Memantine Uses

Memantine is an NMDA receptor antagonist that is used to treat moderate to severe dementia associated with Alzheimer’s disease. This medication can improve thinking and slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, but it does not cure Alzheimer’s or prevent the loss of thinking abilities in the future.

There may be other uses of memantine—your pharmacist or doctor can give you further drug information.

Memantine Mechanism of Action

Memantine blocks an NMDA receptor subtype. This antagonist activity helps to slow abnormal central nervous system activity.

Memantine Doses

Memantine is available as 5 mg and 10 mg immediate-release tablets; 7 mg, 14 mg, 21 mg, and 28 mg extended-release capsules; and 2 mg/mL and 10 mg/5 mL oral solution.

The typical starting dose for memantine tablets and oral solution is 5 mg once a day. The dose is slowly increased to 20 mg once a day over a period of 4 weeks. The dose of memantine extended-release capsules is 7 mg once a day. The dose is slowly increased to memantine extended-release 28 mg once a day over a period of 4 weeks.