UK Clinical Pharmacy Association

Memantine

Issues for surgery

Deterioration in cognitive function if omitted.

Advice in the perioperative period

Elective and emergency surgery 

Continue.

Interactions with common anaesthetic agents

Esketamine and ketamine

Concurrent use of memantine and esketamine/ketamine should be avoided. Both medicines are N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonists and potentially concurrent use could increase the frequency and severity of central nervous system adverse drug reactions including psychosis.

Interactions with other common medicines used in the perioperative period

None.

Further information

None relevant.

References

Baxter K, Preston CL (eds), Stockley’s Drug Interactions (online) London: Pharmaceutical Press. http://www.medicinescomplete.com [Accessed on 10th May 2019]

Joint Formulary Committee. British National Formulary (online) London: BMJ Group and Pharmaceutical Press. http://www.medicinescomplete.com [Accessed on 10th May 2019]

Summary of Product Characteristics – Ebixa® (memantine). Lundbeck limited. Accessed via www.medicines.org.uk 10/05/2019 [date of revision of the text October 2016]