Rimantadine (By mouth)
ri-MAN-ta-deen
Treats or prevents infections caused by the flu (influenza A).
Drug classes
Antiviral (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Rimantadine is used to prevent or treat certain influenza (flu) infections (type A) in adults (17 years of age and older). It is also used to prevent flu infection (type A) in children (1 to 16 years of age). It may be given alone or along with flu shots.
Rimantadine is an antiviral. It will not work for colds, other types of flu, or other virus infections.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Tablet, Liquid
Your doctor will tell you how much to take and how often.
If you are taking this medicine to treat flu symptoms, you should take rimantadine as soon as possible after the flu symptoms begin (within 48 hours). Keep taking it for as long as your doctor has ordered.
You may take your medicine with food or milk to avoid stomach upset.
Measure the oral liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup.
If a dose is missed:
Take your medicine as soon as you remember that you have missed a dose.
If it is nearly time for your next dose, wait until then to take your medicine and skip the missed dose.
You should not use two doses at the same time.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
Store at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze the oral liquid form.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.
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 also taking cimetidine (Tagamet®), acetaminophen (Tylenol®), or aspirin.
When Not To Use
You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to rimantadine or amantadine (Symmetrel®).
Warnings
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor before taking this medicine.
Check with your doctor before taking if you have a seizure disorder (such as epilepsy), liver disease, or kidney disease.
This medicine may make you dizzy. Be careful when driving or using machinery.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Trouble breathing
Fast or pounding heartbeat
Swelling in feet or lower legs
Yellowing of skin or eyes
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Nervousness
Dizziness
Trouble sleeping
Tiredness
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
Flumadine, Rimantalist
There may be other brand names for this medicine.