Memantine Hydrochloride Neuraxpharm Uk (Memantine Hydrochloride)

Memantine Hydrochloride is used within the Alzheimer’s disease therapeutic pathway to address cognitive decline.

• Alzheimer’s disease (moderate to severe): improves cognition, memory, and daily functional abilities.
• Alzheimer’s disease (as adjunct to cholinesterase inhibitors): may provide additional benefit when combined with standard therapy.
• Dementia associated with Alzheimer’s disease: helps manage overall symptoms of cognitive impairment.

• Memantine Hydrochloride acts as a non‑competitive antagonist at the NMDA (N‑methyl‑D‑aspartate) receptor. By binding to the receptor-associated ion channel, it reduces excessive calcium influx caused by glutamate over‑activation, thereby decreasing excitotoxic neuronal damage that contributes to cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease.

Memantine is generally well tolerated, but adverse reactions can occur.

Common Side Effects

• Dizziness: sensation of light‑headedness or unsteadiness.
• Headache: mild to moderate cranial pain.
• Constipation: reduced bowel movements.
• Confusion: transient mental clouding.
• Somnolence: increased sleepiness.
• Hypertension: elevated blood pressure readings.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Seizures: convulsive episodes requiring medical attention.
• Allergic reactions: rash, itching, or swelling.
• Stevens‑Johnson syndrome: severe skin and mucous membrane disorder.
• Hepatic dysfunction: abnormal liver enzyme elevations.
• Cardiac arrhythmia: irregular heart rhythm.
• Psychosis: new or worsening hallucinations or delusions.

Memantine should be used with caution in specific clinical situations.

• Renal impairment: dose adjustment may be required in patients with reduced kidney function.
• Hepatic impairment: monitor liver function tests regularly.
• History of seizures: assess risk before initiating therapy.
• Concomitant NMDA agonists: avoid co‑administration as it may reduce efficacy.
• Elderly patients: monitor for falls and increased confusion.
• Store at room temperature: keep in the original container, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Memantine may interact with other medicines that affect the NMDA system or central nervous system.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Amantadine: combined NMDA antagonism can increase adverse CNS effects.
• Dextromethorphan: may potentiate neuropsychiatric side effects.
• Ketamine: additive NMDA blockade may lead to excessive sedation.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Anticholinergic agents: may worsen cognitive impairment.
• CNS depressants (e.g., benzodiazepines): monitor for enhanced sedation.
• Antihypertensives: observe blood pressure for additive hypotensive effect.
• Diuretics: watch for electrolyte disturbances that could affect neuronal stability.