Amantadine
Generic name: amantadine
The brand name is Gocovri, Osmolex ER, Symmetrel
Class of drugs: Adamantane antivirals, Dopaminergic anti parkinsonism agents
What is the drug amantadine?
Amantadine is an antiviral medication that blocks the actions of the viruses that are present in your body.
Amantadine can be used for treating Parkinson’s disease as well as “Parkinson-like” symptoms such as stiffness, tremors or shaking, and repeated uncontrolled muscles movements that could be the result of the use of certain medications.
Amantadine can also be utilized to prevent or treat the onset of influenza A for children and adults. It is not always effective in all flu seasons due to the fact that certain strains of the virus could be intolerant to amantadine. It should not be used to replace getting a vaccination for the flu every year. The Centers for Disease Control recommends having a shot for flu each year to safeguard you every year from new strains of influenza.¶
Amantadine is available in capsules, tablets, or as an oral solution.
Warnings
Amantadine should not be used when you’ve been vaccinated against the flu in your nasal within the last 14 days.
Do not get the nasal flu vaccine when taking amantadine. It is recommended to wait a minimum of 48 hours following the last dose. You could get an influenza shot (injection) during the time you are taking amantadine.
Avoid driving and performing other activities or tasks that require your attention or have good eyesight until you are aware of the impact of amantadine on you.
To decrease the chances of becoming dizzy or fainting take a slow rise if you were lying or sitting down. Take care when climbing up and down the stairs.
It has been reported that heat stroke occurs when people take amantadine. Be cautious when it is hot and when you exercise.
If you suffer from kidney issues discuss it with your doctor. Your dosage may have to be adjusted based on how your kidneys function. There have been deaths in patients suffering from kidney problems whose dosage was too excessive that they could not function their kidneys.
Do not stop taking amantadine suddenly without contacting your doctor. You could be at a higher chance of experiencing side adverse effects. If you have to stop amantadine completely, you should slowly stop the medication as directed by your physician.
Before taking this medication, you must consult your physician
Amantadine should not be used in the event that you have an allergy to it, or:
- You have a severe kidney condition you have a severe kidney disease
- you have had a “live” nasal flu vaccine (FluMist) within the last 14 days.
To ensure that amantadine is suitable for you, ask your doctor if ever experienced:
- kidney disease;
- Drowsiness during the day (caused by an insomnia disorder or by taking certain medications);
- congestive heart failure;
- eczema;
- glaucoma;
- liver disease;
- a seizure;
- low blood pressure, fainting spells;
- addiction to drugs or alcohol or
- psychosis, mental illness, or suicidal or suicidal-like thoughts or behaviors.
People suffering from Parkinson’s disease could be at a greater risk of developing skin cancer (melanoma). Discuss with your physician about the risk and warning signs to look for on your skin.
It is unclear if amantadine can harm the unborn baby. Consult your physician if you are expecting or planning to be pregnant.
Do not breastfeed when taking this medication.
Amantadine has not been approved for the treatment of influenza in children under one year of age. Gocovri does not recommend for use by any person less than 18 years old.
How to take the amantadine?
Follow the exact dosage as recommended by your physician. Follow the directions on your prescription label, and review all medication manuals or instructions sheets. The doctor might modify your dose.
If you are taking amantadine for the treatment of influenza A take the medication between 24 and 48 hours after the symptoms start. Take this medication for the entire prescribed period of duration. The symptoms might improve after the infection has completely gone.
Amantadine is a medicine that can be taken without or with food. It is possible that you will need to take this medication only before bedtime. Follow your doctor’s prescriptions.
Take care when measuring liquid oral solution. Utilize the dosing syringe that comes with or a dose-measuring device (not the kitchen spoon).
Take the table or capsule intact, and don’t crush, chew or break it.
If you’re unable to take the capsule completely, break it and mix the medication into an applesauce spoonful. Take the medicine immediately without chewing. Don’t store the mixture for later use.
Contact your physician if symptoms don’t improve, or if you experience an illness that causes headache, fever or cough, skin rash, or other signs.
If you are taking amantadine to treat Parkinson’s signs: You should not abruptly stop taking amantadine or your condition could become more severe. The abrupt stop can also trigger uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Discuss with your doctor the best way to stop taking this medication.
Store at room temperature, far from heat, moisture, and light. Close the bottle when not being used.
What if I miss a dose?
Do not miss the missed dose, and take your next dose at your regular time. Don’t take two doses at once.
Consult your physician if you are missing several doses in one row.
How do I react if consume too much?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency treatment or contact for help at the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Amantadine overdose can cause death.
In the case of overdose, symptoms could be agitation, confusion behaviors changes, hallucinations extreme headaches or pounding of your ears, stiffness of muscles and balance issues, difficulty walking, breathing difficulties, and rapid heartbeats. It could also be a seizure.
What to avoid?
Do not get an influenza vaccine for the nose during the time you take amantadine, and at least for 48 hours following your most recent dosage. The vaccine may not perform as well in this period, and it may not be able to protect against influenza. It is possible to get a flu shot (injection) when you are taking amantadine.
Do not consume or consume alcohol. Dangerous side effects may be experienced.
Beware of operating machinery and driving until you are aware of how amantadine affects your health. Amantadine could affect your brain or reaction. People who are taking this medication have fallen asleep during routine activities during the day, such as working, speaking, eating or driving. It’s possible to fall asleep quickly even after being alert. Be cautious if you drive or engage in any activity that requires you to remain conscious.
Do not get up too quickly from a lying or sitting place, as you could be dizzy.
Do not take weight loss pills or caffeine tablets or any other stimulants (such as ADHD medication) with your doctor’s guidance. Combining a stimulant with amantadine may increase the risk of having unpleasant adverse consequences.
Amantadine side effects
Contact a medical professional immediately Get medical attention immediately if you show symptoms of an allergy reaction to amantadine, such as asthmatic hives; difficulty breathing, or swelling of your lips, face, and throat.
Contact your doctor immediately If you are suffering from:
- excessive drowsiness, falling to sleep suddenly, even though you feel alert
- a euphoric feeling, similar to you’re passing out;
- Shortness of breath (even with moderate exertion) swelling of your feet or hands;
- uncomfortable or difficult to urinate;
- Afraid, depression, anger changes in behavior, hallucinations thoughts of harming yourself
- a seizure; or
- serious nervous system response Very strenuous (rigid) muscles with high fever, sweating, and confusion, rapid or irregular heartbeats as well as shaking.
You might experience more sexual urges, unusual cravings for gambling, and other extreme cravings when you are taking this medication. Consult your physician when this happens.
Some side effects are more common in older people.
Common side effects associated with amantadine be:
- dizziness falls;
- dry mouth;
- swelling in your feet or legs;
- nausea, constipation; or
- sleep problems (insomnia).
This isn’t a complete list of possible side effects, and others could happen. Contact your doctor for advice regarding medical adverse effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other medications can have an effect on amantadine?
Amantadine in combination with other drugs that cause you to become drowsy could cause more drowsiness. Talk to your doctor prior to using opioid medications, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medication for seizures or anxiety.
Discuss with your doctor all other medicines you take including:
- glaucoma medication; or
- medicines that contain sodium bicarbonate
This list isn’t comprehensive. Other medications can be incompatible with amantadines, such as medications that are prescribed and available over the counter as well as vitamins and herbal products. The list of possible interactions with drugs is not exhaustive. are listed here.