Amantadine - Prevention and Treatment of Influenza Infections : Fine Generics

What Is It Used For?
Amantadine is used for the prevention or treatment of infections with influenza A virus, especially for individuals at high-risk such as immunosuppressed patients and nursing home residents. It should not be used as a substitute for vaccination. Amantadine also is used for control of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

How Is It Used?
Each dose of the medication should be taken with a full glass of water. Make sure that you take the correct amount of Amantadine. Take the liquid form of the medication special dose-measuring spoon or cup. For treatment of influenza, amantadine should be started within 24 to 48 hours after the onset of signs or symptoms and should be continued for 24 to 48 hours after the disappearance of signs or symptoms.

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?
Amantadine can cause familiar 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 20 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?
Consult with your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. This means that it is not known whether amantadine will harm an unborn baby. do not take Amantadine 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?
Avoid Amantadine if you take benzodiazepine class of anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., Valium, Ativan, Klonopin, Xanax, Ambien), the tricyclic class of antidepressants (e.g., Elavil, Tofranil, Norpramin), dicyclomine (Bentyl), certain antihistamines (Benadryl, Vistaril, Atarax, Tavist), opiate agonists (e.g., Dilaudid; Vicodin; Percocet; Codeine) and certain antihypertensive medications (e.g., Catapres, Inderal). Using Amantadine along with thse medications can cause dizziness, confusion, lightheadedness, fainting, or dizziness upon standing.

What If I Miss A Dose?
If you miss a dose of Amantadine, 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 Amantadine at room temperature, 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 amantadine 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.