GENERIC NAME: amantadine (a MAN ta
deen)
Typical Brand Names: Amantadine
What Is It Used For?
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 Is It Used?
Each dose of the medication should be taken 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 overdose unless and until 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.
Are There Possible Side Effects?
Amantadine can cause familiar adverse 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.
It can also lead to serious side effects like 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. Consult your health care professional immediately if you
face any such disorder.
Is It Safe?
Consult with your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become
pregnant, or breastfeeding; Amantadine is in the FDA pregnancy
category C. This means that it is not known whether it will harm
an unborn baby. 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.
What About Interactions With Other Drugs?
Avoid 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.
What If I Miss A Dose?
If you miss a dose of Amantadine, take it as soon as possible.
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose
and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses
at once.
How Should It Be Stored?
Store Amantadine at room temperature, away from excess heat and
moisture. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer
needed. Keep the medicine away from children.
Anything Else I Should Know?
Take amantadine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do
not understand the directions on your prescription bottle, ask
your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
NOTE: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist,
or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to
indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or
effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before
taking the product.
