Memantine

Memantine

Drug monograph · NCLEX study reference
Trade names	Namenda
Therapeutic class	Anti-Alzheimer
Pharmacologic class	NMDA receptor antagonist
Onset / peak / duration	Effect over weeks; ER once daily.
Half-life / level	Half-life 60 to 80 hours; level not routine.
Routes	PO (oral)
High-alert (ISMP)	No
Black box warning	None
Antidote / reversal	None.
Pregnancy / lactation	Not typically used.

Nursing pharmacology study reference (NCLEX-style monograph). Numeric values are standard teaching ranges for study and must be verified against current manufacturer labeling before clinical use. This is educational content, not prescribing guidance.

Memantine (brand name Namenda) — Anti-Alzheimer; NMDA receptor antagonist.

Identification

• Therapeutic class: Anti-Alzheimer.
• Pharmacologic class: NMDA receptor antagonist.

Pharmacology

• Mechanism of action: Blocks excess glutamate at NMDA receptors to limit excitotoxicity.
• Onset / peak / duration: Effect over weeks; ER once daily.
• Half-life / therapeutic level: Half-life 60 to 80 hours; level not routine.

Clinical use

• Indications: Moderate to severe Alzheimer dementia, often with a cholinesterase inhibitor.
• Usual dose, route, frequency: Titrated PO; ER once daily.
• Maximum dose / adjustments: Reduce in severe renal impairment.

Safety

• Contraindications: Hypersensitivity.
• Black box warning: None.
• Interactions: Urinary alkalinizers raise levels, other NMDA antagonists.
• Pregnancy / lactation: Not typically used.
• High-alert: No.

Adverse effects

• Common side effects: Dizziness, headache, confusion, constipation.
• Serious effects to report: Worsening confusion, severe dizziness.
• Antidote / reversal: None.

Nursing process

• Assessment before administration: Renal function, cognitive baseline.
• Interventions during therapy: Titrate slowly.
• Monitor: Cognition, renal function.
• Evaluation / expected outcome: Slowed decline.

Patient teaching

• Patient teaching: Effects are gradual; can pair with donepezil.
• Notify provider if: Marked confusion, severe dizziness.
• Administration tips: With or without food.