Rimantadine (Flumadine)

Rimantadine (Flumadine) is a drug used for the prevention and treatment of infections caused by influenza A virus. It blocks the actions of viruses in your body. Rimantadine is an antiviral medication; it inhibits the actions of viruses in body.

Rimantadine is chemically related to amantadine (Symmetrel), but rimantadine has fewer side effects on the nervous system than amantadine.

USES
Rimantadine (Flumadine) is primarily used for the prevention and treatment of influenza A virus. It is highly effective in individuals at high-risk such as immune suppressed patients and nursing home residents. Rimantadine may also be helpful for purposes other than those mentioned.

HOW TO TAKE
Take Rimantadine (Flumadine) according to your doctor's suggestion. Take each dose of the medicine with a full glass of water. The medication is available in tablet as well as liquid form. Make sure that you take the correct amount of Rimantadine. 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 rimantadine can rarely cause side effects like upset stomach, nervousness tiredness difficulty sleeping and concentrating lightheadedness. It can also lead to serious adverse effects such as skin rash yellowing of the skin or eyes mood changes mental confusion vision changes. Immediately seek medical help if you undergo any such problem.

PRECAUTIONS
Consult your doctor if you are allergic to rimantadine or any other drug. Rimantadine is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will harm an unborn baby therefore it is necessary to seek doctor's advice before taking medication if you are pregnant. Do not take the drug if you have epilepsy or any other seizure disorder.

DRUG INTERACTIONS
Do not take Rimantadine (Flumadine) with drugs that are used for the stimulation of central nervous system, such as caffeine, diet pills, and decongestants, may increase the side effects from rimantadine. Do not take any prescription or over-the-counter medicines for weight loss, for colds, for allergies, or to help you stay awake without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist. Aspirin (ASA, Bayer Aspirin, Ecotrin, many others) and acetaminophen (Tylenol, Non-Aspirin Excedrin, many others) may decrease the level of rimantadine in your blood. Do consult your doctor before taking any product containing aspirin or acetaminophen.

NOTES
If you have any questions about Rimantadine, 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
Rimantadine (Flumadine) can be stored at room temperature away from moisture and heat.