GENERIC NAME: rimantadine (ri MAN ta deen)
Typical Brand Names: Rimantadine
What Is It Used For?
Rimantadine is commonly used for the prevention or treatment of
infections with influenza A virus. It is very helpful for immune
suppressed patients and nursing home residents. It should not
be used as a substitute for vaccination. Rimantadine also is used
for control of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
How Is It Used?
Take rimantadine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do
not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or
doctor to explain them to you. Each dose of the medication should
be taken with a full glass of water. Rimantadine comes as a tablet
and a liquid to take by mouth. It usually is taken once or twice
a day for 2-12 weeks. Take all of the rimantadine that has been
prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms
may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.
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?
The chances of side effect are very rare with Rimantadine. It
can cause 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
30 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?
Avoid rimantadine while driving, operating machinery, or performing
other hazardous activities. Rimantadine may cause dizziness. If
you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.Consult with
your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant,
or breastfeeding; Rimantadine is in the FDA pregnancy category
C. This means that it is not known whether it will harm an unborn
baby. do not take Rimantadine 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?
There are no known, clinically important drug interactions with
but it can be risky if taken with drugs that stimulate your 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.
What If I Miss A Dose?
If you miss a dose of Rimantadine, 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 Rimantadinel at room temperature and it keep 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 Rimantadine 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.
