AmantadineOral - Drug Information and Side Effects on Drug3k.com


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Amantadine images:

Overview

Photos

How To Use

Side Effects

Precautions

Missed Dose

Drug Interactions

Amantadine

Uses
Amantadine is used to prevent or treat a certain type of flu (influenza A). If you have been infected with the flu, this medication may help make your symptoms less severe and shorten the time it will take you to get better. Taking amantadine if you have been or will be exposed to the flu may help to prevent you from getting the flu. This medication is an antiviral that is believed to work by stopping growth of the flu virus. This medication is not a vaccine. To increase the chance that you will not get the flu, it is important to get a flu shot once a year at the beginning of every flu season, if possible.The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that amantadine should not be used for the treatment or prevention of influenza A during the 2006-07 flu season, because the current influenza A virus in the United States is resistant to this medication. For more details talk to your doctor or pharmacist.Amantadine is also used to treat Parkinson's disease, as well as side effects caused by drugs (e.g., drug-induced extrapyramidal symptoms), chemicals, other medical conditions. In these cases, this medication may help to improve your range of motion and ability to exercise. For the treatment of these conditions, amantadine is believed to work by restoring the balance of natural chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain.
Notes

Do not share this product with others.

Storage

Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted.
Do not store in the bathroom.
Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose may include fast/irregular heartbeats, severe drowsiness, shortness of breath, change in the amount of urine, mental/mood changes (e.g., anxiety, aggression, confusion, hallucinations), seizures.

How To Use

Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once or twice daily or as directed by your doctor.
If you are taking this medication twice a day and have trouble sleeping after taking it, take the second dose several hours before bedtime.If you are taking the syrup, measure the dose carefully with a medication spoon/cup.Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.
In children, the dosage is also based on body weight.
Do not take more than prescribed by your doctor.This medication works best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level.
Therefore, take this medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night.If you are taking amantadine for a viral infection, begin taking it as soon as possible.
Continue taking it until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days.
Stopping the medication too early may result in a relapse of the infection.In Parkinson's disease, the effects of the medication may not be noticed for several weeks.
Do not suddenly stop taking the medication because symptoms or side effects may worsen.
Your doctor may want to reduce your dose gradually.
This medication may not work as well after it has been taken for several months.
Tell your doctor if this medication stops working well.

Side Effects

Blurred vision, nausea, stomach upset, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, dry mouth, constipation, nervousness, or trouble sleeping may occur.
If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: purplish-red blotchy spots on the skin, swelling of the ankles/feet, difficulty urinating, vision changes.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: shortness of breath, mental/mood changes (sometimes severe, including depression, suicidal thoughts/attempts), muscle stiffness, uncontrolled muscle movements, unusual sweating, fast heartbeat, unexplained fever, seizures.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs.
Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Before taking amantadine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to rimantadine; or if you have any other allergies.This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions.
Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: a certain type of eye disease (untreated closed-angle glaucoma).Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: swelling of arms/legs (peripheral edema), heart problems (e.g., congestive heart failure), blood pressure problems (e.g., dizziness when standing), kidney disease, liver disease, mental/mood conditions (e.g., depression, psychosis), seizures, a certain skin condition (eczematoid dermatitis).This drug may make you drowsy or dizzy or cause blurred vision.
Use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness and clear vision, such as driving or using machinery.
Avoid alcoholic beverages.To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position.If you are taking this medication for Parkinson's disease, be careful not to overdo physical activity as your condition improves because this may increase your risk of falls.
Consult your doctor about a plan to gradually increase your physical activity as symptoms improve.Kidney function declines as you grow older.
This medication is removed by the kidneys.
therefore, elderly people may be at a greater risk for side effects while taking this drug.This medication should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
There are rare reports of heart defects in newborns whose mothers took amantadine during pregnancy.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.This drug passes into breast milk.
Therefore, breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug.
Consult with your doctor before breast-feeding.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.
If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
Do not double the dose to catch up.

Drug Interactions

Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it.
Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.This drug should not be used with the following medication because a very serious interaction may occur: flu vaccine inhaled through the nose.If you are currently using any of these medications listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting amantadine.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: anticholinergics (e.g., atropine), antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), memantine, certain psychiatric medicines (phenothiazines such as thioridazine), quinidine, quinine, stimulants (like caffeine and decongestants commonly found in cough-and-cold products), triamterene/hydrochlorothiazide, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole.

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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.