amantadine

(a MAN ta deen)
Symmetrel

What is the most important information I should know about amantadine?

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Do not stop taking amantadine suddenly if you are using it to treat Parkinson's disease. Doing so may cause your condition to suddenly become much worse.

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If you are taking amantadine to treat influenza A, take all of the medication 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.

What is amantadine?

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Amantadine is an antiviral medication. It blocks the actions of viruses in your body.

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Amantadine is used to treat and to prevent influenza A (a viral infection).

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Amantadine is also used to treat Parkinson's disease and "parkinson-like" symptoms such as stiffness and shaking that may be caused by the use of certain drugs. How amantadine works in these conditions is unknown.

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Amantadine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take amantadine?

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Before taking amantadine, tell your doctor if you have

epilepsy or any other seizure disorder;

congestive heart failure or an accumulation of fluid (swelling) in your arms, legs, hands, or feet;

any type of kidney disease;

any type of liver disease; or

a chronic rash such as eczema.

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You may need a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

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Amantadine is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

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Amantadine passes into breast milk. It is not known whether it will harm a nursing baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take amantadine?

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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.

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Take each dose with a full glass of water.

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To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid form of amantadine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular tablespoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

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Store amantadine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

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Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

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Seek emergency medical attention.

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Symptoms of an amantadine overdose include an increased heart rate; high blood pressure (blurred vision, severe headache); anxiety; difficulty breathing; insomnia; aggression; tremor; confusion; hallucinations; paranoia; coma; seizures; and even death.

What should I avoid while taking amantadine?

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Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Amantadine may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.

What are the possible side effects of amantadine?

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If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking amantadine and seek emergency medical attention:

an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

congestive heart failure (swelling in your lower legs or feet, difficulty breathing, fatigue);

severe stiffness or involuntary movements of your arms or legs; or

confusion after discontinuing amantadine or after a dose reduction.

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Other, less serious side effects are more likely to occur. Continue to take amantadine and talk to your doctor if you experience

dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, or a headache;

insomnia;

nausea or decreased appetite;

dry mouth or constipation; or

depression, anxiety, or confusion.

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Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect amantadine?

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Other drugs that stimulate your central nervous system, such as caffeine, diet pills, and decongestants, may increase the side effects from amantadine. 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.

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Tell your doctor if you are taking a diuretic (water pill). You may need special monitoring during your therapy.

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Phenothiazines used to treat emotional disorders, such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine) and thioridazine (Mellaril), may increase tremor during amantadine therapy. Tell your doctor about any medicines you are taking for emotional conditions.

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Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with amantadine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Where can I get more information?

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Your pharmacist has more information about amantadine written for health professionals that you may read.

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Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed

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Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.