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Galantamine-CR

Massachusetts General Hospital · FDA-approved active Small molecule ✓ Verified May 2026

Galantamine-CR is a Cholinesterase inhibitor with nicotinic receptor allosteric modulator Small molecule drug developed by Massachusetts General Hospital. It is currently FDA-approved for Mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease, Cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's disease. Also known as: Razadyne-ER.

Galantamine is a cholinesterase inhibitor that increases acetylcholine levels in the brain by blocking its breakdown, and also acts as an allosteric modulator of nicotinic receptors.

Galantamine-CR is a medication that has been studied for its potential use in treating Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, and Bipolar Disorder. It is a controlled-release formulation of galantamine, a medication that works by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme involved in the breakdown of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter in the brain.

At a glance

Generic nameGalantamine-CR
Also known asRazadyne-ER
SponsorMassachusetts General Hospital
Drug classCholinesterase inhibitor with nicotinic receptor allosteric modulator
TargetAcetylcholinesterase; nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaNeurology
PhaseFDA-approved

Mechanism of action

By inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, galantamine elevates synaptic acetylcholine concentrations, which helps improve cognitive function in neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, galantamine enhances the function of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors through allosteric modulation, providing a dual mechanism of action. The CR (controlled-release) formulation extends drug exposure to allow once-daily dosing.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

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Frequently asked questions about Galantamine-CR

What is Galantamine-CR?

Galantamine-CR is a Cholinesterase inhibitor with nicotinic receptor allosteric modulator drug developed by Massachusetts General Hospital, indicated for Mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease, Cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's disease.

How does Galantamine-CR work?

Galantamine is a cholinesterase inhibitor that increases acetylcholine levels in the brain by blocking its breakdown, and also acts as an allosteric modulator of nicotinic receptors.

What is Galantamine-CR used for?

Galantamine-CR is indicated for Mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease, Cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Who makes Galantamine-CR?

Galantamine-CR is developed and marketed by Massachusetts General Hospital (see full Massachusetts General Hospital pipeline at /company/massachusetts-general-hospital).

Is Galantamine-CR also known as anything else?

Galantamine-CR is also known as Razadyne-ER.

What drug class is Galantamine-CR in?

Galantamine-CR belongs to the Cholinesterase inhibitor with nicotinic receptor allosteric modulator class. See all Cholinesterase inhibitor with nicotinic receptor allosteric modulator drugs at /class/cholinesterase-inhibitor-with-nicotinic-receptor-allosteric-modulator.

What development phase is Galantamine-CR in?

Galantamine-CR is FDA-approved (marketed).

What are the side effects of Galantamine-CR?

Common side effects of Galantamine-CR include Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Dizziness, Headache, Syncope.

What does Galantamine-CR target?

Galantamine-CR targets Acetylcholinesterase; nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and is a Cholinesterase inhibitor with nicotinic receptor allosteric modulator.

Related

Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing