Contine Tablet 10mg Tablets

Memantine is used to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, which affects memory, thinking and behaviour. It belongs to a group called NMDA receptor antagonists.

It may help manage symptoms but does not cure the disease.

Take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you, at about the same time each day. Your doctor will usually start with a low dose and raise it slowly.

• You can take it with or without food.
• Swallow extended-release capsules whole, or open them and sprinkle onto a spoonful of apple sauce and swallow straight away.
• Give the liquid slowly into the side of the mouth with the oral syringe; do not mix it with other drinks.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless the next dose is nearly due; then skip it. Never take two doses at once.
• If several days of doses are missed, ask your doctor before restarting.
• Do not stop taking it without talking to your doctor.

Common side effects include:

• dizziness, headache, sleepiness
• confusion, agitation or low mood
• constipation, diarrhoea, feeling or being sick
• back pain, cough, weight gain

Get medical help straight away if you have:

• shortness of breath
• hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there)

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• have had seizures
• have problems passing urine or bladder problems
• have kidney or liver disease
• take cough medicines with dextromethorphan, or sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) remedies
• are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding
• are having surgery or dental treatment

Keep it in the original, tightly closed container at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of the reach of children and pets.

Carers: help the person take each dose correctly and watch for new confusion, agitation or breathing problems.

Alcohol: can make side effects worse; ask the doctor about drinking.

Driving: it can cause dizziness and sleepiness. Ask the doctor whether driving is safe.