Galantamin

Galantamine is a natural alkaloid used as a medication to treat cognitive symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease. It is a reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor and, at low concentrations, an allosteric modulator of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. By increasing acetylcholine levels in the brain and enhancing cholinergic signaling, galantamine may help with attention and memory in some patients. It is derived from plants in the Amaryllidaceae family, notably Galanthus nivalis (snowdrop), and is also manufactured synthetically for medical use.

Medical use and indications: Galantamine is approved in many countries for the symptomatic treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. It is not a disease-modifying therapy. Benefits vary among individuals and are typically modest, often supporting daily functioning when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Forms and administration: It is available in oral tablets and extended-release capsules, with dosing tailored to individual tolerability and response. In some regions, other formulations or brand-name products are marketed under different names.

Safety and adverse effects: Common adverse effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and sleep disturbances, reflecting its cholinergic mechanism. Bradycardia and fainting can occur, particularly in older patients or when combined with other drugs affecting heart rate. Cautions include preexisting cardiac conduction abnormalities, ulcers, asthma or COPD, and liver impairment. As with other cholinesterase inhibitors, discontinuation should be gradual under medical supervision.

Pharmacology: Beyond acetylcholinesterase inhibition, galantamine’s action on nicotinic receptors is thought to contribute to its cognitive effects, but the clinical significance of this activity remains an area of ongoing study.