Drug Interaction Report

Using betamethasone together with galantamine may result in severe muscle weakness in patients with myasthenia gravis. If you have been receiving treatment with galantamine, you may experience increased muscle weakness when betamethasone is first initiated. Improvement in muscular function may occur gradually. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Your doctor may discontinue galantamine at least one day before you start taking betamethasone. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Galantamine should be taken with food, and you should drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to reduce the severity of certain side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and/or weight loss. Extended-release formulations should be swallowed whole (i.E., do not crush, chew, or divide the pill) and are often recommended to be taken in the morning. You should speak with your healthcare provider before using grapefruit products (fruit, juice, supplements) with galantamine as they may increase the blood levels and side effects of galantamine. You should also contact your healthcare provider if you experience changes in your heart rate, seizures, difficulty breathing, trouble urinating, dizziness, fainting, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and/or unexpected weight loss. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.