Namzaric is a once-daily capsule that combines memantine HCl extended-release and donepezil HCl in one pill. It treats moderate-to-severe dementia of the Alzheimer's type in patients already stable on donepezil 10 mg once daily.
It was approved by FDA on Dec. 24, 2014 for Actavis and Adamas, according to the BioSpace press release in the FDA approval notice. For caregivers, the practical change is simple: separate memantine and donepezil tablets become one evening capsule.
Medical information disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a physician or other qualified health professional about symptoms, medications, tests, or treatment decisions.
Table of Contents
- Who Is It For?
- How Do the Two Drugs Work Together?
- What Are the Doses?
- How Do You Take It?
- What Are Side Effects and Limits?
Who Is It For?
Namzaric is indicated for moderate-to-severe dementia of the Alzheimer's type in patients stabilized on donepezil 10 mg once daily. The U.S. National Library of Medicine DailyMed label states this eligibility rule in the current DailyMed label.
It is not a starter drug for donepezil. Patients already taking memantine 10 mg twice daily or 28 mg extended-release daily plus donepezil 10 mg daily can switch directly to Namzaric 28/10 mg each evening. The DailyMed label describes this one-to-one evening switch. The benefit is fewer pills to track and give.
How Do the Two Drugs Work Together?
Memantine is postulated to block overactive NMDA receptors for glutamate, which control cation-channel activation. Donepezil supports cholinergic function by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase. The NIH DailyMed label describes these complementary actions in the DailyMed drug information.
In plain terms, one part limits excess glutamate signaling and the other preserves acetylcholine signaling. Neither action is described as repairing memory circuits. Together they address symptoms through two different brain-chemical pathways.
What Are the Doses?
Namzaric comes in 7/10, 14/10, 21/10 and 28/10 mg memantine/donepezil strengths. Maintenance is 28/10 mg once daily in the evening. Titration rises in 7-mg memantine steps at minimum weekly intervals.
The DailyMed label sets this schedule for patients already stable on donepezil. Severe renal impairment lowers maintenance to 14/10 mg daily. Ask the prescriber before changing pace or strength.
How Do You Take It?
Capsules may be taken with or without food. Swallow the capsule whole, or open it and sprinkle the contents on applesauce without chewing. The DailyMed label gives these two options for people with swallowing difficulty.
Do not divide, chew or crush the capsule or its contents. Give the dose in the evening on a steady routine. If applesauce is used, eat it promptly after sprinkling.
What Are Side Effects and Limits?
Common memantine extended-release reactions include headache, diarrhea and dizziness. Common donepezil reactions include diarrhea, loss of appetite, vomiting, nausea and bruising. The drug is contraindicated with hypersensitivity to either drug, piperidine derivatives or excipients.
There is no evidence memantine prevents or slows Alzheimer neurodegeneration. Donepezil predictably causes stomach and bowel effects when initiated, so the DailyMed label calls for ulcer, cardiac-conduction and anesthesia monitoring. Report black stools, vomiting blood, fainting, very slow pulse or unusual bleeding right away.
