Razadyne

What Is Razadyne?

Razadyne^® (galantamine hydrobromide) is a prescription medication approved to treat mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. Although the drug is not a cure for Alzheimer's disease, it can help with some of the symptoms of Alzheimer's. The medication is available in two forms, short-acting and long-acting.

 

Razadyne was originally sold under the name "Reminyl^®," but the name was changed after several instances of confusion with a similar-sounding medication.

 

 

Who Makes It?

Razadyne is made by Ortho-McNeil Neurologics, Inc.

 

How Does It Work?

Razadyne is part of a group of Alzheimer's medications known as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. These medications work by preventing a specific enzyme (known as acetylcholinesterase) from breaking down acetylcholine in the brain. Acetylcholine is a chemical that aids in many brain functions, including memory, attention, reason, and language. It is thought that problems with inadequate acetylcholine in the brain may contribute to some of the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

 

Effects of Razadyne

This medication has been evaluated for Alzheimer's disease in several different studies. These studies showed that people taking Razadyne often experience decreased problems of cognitive function ("thinking" functions, such as memory, language, and social interaction), compared to people taking a placebo (a "sugar pill" with no active ingredients). These studies also showed that some people experience improvement, others simply experience a slowing of the decline of problems, and others may not receive any benefit.