netFormulary

North East and North Cumbria
ICS Formulary

4 Central nervous system

04-11 Drugs for dementia

Only specialists in the care of patients with dementia (psychogeriatricians and certain neurologists) should initiate treatment.

Donepezil

First Choice

Galantamine

Formulary

Only approved for use in accordance with NICE guidance.
The oral solution is only approved for limited short-term use in the management of hospital patients who are unable to swallow tablets/ capsules. It is not for use in patients whose dementia is so severe that they can no longer swallow tablets.

Memantine

Formulary

Rivastigmine

Formulary

Only approved for use in accordance with NICE guidance.
Rivastigmine patches are approved for patients unable to tolerate treatment with oral rivastigmine due to nausea and vomiting, and for patients requiring treatment with an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor who are unable to take oral medication e.g. due to swallowing difficulties or ‘nil by mouth’ prior to surgery.

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