ClassIndications
- Moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease
Administration/Absorption- Well absorbed orally with a bioavailability of approximately 100%
- Peak
plasma concentrations are reached in 3-7 hours
Dosage
DistributionMechanism- Low-affinity voltage-dependent uncompetitive antagonist at glutamatergic NMDA receptors
- Binds to the NMDA receptor with a higher affinity than Mg2+ ions
- Therefore able to inhibit the prolonged influx of Ca2+
ions, which forms the basis of neuronal excitotoxicity
- The low
affinity and rapid off-rate kinetics of memantine at the level of the
NMDA receptor-channel, however, preserves the physiological function of
the receptor
- Secondary effects of unknown clinical significance:
Excretion- Excreted largely unchanged
- About 20% is metabolized to
1-amino-3-hydroxymethyl-5-methyl-adamantane and
3-amino-1-hydroxy-5,7-dimethyl-adamantane.
- Half-life 60-100 hrs
Side effects- Confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, insomnia, agitation, and/or hallucinations
Interactions
Contraindications
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