RESEARCH MONOGRAPH · KDC-MN-045
Galantamine
Galantamine, sold as Razadyne, is a natural alkaloid (originally from snowdrops) that inhibits acetylcholinesterase and positively modulates nicotinic receptors. FDA-approved for Alzheimer disease. Not stocked by Kodiac. This monograph is provided for research and educational reference.
Intrigue 0–100 blends mechanism novelty, evidence strength, and translational potential. Kodiac editorial, not peer-reviewed.
Selective acetylcholinesterase inhibitor + alpha-7 nAChR PAM
A natural alkaloid from Galanthus and Narcissus species, FDA-approved as Razadyne for Alzheimer disease, distinguished by dual AChE inhibition and nicotinic receptor allosteric modulation.
Abstract
Galantamine (Razadyne, Reminyl; CAS 357-70-0; molecular formula C17H21NO3; molecular weight 287.36) is a tertiary amine alkaloid extracted originally from Galanthus nivalis (snowdrop) and Narcissus species, approved by the FDA in 2001 for mild-to-moderate Alzheimer disease and now produced synthetically. The compound is a selective reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (Ki approximately 360 nM) with substantially weaker AChE inhibition than donepezil, but with a distinctive secondary mechanism that distinguishes it from other AChE inhibitors used clinically: galantamine is a positive allosteric modulator (PAM) of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, particularly the alpha-7 and alpha-4-beta-2 subtypes most relevant to cognition. The dual mechanism produces a clinical profile considered slightly different from donepezil; some investigators report better effects on attention and behavioral symptoms. Pharmacokinetics: plasma half-life 7 hours; oral bioavailability essentially complete; metabolism is hepatic via CYP2D6 and CYP3A4. Reported research dose ranges in the literature span 16 to 24 mg. Schedule status: prescription-only but not federally scheduled.
Mechanism of action
Reversible AChE inhibitor (Ki ~360 nM) plus positive allosteric modulator of alpha-7 and alpha-4-beta-2 nicotinic receptors. Dual mechanism.
Reported research dose ranges
16 to 24 mg, as reported research dose ranges in the literature.
References
- Maelicke A, et al. Allosterically potentiating ligands of nicotinic receptors as a treatment strategy for Alzheimer's disease. Biol Psychiatry 2001.
- Loy C, Schneider L. Galantamine for Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2006.
Read the full monograph
The full reference document covers compound identification, discovery and developmental history, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, reported research dose ranges, sourcing and quality verification, reconstitution and handling, stack interaction considerations, and a curated reference list. Available as a research-use-only PDF download.
The full reference document is provided strictly for research use only. It reports research dose ranges from the published literature, not instructions for use in humans or animals.
FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. Not for medical, diagnostic, or therapeutic purposes. Not for human consumption. All information is provided for research and educational purposes only.