Galantamine hydrobromide

The drug Galantamine hydrobromide is a therapeutic agent that actively affects the processes of transmission of nerve impulses, stimulating and maintaining synaptic acetylcholine neurotransmission in the human peripheral nervous system. Analogues of this anticholinesterase agent are Nivalin, Galantamine and Galantamine hydrobromide.

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Indications galantamine hydrobromide

The list of pathologies for which Galantamine hydrobromide is used for treatment includes:

• myopathies (hereditary muscle dystrophies, neuromuscular syndromes of neurological diseases);
• myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness);
• neuritis, polyneuritis, radiculitis and radiculoneuritis with loss of sensitivity and movement disorders;
• poliomyelitis (residual effects);
• spastic forms of cerebral palsy;
• cerebral palsy and birth paresis of newborns;
• enuresis;
• residual paresis after cerebrovascular accident, including stroke;
• psychogenic and spinal impotence;
• mild and moderate degrees of manifestation of neuropsychopathological conditions in senile dementia (senile dementia) of the Alzheimer's disease type.

The use of Galantamine hydrobromide is entirely justified in the event of the occurrence of such postoperative neurological syndromes as peripheral paralysis and paresis (including atony of the intestine and bladder).

In addition, Galantamine hydrobromide is used as an antidote for poisoning (or overdose) with parasympatholytic drugs containing atropine and similar substances.

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Release form

Galantamine hydrobromide is available in the form of 0.25%, 0.5% and 1% injection solutions - in 1 ml ampoules (in packages of 10 ampoules).

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Pharmacodynamics

The active substance of this medicine is a nitrogen-containing natural compound isolated from the bulbs of the snowdrop Galantus Woronowi A. Los. - the alkaloid galantamine (in the form of hydrobromide).

Galantamine hydrobromide reduces the activity of cholinesterase, an enzyme that participates in the hydrolysis (breakdown) of acetylcholine, a choline derivative necessary for the transmission of nerve impulses. By accelerating the process of acetylcholine breakdown in cholinergic synapses, the effect of the cholinesterase enzyme is temporarily blocked. As a result, the content of acetylcholine in neuromuscular synapses increases. This leads to the fact that the excitation of the nerve fiber increases, and the process of transmitting the nerve impulse to muscle tissue becomes more intense.

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Pharmacokinetics

After parenteral administration of Galantamine hydrobromide under the skin, it is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, with insignificant binding to plasma proteins. The drug penetrates the blood-brain barrier.

Therapeutic concentration of the active substance in blood plasma is observed approximately 25-30 minutes after injection. Metabolism is gradual, the half-life of biological transformation products is almost five hours. Metabolites of Galantamine hydrobromide are excreted by the kidneys with urine.

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Dosing and administration

Method of administration of Galantamine hydrobromide - subcutaneous injections. The dosage is determined by the doctor individually. The standard dose of a 1% solution of the drug for adults is 0.25-1 ml once or twice a day. The maximum daily dose is 2 ml of a 1% solution.

The dose for children depends on their age: up to 2 years - 0.1-0.2 ml (0.25% solution), 3-5 years - 0.2-0.4 ml; 7-8 years - 0.3-0.8 ml; 9-13 years - 0.5 ml (0.25% solution). At 14 years and older - 1 ml of 0.5% solution. The duration of the course of treatment is from 10 to 30 days.

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Use galantamine hydrobromide during pregnancy

During pregnancy, it is possible if the potential benefit to the mother outweighs the possible risk to the fetus.

Contraindications

The use of Galantamine hydrobromide is contraindicated in cases of angina pectoris and heart failure, decreased heart rate (bradycardia), bronchial asthma, epilepsy, and in patients with involuntary contractions of the limb muscles (hyperkinesis).

Side effects galantamine hydrobromide

Treatment with this drug usually involves no unwanted side effects.

But individual hypersensitivity to galantamine is possible, as well as its overdose, which have symptoms such as dizziness, slow pulse (bradycardia) and dysfunction of the salivary glands (increased salivation and drooling). In such a situation, subcutaneous or intravenous administration of atropine sulfate (1 ml of 0.1% solution) is recommended.

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Overdose

Symptoms: muscle weakness or fasciculations, severe nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, increased salivation, lacrimation, urinary and fecal incontinence, severe sweating, decreased blood pressure, bradycardia, collapse and convulsions. Severe muscle weakness combined with hypersecretion of the tracheal mucosa and bronchospasm can lead to fatal airway obstruction.

Postmarketing experience (accidental ingestion of 32 mg of the drug): development of torsades de pointes, prolongation of the QT interval, ventricular tachycardia with short-term loss of consciousness.

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Storage conditions

Storage conditions: Galantamine hydrobromide is included in List A, it should be stored in a dark place at room temperature.

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Shelf life

The expiration date of the drug is indicated on its packaging.

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