Rimantadine - Prevention and Treatment of Influenza Infections : Fine Generics

What Is It Used For?
Rimantadine is commonly used for the prevention or treatment of infections with influenza A virus. It is very helpful for immune suppressed patients and nursing home residents. It should not be used as a substitute for vaccination. Rimantadine also is used for control of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

How Is It Used?
Take rimantadine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. Each dose of the medication should be taken with a full glass of water. Rimantadine comes as a tablet and a liquid to take by mouth. It usually is taken once or twice a day for 2-12 weeks. Take all of the rimantadine that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.

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?
The chances of side effect are very rare with Rimantadine. It can cause 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 30 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?
Avoid rimantadine while driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Rimantadine may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.Consult with your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

What About Interactions With Other Drugs?
There are no known, clinically important drug interactions with but it can be risky if taken with drugs that stimulate your central nervous system, such as caffeine, diet pills, and decongestants, may increase the side effects from rimantadine. Do not take any prescription or over-the-counter medicines for weight loss, for colds, for allergies, or to help you stay awake without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist. Aspirin (ASA, Bayer Aspirin, Ecotrin, many others) and acetaminophen (Tylenol, Non-Aspirin Excedrin, many others) may decrease the level of rimantadine in your blood. Do consult your doctor before taking any product containing aspirin or acetaminophen.

What If I Miss A Dose?
If you miss a dose of Rimantadine, 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 Rimantadinel at room temperature and it keep 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 Rimantadine 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.