Memantine

• Dopamine Agents
• Antiparkinson Agents
• Antidyskinetics
• Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists
• Central Nervous System Agents
• ATC:N06DX01

• DMAA
• Ebixa
• Memantina [INN-Spanish]
• Memantine HCL
• Memantine Hydrochloride
• Memantine [INN]
• Memantinum [INN-Latin]
• Namenda

• No information avaliable

C₁₂H₂₁N

http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic3/namenda.htm

Memantine FDA

Memantine MSDS

No information avaliable

179.302 g/mol

258 ^oC (HCl salt)

35 mg/mL (HCl salt), 0.9 mg/mL for free base

Solid

2.197

Tablet

For the treatment of moderate to severe dementia of the Alzheimer's type.

Memantine, an amantadine derivative, is an NMDA receptor antagonist used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. It differs from traditional agents used in Alzheimer's disease by acting on glutamatergic neurotransmission, rather than cholinergic. There is some evidence that dysfunction of glutamatergic neurotransmission, manifested as neuronal excitotoxicity, is involved in the aetiology of Alzheimer's disease (Cacabelos et al., 1999). As such, targeting the glutamatergic system, specifically NMDA receptors, was a novel approach to treatment in view of the limited efficacy of existing drugs targeting the cholinergic system. A systematic review of randomised controlled trials found that memantine has a positive effect on cognition, mood, behaviour, and the ability to perform daily activities. There is no evidence that memantine prevents or slows neurodegeneration in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Well absorbed orally with a bioavailability of approximately 100%. Peak plasma concentrations are reached in 3-7 hours. Food has no effect on absorption.

Side effects include pain, abnormal crying, leg pain, fever, increased apetite. Adverse drug reactions include: dizziness, confusion, headache, hallucinations, tiredness. Less common side effects include: vomiting, anxiety, hypertonia, cystitis, and increased libido. Doses of up to 400 mg have been tolerated.

Information for Patients and Caregivers: Caregivers should be instructed in the recommended administration (twice per day for doses above 5 mg) and dose escalation (minimum interval of one week between dose increases).

Humans and other mammals