memantine (Namenda) non-formulary drug request (NFDR)

Introduction

• diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease according to DSM IV
• evaluation by a neurologist, geriatrician or geriatric psychiatrist experienced in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease
• moderate to severe dementia as defined by an MMSE =< 15
• perform at least 1 basic ADL with minor assistance
• nursing home residents whose admission was due to progression of dementia are not eligible Dosing:
  • 5 mg QD for 1 week, the 5 mg BID for 1 week, then 5 mg in AM & 10 mg in PM for 1 week, the 10 mg BID Maximum dose:
  • 10 mg QD for creatinine clearance 40-60 mL/min/1.73 mm3

More general terms

• non-formulary drug request (NFDR)