Meta Information
ID:galanthamine
Name:
Schema Version:AIM-2.0
Interactions
Target id:
/class/anticholinergic-medications
Target name:
Anticholinergic Medications
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Anticholinergic drugs (e.g., for allergies, overactive bladder, or some antidepressants) block the action of acetylcholine, directly opposing the therapeutic effect of galanthamine, which works by increasing acetylcholine levels.
Actionable advice:
Avoid using anticholinergic medications as they will significantly reduce or cancel out the benefits of galanthamine.
Target id:
/class/cholinesterase-inhibitors
Target name:
Other Cholinesterase Inhibitors (e.g., Huperzine A, Donepezil)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Combining multiple cholinesterase inhibitors leads to an excessive increase in acetylcholine, significantly raising the risk of severe cholinergic side effects like nausea, vomiting, slowed heart rate, and muscle weakness.
Actionable advice:
Do not take galanthamine with other cholinesterase inhibitors, including the supplement Huperzine A.
Target id:
/class/beta-blockers
Target name:
Beta-Blockers
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Both galanthamine and beta-blockers can slow the heart rate (bradycardia). Using them together creates an additive effect, increasing the risk of severe bradycardia, fainting, or heart block.
Actionable advice:
Use this combination only under strict medical supervision with close heart rate monitoring.
Target id:
/intervention/digoxin
Target name:
Digoxin
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Both galanthamine and digoxin slow electrical conduction through the heart's AV node. Combining them significantly increases the risk of severe bradycardia and heart block.
Actionable advice:
This combination requires close medical monitoring, including heart rate and ECG.
Target id:
/procedure/general-anesthesia
Target name:
Surgery with General Anesthesia
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Galanthamine can prolong the muscle-relaxant effect of succinylcholine-type anesthetics, potentially leading to respiratory complications during and after surgery.
Actionable advice:
Inform your surgeon and anesthesiologist that you are taking galanthamine well before any scheduled procedure.
Target id:
/condition/renal-impairment
Target name:
Renal Impairment
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Galanthamine is cleared by the kidneys; impaired renal function causes the drug to accumulate in the body, increasing the risk of toxicity and severe side effects.
Actionable advice:
Avoid in severe renal impairment; dose reduction is required for mild-to-moderate impairment under medical supervision.
Target id:
/condition/hepatic-impairment
Target name:
Hepatic Impairment
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
The liver metabolizes galanthamine; severe liver disease prevents its breakdown, leading to dangerously high drug levels and increased risk of toxicity.
Actionable advice:
Avoid in severe hepatic impairment; dose reduction is required for moderate impairment under medical supervision.
Target id:
/condition/pregnancy
Target name:
Pregnancy
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
There is insufficient data on the safety of galanthamine during pregnancy, and it should be avoided due to potential risks to the fetus.
Actionable advice:
Do not use galanthamine if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Target id:
/condition/lactation
Target name:
Breastfeeding (Lactation)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
It is not known if galanthamine is excreted in human milk, but due to the potential for adverse effects in the nursing infant, it is not recommended.
Actionable advice:
Do not use galanthamine while breastfeeding.
Target id:
/dietary/meal
Target name:
Any Caloric Meal
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
requirement
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Taking galanthamine with food slows its absorption, which helps to minimize common gastrointestinal side effects like nausea and vomiting.
Actionable advice:
Always take galanthamine with a meal, such as with breakfast and dinner for twice-daily dosing.
Target id:
/class/cyp3a4-strong-inhibitors
Target name:
Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors (e.g., Ketoconazole, Ritonavir, Grapefruit)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
These drugs block one of the main enzymes (CYP3A4) that breaks down galanthamine, leading to higher blood levels and an increased risk of side effects.
Actionable advice:
Avoid this combination or use a significantly reduced dose of galanthamine under medical guidance.
Target id:
/class/cyp2d6-inhibitors
Target name:
CYP2D6 Inhibitors (e.g., Bupropion, Fluoxetine, Paroxetine)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
These drugs block the primary enzyme (CYP2D6) responsible for metabolizing galanthamine, which can significantly increase its concentration and the risk of adverse effects.
Actionable advice:
Avoid this combination or use a reduced dose of galanthamine under medical supervision.
Target id:
/class/broad-spectrum-inducers
Target name:
Metabolic Enzyme Inducers (e.g., Rifampin, Carbamazepine)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
These drugs speed up the CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 enzymes that metabolize galanthamine, leading to lower blood levels and reduced effectiveness.
Actionable advice:
Avoid this combination as it may render galanthamine ineffective; a dose increase may be needed if unavoidable.
Target id:
/intervention/saint-johns-wort
Target name:
St. John's Wort
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
St. John's Wort induces metabolic enzymes (primarily CYP3A4), which can accelerate the breakdown of galanthamine, reducing its blood levels and effectiveness.
Actionable advice:
Avoid taking St. John's Wort with galanthamine as it may render the dose ineffective.
Target id:
/condition/asthma-copd
Target name:
Asthma and COPD
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
As a cholinergic agent, galanthamine can cause bronchoconstriction (narrowing of the airways), which may worsen symptoms of asthma or COPD.
Actionable advice:
Use with caution and monitor for any worsening of respiratory symptoms.
Target id:
/condition/peptic-ulcer-disease
Target name:
Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Galanthamine increases gastric acid secretion, which can aggravate existing peptic ulcers or increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, especially when taken with NSAIDs.
Actionable advice:
Use with caution if you have a history of ulcers or are taking NSAIDs.
Target id:
/condition/seizure-disorder
Target name:
Seizure Disorder / Epilepsy
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Cholinergic agents like galanthamine are believed to have the potential to lower the seizure threshold, possibly increasing the risk of seizures.
Actionable advice:
Use with caution in individuals with a history of seizures.
Target id:
/condition/urinary-retention
Target name:
Urinary Retention / BPH
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Cholinergic stimulation can increase bladder muscle contraction while potentially constricting the bladder outlet, which may worsen symptoms of urinary obstruction.
Actionable advice:
Use with caution in individuals with a history of bladder outflow obstruction.
Target id:
/class/cns-depressants
Target name:
CNS Depressants (e.g., Alcohol, Benzodiazepines)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Combining galanthamine with CNS depressants like alcohol can lead to additive effects of dizziness, drowsiness, and impaired coordination.
Actionable advice:
Avoid or limit alcohol consumption and use caution when taking with other sedating medications.
Target id:
/class/choline-precursors
Target name:
Choline Precursors (e.g., Alpha-GPC, Citicoline)
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Choline precursors provide the raw material for acetylcholine synthesis, potentially enhancing the effects of galanthamine, which prevents acetylcholine breakdown.
Actionable advice:
May be taken together for enhanced cognitive effects, but start with low doses to monitor for excess cholinergic side effects.
Target id:
/class/qt-prolonging-agents
Target name:
QT-Prolonging Medications
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Galanthamine's vagotonic effects on the heart (slowing the heart rate) could theoretically increase the risk of arrhythmias when combined with other drugs known to prolong the QT interval.
Actionable advice:
Use with caution and under medical supervision when combined with other QT-prolonging drugs.