{"id":17557,"date":"2022-01-17T10:28:52","date_gmt":"2022-01-17T10:28:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/?p=17557"},"modified":"2022-01-17T12:16:58","modified_gmt":"2022-01-17T12:16:58","slug":"memantine-merz","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/medicines\/memantine-merz\/","title":{"rendered":"Memantine Merz &#8211; Memantine hydrochloride uses, dose and side effects"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>5 mg +10 mg +15 mg + 20 mg&nbsp;film-coated tablets<br>Memantine hydrochloride<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Memantine Merz is and what it is used for<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><em>How Memantine Merz works<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Memantine Merz contains the active substance memantine hydrochloride.&nbsp;Memantine Merz belongs to a group of medicines known as anti-dementia medicines.&nbsp;Memory loss in&nbsp;Alzheimer&#8217;s disease&nbsp;is due to a disturbance of message signals in the brain.&nbsp;The brain contains so-called NMDA&nbsp;receptors&nbsp;(N-methyl-D-aspartate) that are involved in the transmission of nerve signals that are important for learning and memory.&nbsp;Memantine Merz belongs to a group of medicines called NMDA receptor antagonists.&nbsp;Memantine Merz acts on these NMDA&nbsp;receptors&nbsp;by improving the transmission of nerve signals and memory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>What Memantine Merz is used for<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Memantine Merz is used to treat patients with moderate to severe\u00a0Alzheimer&#8217;s disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What you need to know before you use Memantine Merz<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do not use Memantine Merz<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to memantine hydrochloride or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Warnings and cautions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Memantine Merz<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>if you have a history of epileptic seizures<\/li><li>if you have recently had a&nbsp;myocardial infarction&nbsp;(heart attack) or if you suffer from untreated&nbsp;heart failure&nbsp;or from uncontrolled&nbsp;hypotension&nbsp;(high&nbsp;blood pressure&nbsp;)<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In these situations, treatment should be closely monitored and the clinical benefit of Memantine Merz should be regularly assessed by your physician.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you suffer from impaired kidney function (kidney problems), your doctor should closely monitor your kidney function and, if necessary, adjust the memantine doses accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Concomitant use of drugs containing amantadine (for the treatment of\u00a0Parkinson&#8217;s disease\u00a0), ketamine (a substance commonly used as an anesthetic), dextromethorphan (generally used to treat cough), and other NMDA\u00a0antagonists\u00a0should be avoided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Children and young people<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Memantine Merz is not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years of age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other medicines and Memantine Merz<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken, or might take any other medicines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In particular, Memantine Merz may affect the effects of the following medicines and these&nbsp;doses&nbsp;may need to be changed by your doctor:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>amantadine, ketamine, dextromethorphan<\/li><li>dantrolen, baklofen<\/li><li>cimetidine, ranitidine,&nbsp;procainamide&nbsp;,&nbsp;quinidine&nbsp;, quinine, nicotine<\/li><li>hydrochlorothiazide (or any combination with hydrochlorothiazide)<\/li><li>anticholinergics (substances commonly used to treat movement disorders or intestinal cramps)<\/li><li>antiepileptics&nbsp;(substances used to prevent and relieve seizures)<\/li><li>barbiturates&nbsp;(substances commonly used for insomnia)<\/li><li>dopaminergic&nbsp;agonists&nbsp;(substances such as&nbsp;L-dopa&nbsp;, bromocriptine)<\/li><li>neuroleptics&nbsp;(substances used in the treatment of mental illness)<\/li><li>oral&nbsp;anticoagulants<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are hospitalized, tell your doctor that you are taking Memantine Merz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Memantine Merz with food, drink and alcohol<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You should tell your doctor if you have recently changed or intend to change your diet significantly (eg from a regular diet to a vegetarian diet only) or if you suffer from a condition of&nbsp;renal&nbsp;tubular&nbsp;acidosis&nbsp;(RTA, an excess on acid-forming substances in the blood due to kidney dysfunction (renal impairment)) or severe urinary tract infections (&nbsp;cataracts&nbsp;), as your doctor may need to adjust the&nbsp;dose&nbsp;of your medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Pregnancy<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The use of memantine in pregnant women is not recommended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Breast-feeding<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Women taking Memantine Merz should not breastfeed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Driving and using machines<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Your doctor will tell you if your illness allows you to drive and use machines safely.&nbsp;Memantine Merz can also change your reactivity, making it unsuitable to drive or use machines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to use Memantine Merz<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Memantine Merz package for initiation of treatment should only be used at the beginning of treatment with Memantine Merz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you.&nbsp;If you are not sure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Dosage<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The recommended treatment dose of 20 mg per day is achieved by gradually increasing the Memantine Merz dose during the first 3 weeks of treatment.&nbsp;The treatment schedule is also indicated on the package for initiating treatment.&nbsp;Take one tablet once a day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Week 1 (days 1-7):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Take one 5 mg tablet once a day (white to off-white, oblong) for 7 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Week 2 (days 8-14):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Take a 10 mg tablet once a day (pale yellow to yellow, oval) for 7 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Week 3 (day 15-21):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Take one 15 mg tablet once a day (gray-orange, oblong) for 7 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Week 4 (day 22-28):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Take one 20 mg tablet per day (gray-red, oblong) for 7 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td>week 1<\/td><td>5 mg tablet<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>week 2<\/td><td>10 mg tablet<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>week 3<\/td><td>15 mg tablet<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>week 4<\/td><td>20 mg tablets once a day<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintenance dose<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The recommended daily dose is 20 mg once a day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To continue treatment, consult your doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Dosage&nbsp;in patients with renal impairment<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have impaired kidney function, your doctor will prescribe a&nbsp;dose&nbsp;that suits your condition.&nbsp;In this case, your doctor should examine your kidney function at certain intervals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Administration<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Memantine Merz should be taken orally once a day.\u00a0For you to benefit from your medicine, you must take it regularly every day at the same time of day.\u00a0The tablets should be swallowed with a little water.\u00a0The tablets can be taken with or without food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Treatment time<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep taking Memantine Merz for as long as you can.&nbsp;Your doctor should regularly evaluate your treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you use more Memantine Merz than you should &nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>In general, it should not harm you if you take too much Memantine Merz.&nbsp;You may experience increased symptoms as described in section 4. &#8220;Possible side effects&#8221;.<\/li><li>If you are taking a large dose of Memantine Merz, contact your doctor or doctor for medical advice, as you may need care.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you forget to use Memantine Merz<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>If you find that you have forgotten to take your&nbsp;dose of&nbsp;Memantine Merz, wait and take your next&nbsp;dose&nbsp;at the usual time.<\/li><li>Do not take a double&nbsp;dose&nbsp;to make up for a forgotten&nbsp;dose&nbsp;.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Possible side effects<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Like all medicines, this medicine can cause\u00a0side effects, although not everybody gets them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In general, the&nbsp;side effects&nbsp;observed are mild to moderate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Headache, drowsiness, constipation, elevated liver function tests, dizziness, balance disorders, shortness of breath, high\u00a0blood pressure,\u00a0and drug hypersensitivity<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Uncommon (&nbsp;<\/em><em>may affect up to 1 in 100 people)&nbsp;<\/em><em>):<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Fatigue, fungal infections, confusion, hallucinations, vomiting, gait disorders,\u00a0heart failure,\u00a0and blood clots in veins<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Very rare (&nbsp;<\/em><em>may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people&nbsp;<\/em><em>):<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Cramps<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>No known frequency (frequency can not be calculated from the available data):<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Pancreatitis, hepatitis,\u00a0and\u00a0psychotic reactions<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alzheimer&#8217;s disease\u00a0has been associated with depression, suicidal ideation, and\u00a0suicide.\u00a0These events have been reported in patients treated with Memantine Merz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to store Memantine Merz<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and blister after EXP.&nbsp;The expiration date is the last day of the specified month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>No special storage instructions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste.&nbsp;Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required.&nbsp;These measures will help to protect the environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contents of the pack and other information<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Content declaration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Content declaration<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The active substance is memantine hydrochloride.&nbsp;Each film-coated tablet contains 5\/10\/15\/20 mg memantine hydrochloride equivalent to 4.15 \/ 8.31 \/ 12.46 \/ 16.62 mg memantine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The other ingredients for Memantine Merz 5\/10\/15 and 20 mg film-coated tablets are microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium,\u00a0colloidal\u00a0anhydrous silica, magnesium stearate, all in the tablet core;\u00a0and hypromellose, maktrogol 400, titanium dioxide (E 171) and for Memantine Merz 10 mg film-coated tablets, in addition, yellow iron oxide (E172) and for Memantine Merz 15 mg and Memantine Merz 20 mg film-coated tablets yellow and red iron oxide (E 172) all in the tablet coating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What the medicine looks like and contents of the pack<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Memantine Merz 5 mg film-coated tablets are white to off-white, oblong, embossed 5 on one side, and embossed MEM on the other side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Memantine Merz 10 mg film-coated tablets are pale yellow to yellow, oval with a scoreline, marked \u201c1-0\u201d on one side and \u201cMM\u201d on the other.\u00a0The tablet can be divided into two equal parts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Memantine Merz 15 mg film-coated tablets are orange to gray-orange, oblong, embossed on one side, and embossed MEM on the other side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Memantine Merz 20 mg film-coated tablets are pale red to gray-red, oblong, embossed on one side, and embossed MEM on the other side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One pack for initiating treatment contains 28 tablets in 4 blisters with 7 tablets of Memantine Merz 5 mg, 7 tablets of Memantine Merz 10 mg, 7 tablets of Memantine Merz 15 mg, and 7 tablets of Memantine Merz 20 mg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Marketing Authorization Holder and Manufacturer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Marketing Authorisation Holder<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Merz Pharmaceuticals GmbH<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Eckenheimer Landstr.&nbsp;100<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>D-60318 Frankfurt \/ Main<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Germany<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Manufacturer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Merz Pharma GmbH + Co.&nbsp;KGaA<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Eckenheimer Landstr.&nbsp;100<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>D-60318 Frankfurt \/ Main<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Germany<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Memantine Merz contains the active substance memantine hydrochloride. Memantine Merz belongs to a group of medicines known as anti-dementia medicines. Memory loss in Alzheimer&#8217;s disease is due to a disturbance of message signals in the brain. The brain contains so-called NMDA receptors (N-methyl-D-aspartate) that are involved in the transmission of nerve signals that are important for learning and memory. Memantine Merz belongs to a group of medicines called NMDA receptor antagonists. Memantine Merz acts on these NMDA receptors by improving the transmission of nerve signals and memory<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"cybocfi_hide_featured_image":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2200,15580],"tags":[4842,4844,4845,17047,17051,17050,4843,17048,16804,17049],"class_list":["post-17557","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-medicines","category-m","tag-memantine-hydrochloride","tag-memantine-hydrochloride-side-effects","tag-memantine-hydrochloride-tablet","tag-memantine-merz","tag-memantine-merz-side-effects","tag-memantine-merz-tablet","tag-what-is-memantine-hydrochloride","tag-what-is-memantine-merz","tag-what-memantine-hydrochloride-is-used-for","tag-what-memantine-merz-is-used-for"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17557","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17557"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17557\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17602,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17557\/revisions\/17602"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17557"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17557"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17557"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}