Treating of Alzheimer’s Type Dementia

Alzheimer disease- It is a type of neuro-degenerative disease. Symptoms include,

• Difficulty in remembering recent events.
• Problems with language.
• Easily getting lost.
• Mood swings.
• Loss of motivation.
• Unable to manage self-care.
• Behavioral issues.

No treatment stop or reverse its progression. But treatment may temporarily improve symptoms to deal with daily activities.

Memantine HCl is used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s type dementia.

How does Memantine HCl work?

It is in the class of drug called as NMDA (N- methyl-D-aspartate) receptor antagonist. Glutamate is a protein necessary for learning and memory processes in the brain. It stimulates NMDA receptors to produce calcium. The increase in glutamate level increases the concentration in the central Nervous system. This, in turn, damage the neuronal cell.

Memantine protects brain cells by blocking the effect of excess glutamate.

How to take Memantine HCl?

Memantine HCl is available in the form of tablets of 5 mg and 10 mg.

Adult dosage.

1. Initial dosage- 5 mg one time in a day.
2. Maximum dosage- 20 mg in a day in divided doses.

Children dosage: It is not recommended to use in children younger than 18 years.

Comments:

1. Increase the dose with an increment of 5 mg at an interval of 1 week.
2. You can take the tablet with or without food.
3. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.

What are the uses of Memantine HCl?

1. It is used to treat moderate to severe dementia caused due to Alzheimer’s disease.
2. It may improve the ability to think and remember for those with above disease.
3. Decreases the abnormal activity in the brain.
4. Improve the ability to perform daily functions.
5. The medication may be used for some other reason. Ask your doctor.

What are the precautions in taking Memantine HCl?

It is necessary to take care in a certain condition. Inform your doctor if you are/have,

• Allergic to the above drug.
• Allergic to other drugs of the same class.
• Liver disease.
• Poor kidney function.
• Severe urinary tract Infections.
• Dental or any other surgery.
• Confirm its use in pregnancy and breast feeding.
• Limit alcohol.

The drug may make you feel drowsy. Be alert while driving, using machinery or other such activities.

Inform your doctor regarding all other medication you take. This may avoid drug interactions.

Cost of Memantine HCl (Generic and Brand)

Brand drugs are costlier. They spend a huge amount of advertising, packaging, and pricing. A big part is also invested in research and development. Generic drugs do not include these expenditures. Both the types of drugs contain the same active ingredient. They show the same effect. So, it is better to go with generic medicines.

Cost of Generic Memantine HCl.

1. Pack of 30 tablets of 5 mg costs $ 17, per unit cost is $ 0.57
2. Pack of 30 tablets of 10 mg costs $ 32, per unit cost is $ 1.07.

Cost of brand Namenda.

3. Pack of 30 tablets of 5 mg and 10 mg costs $ 249.41, per unit cost is $ 8.31.