Rimantadine

Generic name: rimantadine
Brand name: Flumadine
Dosage form: oral tablet (100 mg)
Drug class: Adamantane antivirals

Medically reviewed by A Ras MD.

What is rimantadine used for?

Rimantadine is a prescription medicine that is used to treat or prevent influenza A.

Description

Rimantadine hydrochloride is a synthetic antiviral drug available as a 100 mg film-coated tablet. Each film-coated tablet contains 100 mg of rimantadine hydrochloride. In addition, each tablet contains the following inactive ingredients: hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, purified water, sodium starch glycolate and FD&C Yellow No. 6 Lake. Film coating material, Opadry (YS-1-19025-A), contains hypromellose and polyethylene glycol.

Rimantadine hydrochloride is a white to off-white crystalline powder which is freely soluble in water (50 mg/mL at 20°C). Chemically, rimantadine hydrochloride is alpha-methyltricyclo-[3.3.1.1/3.7]decane-1-methanamine hydrochloride, with a molecular formula of C12H21N•HCl, a molecular weight of 215.77 and the following structural formula:

Before taking rimantadine, tell your doctor:

If you are allergic to rimantadine; any part of this medicine; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
If you are breast-feeding. Do not breast-feed while you take rimantadine.

This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take rimantadine with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take rimantadine?

Tell all of your health care providers that you take rimantadine. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
This medicine is not to be taken in place of a flu shot. If your doctor told you to get the flu shot, you need to get it.
This medicine does not treat the common cold.
This medicine does not stop the spread of the flu to others.
Talk with your doctor before getting a flu vaccine after taking rimantadine. Talk with your doctor before you take rimantadine if you have just gotten a flu vaccine.
If you are 65 or older, use rimantadine with care. You could have more side effects.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using rimantadine while you are pregnant.

How is rimantadine best taken?

Use rimantadine as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

Keep taking rimantadine as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.
A liquid (suspension) can be made if you cannot swallow pills. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
If a liquid (suspension) is made, shake well before use.
Measure liquid doses carefully. Use the measuring device that comes with rimantadine. If there is none, ask the pharmacist for a device to measure rimantadine.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What are the side effects of rimantadine that I need to call my doctor about immediately?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Seizures.

What are some other side effects of rimantadine?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If overdose is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out rimantadine?

Store at room temperature in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
If a liquid (suspension) is made from the tablets, store at room temperature. Throw away any part not used after 14 days.
Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.