How it works in the body

Memantine HCI (Namenda) belongs to the family of drugs known as NMDA receptor antagonists drug and commonly used for the treatment or prevention of the symptoms of Alzheimer Disease. Memantine HCI (Namenda) works by acting on the nerve cells in brain. There is increasing evidence that memory loss and dementia in Alzheimer's disease are related to malfunctioning of the signals that pass messages between the nerve cells in the brain.

There is evidence that excessive activity of a chemical called glutamate contributes to the symptoms of Alzheimer's and the progression of this disease. Glutamate works on receptors known as NMDA receptors that are found on nerve cells in the brain. These receptors and nerve cells are involved in transmitting nerve messages in the brain that are important in learning and memory. Glutamate can damage the nerve cells by excessively stimulating the NMDA receptors.

Memantine HCI (Namenda) works by blocking the NMDA receptors in the brain. Actually Memantine HCI (Namenda) blocks the excessive activity of glutamate, but still allows the normal activation of these receptors that occurs when the brain forms a memory. Memantine HCI (Namenda) can therefore improve brain functioning in Alzheimer's disease, and also blocks the glutamate activity that may further damage the brain cells.Memantine HCI (Namenda) is used to treat moderately severe to severe Alzheimer's disease.

Side effects

Possible side effects during the uses of Memantine HCI (Namenda):

• Allergic reaction
• swelling in your face or hands
• Swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat
• Chest tightness
• Trouble breathing
• Chest pain
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Severe sleepiness
• Restlessness
• Sudden or severe headache
• Constipation
• Hives
• Itching
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting of blood
• Rash
• Fever or chills
• Painful or difficult urination
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Yellow eyes or skin
• Unusual tiredness or weakness

Interactions

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, so tell your doctor or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products.

Also you should tell your doctor or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or addicted to illegal drugs. These may affect the working mechanism of Memantine HCI (Namenda). In these cases, your doctor may change the dose or teach precautions may be necessary. Therefore when you are taking Memantine HCI (Namenda), it is most important that your doctor or health care professional know if you are taking any of the following or other drugs:

• Amantadine or Symmetrel
• Cimetadine as Tagamet, Tagamet HB
• Cough suppressants that contain dextromethorphan
• Glaucoma drugs such as Diamox and Neptazane
• Hydrochlorothiazide or HydroDIURIL
• Ketamine or Ketalar
• Nicotine as Nicoderm patch, Nicorette gum
• Quinidine or Quinidex
• Ranitidine or Zantac
• Sodium bicarbonate or baking soda, Alka-Seltzer
• Triamterene or Dyrenium

Counterindications

You shouldn’t use this medicine without consultation of doctor if you have an allergy to Memantine HCI (Namenda) or any other ingredients of this medicine.

You shouldn’t use Memantine HCI (Namenda) without consultation of doctor if you are suffering to the Kidney stones or kidney disease.

You shouldn’t use Memantine HCI (Namenda) without consultation of doctor if you are suffering to the problem of liver disease.

You shouldn’t use Memantine HCI (Namenda) without consultation of doctor if you are suffering to the problem of Heart disease.

You shouldn’t use Memantine HCI (Namenda) without consultation of doctor if you are suffering to the problem of seizure disorder.

You shouldn’t use Memantine HCI (Namenda) without consultation of doctor if you are suffering to the problems of Epilepsy.

You shouldn’t use Memantine HCI (Namenda) without consultation of doctor if you are having surgery, including dental surgery.

You shouldn’t use Memantine HCI (Namenda) without consultation of doctor if you are pregnant or plan to be pregnant.

You shouldn’t use Memantine HCI (Namenda) without consultation of doctor if you are suffering to breastfeeding.