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Memantine (Namenda®)
Memantine is an uncompetitive antagonist of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor that blocks excessive glutamate signaling in the brain.
Memantine is an uncompetitive antagonist of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor that blocks excessive glutamate signaling in the brain. Used for Moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease.
At a glance
| Generic name | Memantine (Namenda®) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Namenda |
| Sponsor | Washington University School of Medicine |
| Drug class | NMDA receptor antagonist |
| Target | NMDA receptor |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Neurology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Memantine selectively blocks NMDA receptor channels in a use-dependent manner, reducing pathological calcium influx caused by chronic glutamate excitotoxicity while preserving normal synaptic transmission. This mechanism is thought to slow neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease by protecting neurons from glutamate-mediated damage without completely blocking physiological NMDA receptor function.
Approved indications
- Moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease
Common side effects
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Confusion
- Constipation
- Hypertension
Key clinical trials
- Satisfaction With Orodispersible vs Conventional Memantine in Moderate to Severe Alzheimer's Disease (PHASE4)
- Efficacy and Safety of DMB-I (INN: Latrepirdine) in Patients With Alzheimer Type Dementia (PHASE3)
- A Study of Memantine Hydrochloride (Namenda®) for Cognitive and Behavioral Impairment in Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorders (PHASE4)
- Study in Healthy Subjects to Compare Two Tablet Formulations of Memantine (Ebixa®) in Fasted and Fed Conditions (PHASE1)
- Memantine for Prevention of Cognitive Late Effects in Pediatric Patients Receiving Cranial Radiation Therapy for Localized Brain Tumors (PHASE2)
- SUVN-502 With Donepezil and Memantine for the Treatment of Moderate Alzheimer's Disease- Phase 2a Study (PHASE2)
- Namenda (Memantine) for Non-motor Symptoms in Parkinson's Disease (PHASE4)
- A Phase - IIa - IIb, Trial to Study the Safety, Tolerability and Efficacy of Memantine as a Long-term Treatment of SCD (PHASE2)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |