Uses

Zunveyl (benzgalantamine) is commonly used to treat mild to moderate dementia related to Alzheimer’s disease.

Zunveyl may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does Zunveyl work (mechanism of action)?

People with Alzheimer’s disease typically have a decrease in the amount of acetylcholine in their brain. Acetylcholine is a natural chemical in the brain that helps carry messages between brain cells. When there is less acetylcholine, it leads to problems in memory and thinking. Zunveyl may help manage symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease by preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine, allowing more acetylcholine to build up in the brain.

How is Zunveyl supplied (dosage forms)?

Zunveyl is available in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.

  • 5 mg delayed-release oral tablets
  • 10 mg delayed-release oral tablets
  • 15 mg delayed-release oral tablets

How should I store Zunveyl?

Zunveyl should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Zunveyl?

The most common side effects of Zunveyl are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Decreased appetite

There may be other side effects of Zunveyl that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Zunveyl?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Zunveyl are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Zunveyl may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Zunveyl and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Severe Skin Reactions. Zunveyl can cause severe skin reactions called Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) that can lead to death if not treated. If you develop a rash, stop Zunveyl and call your healthcare provider right away. Get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of SJS or AGEP.

  • Painful red or purple skin that looks burned and peels off
  • Flat red rash or blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitals
  • Red, painful, watery eyes

Heart Rhythm Changes. Zunveyl may cause heart rhythm problems that can lead to an irregular heartbeat and fainting. In rare cases, this may cause the heart to suddenly stop beating (cardiac arrest). Some people have a higher risk of this, including people with existing heart disease or who take other medicines that affect the heart. Get emergency help if you experience any of the following signs of heart rhythm changes.

  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or fainting
  • Changes in your heart rate or rhythm, such as a fast, slow, pounding or skipping heartbeat

Inability to Empty Bladder (Urinary Retention). Zunveyl might make it harder to empty your bladder. Call your healthcare provider right away if you are having trouble peeing or cannot empty your bladder.

Seizures. Some people who have taken Zunveyl have reported having seizures. There are many different types of seizures and some of them are not easy to recognize. Stop taking Zunveyl and call your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following signs that a seizure is happening or could happen.

  • Muscle twitching, jerking, spasms, tremors, or other uncontrolled movements
  • Stiffening of your arms and legs
  • Feeling anxious, nervous, confused, or a sense of dread
  • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • Falling or losing consciousness

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Zunveyl?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Zunveyl.

  • Zunveyl
  • Benzgalantamine
  • Galantamine
  • Razadyne
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Zunveyl.

Liver Problems. Zunveyl should not be taken if your liver is not working as well as it should be. If there is a concern about the health of your liver, your healthcare provider may do tests to determine if it is working well enough to take this medicine.

Kidney Problems. Zunveyl should not be taken if your kidneys are not working as well as they should be. If there is a concern about the health of your kidneys, your healthcare provider may do tests to determine if they are working well enough to take this medicine.

What should I know about Zunveyl before using it?

Do not take Zunveyl unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share Zunveyl with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Zunveyl out of the reach of children.

It is important for people who are taking Zunveyl to drink plenty of fluids.

Do not chew, cut, or crush Zunveyl, it should be swallowed whole.

Zunveyl can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how Zunveyl affects you.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Zunveyl?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are taking. This will help them determine if Zunveyl is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Zunveyl may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Zunveyl, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are taking. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Zunveyl could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Zunveyl passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take Zunveyl while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Zunveyl?

For more information about Zunveyl, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at zunveyl.com.

Interactions

Does Zunveyl interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Zunveyl and foods or drinks.

Zunveyl should not be taken with alcohol. The risk of dizziness may also be increased if you drink alcohol while taking Zunveyl.

Does Zunveyl interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are taking.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are taking any of the following before taking Zunveyl.

  • A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and others, which is contained in many prescription and OTC products for pain, swelling, and fever
  • An anticholinergic medicine, which includes antihistamines and medicines commonly used for overactive bladder, Parkinson’s disease, or stomach problems
  • Anesthesia given to you by your healthcare provider during surgery, medical procedures, or dental procedures
  • A type of medicine called a cholinergic, which includes bethanechol (which may be used for urinary retention), and certain other medicines commonly used for dry mouth, dry eyes, and glaucoma

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Zunveyl. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does Zunveyl (benzgalantamine) interact with other drugs you are taking?
Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Zunveyl?

If you or someone else has taken too much Zunveyl, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Zunveyl?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

If you miss more than 3 days of Zunveyl, talk to your healthcare provider for instructions before starting again.

Next