RimantadineOral - Drug Information and Side Effects on Drug3k.com


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Rimantadine images:

Overview

Photos

How To Use

Side Effects

Precautions

Missed Dose

Drug Interactions

Rimantadine

Uses
Rimantadine is used to prevent or treat a certain type of flu virus (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 rimantadine 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 the 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 rimantadine 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.
Notes

Do not share this product with others.This medication works best at reducing the length and severity of the flu when taken within 24 to 48 hours of the first appearance of flu symptoms.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from heat and light.
Do not store in the bathroom.
Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose may include mental/mood changes (e.g., agitation, hallucinations), irregular heartbeat, trouble breathing, change in amount of urine, unconscious, fever, or seizures.

How To Use

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor.
When this medication is taken to prevent flu, children younger than 10 should usually take it once a day, and children older than 10 and adults should take it twice a day.
When used to treat flu in adults, the medication is taken twice a day.
Do not increase your dose or take rimantadine more often than prescribed.Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.
In children, the dosage is also based on body weight.Begin taking rimantadine as soon as possible after being exposed to the flu or developing flu symptoms.
Take this medication for the full time prescribed.
Stopping this medication too soon may allow the virus to continue to grow, which can lead to severe flu infection.If you are taking the syrup, measure the dose carefully with a medication spoon/cup.Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Side Effects

Trouble sleeping, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dry mouth, weakness, dizziness, drowsiness, or nervousness 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 rare but very serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes (e.g., depression), 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 rimantadine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to amantadine; or if you have any other allergies.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease, seizures.This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution while engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery.
Limit alcoholic beverages.Kidney function declines as you grow older.
This medication is removed by the kidneys.
Therefore, elderly people may be at a greater risk for dizziness, headache, or weakness while using this drug.This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.Drugs similar to rimantadine may pass into breast milk.
Therefore, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended.
Consult 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 rimantadine.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use.

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.