Amantadine (By mouth)
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Treats or prevents the flu (influenza type A). Also treats Parkinson‘s disease and parkinson-like symptoms caused by certain medicines.
Drug classes
Antiparkinsonian, Antiviral (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Amantadine is an antiviral medicine. It is used to prevent or treat certain influenza (flu) infections (type A). It may be given alone or along with flu shots. Amantadine will not work for colds, other types of flu, or other virus infections.
Amantadine is also an antidyskinetic medicine. It is used to treat Parkinson’s disease, which is sometimes called paralysis agitans or shaking palsy. It may be given alone or with other medicines for Parkinson’s disease. By improving muscle control and reducing stiffness, this medicine allows more normal movements of the body as the disease symptoms are reduced. Amantadine is also used to treat stiffness and shaking caused by certain medicines that are used to treat nervous, mental, and emotional conditions.
Amantadine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although this use is not included in product labeling, amantadine is used in certain patients with the following medical condition:
Unusual tiredness or weakness associated with multiple sclerosis
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Liquid Filled Capsule, Capsule, Liquid, Tablet
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
If you are using this medicine for the flu (influenza type A), keep using it for the full treatment time.
If a dose is missed:
Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking thioridazine (Mellaril®), triamterene/HCTZ (Dyazide®), sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (Bactrim®, Septra®), quinine or quinidine (Quinidex®, Quinaglute®), diet pills, or medicine to treat stomach disorders, urinary problems (incontinence), diarrhea, or mental disorders.
The nasal flu vaccine (live attenuated influenza vaccine, Flumist®) should not be given in the 2 weeks before or 48 hours after taking this medicine.
Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
When Not To Use
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to amantadine.
Warnings
Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, low blood pressure, swelling or water retention, epilepsy, or a history of seizures. Tell your doctor if you also have a history of eczema or neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS).
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
If you are using this medicine for Parkinson’s disease, it is important that your doctor check your skin regularly for signs of a skin cancer called melanoma. If you notice any unusual red, brown, or black spots on your skin, talk to your doctor right away.
Some people who have used this medicine had unusual changes in their behavior. Talk with your doctor right away if you start having problems with gambling or an increased interest in sex while using this medicine.
Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Change in how much or how often you urinate.
Chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
Fever, fast heartbeat, mood changes, uncontrolled muscle movements, or rapid breathing.
Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.
Problems with urination.
Purplish red, net-like, blotchy spots on the skin.
Problems with balance or walking.
Seizures.
Slow or irregular heartbeat.
Shortness of breath, cold sweats, and bluish-colored skin.
Swelling in the hands, ankles, or feet.
Unusual thoughts or behavior, thoughts of hurting yourself.
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Anxious, confused, or irritable feeling.
Blurred vision.
Nausea, vomiting, constipation, or loss of appetite.
Problems with sex.
Skin rash.
Sleepiness or unusual drowsiness.
Tiredness.
Trouble sleeping.
Unusual dreams.
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Symmetrel
There may be other brand names for this medicine.