medicine is generally not used in children.

Older adults - This medicine has been studied in older adults and has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.

Other medical problems - The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of memantine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Kidney disease - patients with severe kidney disease should not use memantine, patients with mild or moderate kidney disease may need to take a smaller amount of memantine.

• Difficult urination
• Urinary tract problems
• Urinary tract blockage - memantine may make these conditions worse

• Epilepsy or history of seizures - memantine may make this medical condition worse