Pricing
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Abixa is indicated for:
Pharmacology
Persistent activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the Central Nervous System by the excitatory amino acid glutamate has been thought to contribute to the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Memantine is believed to work as a low to moderate affinity, uncompetitive (open-channel) NMDA receptor antagonist. It binds preferentially to the NMDA receptor-operated cation channels.
Memantine is well absorbed after it is taken by mouth, and its pharmacokinetics stay linear across the therapeutic dose range. Most of it leaves the body unchanged in the urine, and its terminal elimination half-life is about 60-80 hours. After an oral dose, Memantine is highly absorbed and peak concentrations are reached in about 3-7 hours. Food has no effect on how well Memantine is absorbed. The mean volume of distribution of Memantine is 9-11 L/kg, and its plasma protein binding is low (45%).
Memantine is only partly metabolised in the liver. About 48% of the administered drug is excreted unchanged in the urine. The rest is converted mainly into three polar metabolites, which have minimal NMDA receptor antagonistic activity: the N-glucuronide conjugate, 6-hydroxy Memantine and 1-nitroso-deaminated Memantine. In total, 74% of the administered dose is excreted as the parent drug plus the N-glucuronide conjugate. The hepatic microsomal CYP-450 enzyme system does not play a significant role in the metabolism of Memantine.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
For adults and older patients, the recommended maintenance dose of Memantine is 20 mg every day. To lower the risk of side effects, this dose should be reached through gradual upward titration, increasing by 5 mg per week over three weeks, so that the maintenance dose of 20 mg per day is reached from the start of week 4, following this dosage guideline. In week 1, the dose everyday is 5 mg (1 tablet) in the morning and no dose at night. In week 2, the dose everyday is 5 mg (1 tablet) in the morning and 5 mg (1 tablet) at night. In week 3, the dose everyday is 10 mg (2 tablets) in the morning and 5 mg (1 tablet) at night. From week 4 onwards, the dose everyday is 10 mg (2 tablets) in the morning and 10 mg (2 tablets) at night.
If a dose is missed, simply wait and take the next dose at the usual time. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one.
In patients with moderate renal impairment, meaning a creatinine clearance of 30 to 49 ml per minute, the daily dose should be 10 mg, equivalent to 1 ml of solution or two downward strokes. If this is well tolerated after at least 7 days of treatment, the dose may be increased up to 20 mg per day according to the standard titration scheme described above. In patients with severe renal impairment, meaning a creatinine clearance of 5 to 29 ml per minute, the daily dose should be 10 mg, equivalent to 1 ml of solution or two downward strokes, per day.
In patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment, no dosage adjustment is needed. Memantine is not recommended for patients with severe hepatic impairment.
Memantine is not recommended for children under 18 years of age, as there is not enough data on its safety and efficacy in this age group.
Side Effects
Most people who take Dementa XR tolerate it well. Side effects reported in 2% or fewer of patients include hallucinations, confusion, dizziness, headache and tiredness. Less commonly, some people notice anxiety, increased muscle stiffness, vomiting, urinary tract infections or a heightened sex drive. If you have a history of epileptic seizures, be aware that Dementa XR may slightly raise the chance of having one, so it's worth discussing this with your doctor beforehand.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Caregivers should be told how the medicine is usually given (twice a day for doses above 5 mg) and how the dose is raised (at least one week between increases). Patients with kidney problems should have their kidney function checked regularly. Seizures: Dementa XR has not been formally studied in patients with a seizure disorder. In one clinical trial, seizures occurred in 0.2% of patients taking Dementa XR, compared with 0.5% of those taking placebo. Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis and Impairment of Fertility: Studies have not shown any risk of cancer, genetic damage, or reduced fertility with Dementa XR use. Operating Vehicles or Machinery: Dementa XR may noticeably slow reaction time, so driving or operating machinery may not be safe while taking it.
Contraindications
Memantine Hydrochloride should not be used by patients who are known to be hypersensitive to Memantine Hydrochloride or to any of the excipients present in the formulation.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Pregnancy Category B. That said, there haven't been adequate, well-controlled studies of Memantine in pregnant women, so it should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit is thought to outweigh the potential risk to the unborn baby. Whether Memantine passes into human breast milk isn't known, but since many drugs do, it should be used with caution in breastfeeding mothers.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place and keep it away from light. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children.
Drug Interactions
Common questions about Abixa 10 mg
What is Abixa 10 mg Tablet?
Abixa 10 mg Tablet is a medicine that contains Memantine Hydrochloride. It is made by Advanced Chemical Industries PLC. It belongs to the Drugs for Dementia group of medicines.
What is Abixa used for?
Abixa is used for: Alzheimer's Disease.
What are the side effects of Abixa?
Most people who take Dementa XR tolerate it well. Side effects reported in 2% or fewer of patients include hallucinations, confusion, dizziness, headache and tiredness.
Can I take Abixa during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Pregnancy Category B. That said, there haven't been adequate, well-controlled studies of Memantine in pregnant women, so it should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit is thought to outweigh the potential risk to the unborn baby. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
How should I store Abixa?
Store in a cool, dry place and keep it away from light. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children.
Can I take other medicines with Abixa?
Some medicines can interact with Memantine Hydrochloride, for example: Ketamine, Cimetidine, Nicotine, Phenytoin, Ranitidine, Amantadine Hydrochloride. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take.
Is there a cheaper medicine with the same ingredient?
Abixa is already among the lowest-priced brands of Memantine Hydrochloride at this strength.
Do I need a prescription for Abixa?
Abixa is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.