rimantadine

(ri MAN ta deen)
Flumadine

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

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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.

What is rimantadine?

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

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

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

Who should not take rimantadine?

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Before taking rimantadine, tell your doctor if you

have ever had an allergic reaction to rimantadine (Flumadine) or to amantadine (Symmetrel),

have epilepsy or any other seizure disorder,

have any type of kidney disease, or

have any type of liver disease.

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These conditions may require a lower dose or special monitoring during therapy with rimantadine.

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Rimantadine 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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It is not known whether rimantadine passes into breast milk. It is also 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 rimantadine?

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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.

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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 rimantadine 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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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.

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Store rimantadine 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 a rimantadine overdose are unknown. Symptoms like those of an overdose of a very similar medicine called amantadine (Symmetrel) may be expected to occur. These symptoms 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 rimantadine?

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

What are the possible side effects of rimantadine?

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Stop taking rimantadine and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

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

dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, or a headache;

insomnia;

nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, or abdominal pain;

dry mouth or constipation; or

nervousness or anxiety.

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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 rimantadine?

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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 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.

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Aspirin (ASA, Bayer Aspirin, Ecotrin, many others) and acetaminophen (Tylenol, Non-Aspirin Excedrin, many others) may decrease the level of rimantadine in your blood. Talk to your doctor before taking any product containing aspirin or acetaminophen.

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Cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB) may increase rimantadine levels and lead to toxic side effects. Do not take cimetidine without the approval of your doctor while taking rimantadine.

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Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with rimantadine. 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 rimantadine 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.