Drug Interaction Report

Galantamine can occasionally cause slowing of the heart rate or other irregular heart rhythm, and combining it with medications like chloroquine may increase that risk. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interact, or you may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring to safely use both medications. Contact your doctor if you develop dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath, chest pain, or heart palpitations during treatment. 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.

You may want to limit your consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice during treatment with chloroquine. Grapefruit juice can significantly increase the blood levels and effects of chloroquine, which may result in an irregular heart rate or other conduction disturbances. Hydroxychloroquine should also be taken with food or milk to reduce the incidence of stomach upset. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations during treatment with chloroquine. 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.