Razadyne

Razadyne is a prescription medicine that is licensed for the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. It is available in two forms, long-acting capsules and short-acting tablets and oral solution. Razadyne is not a cure for Alzheimer's, but it can help improve memory, attention, reason, language, and the ability to perform simple daily tasks. Potential Razadyne side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and weight loss.

 

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. Razadyne 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.
 
(Click Razadyne Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Razadyne?

Razadyne is made by Ortho-McNeil Neurologics, Inc.
 

How Does Razadyne 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.
 
(Razadyne Continued: Page 2)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;