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What Is Memantine?

Memantine hydrochloride is a prescription N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist. Current immediate-release tablets contain 5 mg or 10 mg. They are indicated for treatment of moderate to severe dementia of the Alzheimer's type. Memantine manages symptoms but does not reverse or cure Alzheimer's disease.

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What Is Memantine?

Memantine hydrochloride is a prescription N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist. Current immediate-release tablets contain 5 mg or 10 mg. They are indicated for treatment of moderate to severe dementia of the Alzheimer's type. Memantine manages symptoms but does not reverse or cure Alzheimer's disease.

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How Does Memantine Work?

Memantine blocks N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors involved in glutamate signaling in the central nervous system. Excessive or prolonged activation of these receptors can contribute to neuronal dysfunction. Memantine regulates NMDA receptor activity while preserving some normal signaling needed for learning and memory.

Who Is Treated With Memantine?

Memantine immediate-release tablets are used in adults with moderate to severe dementia associated with Alzheimer's disease. They are not indicated for mild cognitive impairment or as a treatment that stops the underlying disease from progressing. Kidney function and medicines that affect urine acidity are reviewed before and during treatment.

How Is Memantine Dosed?

Immediate-release treatment begins at 5 mg by mouth once daily. The total daily dose increases by 5 mg at intervals of at least one week until reaching 10 mg twice daily, or 20 mg daily. Patients with severe renal impairment, defined by creatinine clearance of 5 to 29 mL per minute, have a recommended dose of 5 mg twice daily. Tablets can be taken with or without food.

What Serious Risks Are Linked to Memantine?

Common adverse reactions include dizziness, headache, confusion, and constipation. Conditions or medicines that increase urine pH can reduce memantine elimination and increase drug exposure. Patients with severe renal impairment require lower doses. Hypersensitivity to memantine or its ingredients is a contraindication, and seizures have been reported during treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Memantine

What condition does memantine treat?

Memantine treats moderate to severe dementia associated with Alzheimer's disease.

What is the recommended starting dose?

Immediate-release tablets usually start at 5 mg once daily.

What is the usual maintenance dose?

The recommended maintenance dose is 10 mg twice daily, reached through gradual weekly increases.

Does severe kidney impairment change memantine dosing?

Yes. The recommended dose is 5 mg twice daily when creatinine clearance is 5 to 29 mL per minute.

References

DailyMed - MEMANTINE HYDROCHLORIDE tablet, film coated. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=65c9e7bc-71f0-4113-8de1-4fcaa591735f. Date Accessed October 14, 2026.

Memantine. LiverTox. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547981/. Date Accessed October 14, 2026.

Memantine. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a604006.html. Date Accessed October 14, 2026.

Memantine. PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Memantine. Date Accessed October 14, 2026.

Memantine. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK500025/. Date Accessed October 14, 2026.