Amantadine

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Symadine, Symmetrel

Amantadine is a synthetic anti-viral drug that can inhibit the replication of viruses in cells. It blocks the actions of viruses in your body. It is also helpful in the treatment and prevention of influenza A.

Amantadine Amantadine is also used to treat Parkinson's disease and similar symptoms such stiffness and shaking that may be caused by the use of certain drugs. The working procedure of the medication is still unknown.

USES
Amantadine is used for the prevention or treatment of infections with influenza A virus, especially for individuals at high-risk such as immunosuppressed patients and nursing home residents. It should not be used as a substitute for vaccination. Amantadine also is used for control of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

HOW TO TAKE
Take each dose of the medicine with a full glass of water. Make sure that you take the correct amount of Amantadine. Take the liquid form of the medication special dose-measuring spoon or cup. For treatment of influenza, amantadine should be started within 24 to 48 hours after the onset of signs or symptoms and should be continued for 24 to 48 hours after the disappearance of signs or symptoms.

Do not take more medicine than prescribed unless advised to do so by your doctor or health care provider. Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medicines without talking with your doctor.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECT
The use of Amantadine can cause common side effects like dizziness, loss of coordination, inability to sleep, and nervousness, nausea, and vomiting. All of these side effects have been reported to occur in about 1 in 20 persons. Effects can appear after a few hours or several days of therapy.

Less common side effects include headache, irritability, nightmares, depression, confusion, drowsiness, and hallucinations, weakness, amnesia, slurred speech, diarrhea, constipation, and loss of appetite, and discolorations in the eye.

PRECAUTIONS
Before using Amantadine, tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding; do not take Amantadine if you suffer from epilepsy or any other seizure congestive heart failure or an accumulation of fluid (swelling) in your arms, legs, hands, or feet disorder or any kind of liver disease.

DRUG INTERACTIONS
Do not take Amantadine if you take benzodiazepine class of anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., Valium, Ativan, Klonopin, Xanax, Ambien), the tricyclic class of antidepressants (e.g., Elavil, Tofranil, Norpramin), dicyclomine (Bentyl), certain antihistamines (Benadryl, Vistaril, Atarax, Tavist), opiate agonists (e.g., Dilaudid; Vicodin; Percocet; Codeine) and certain antihypertensive medications (e.g., Catapres, Inderal). Using Amantadine along with thse medications can cause dizziness, confusion, lightheadedness, fainting, or dizziness upon standing.

NOTES
If you have any questions about Amantadine, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

MISSED DOSE
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

STORAGE
Amantadine can be stored at room temperature away from moisture and heat.