amantadine hydrochloride

amantadine hydrochloride
Drug

amantadine hydrochlorideTable Of Contents:
Generic names (Common brand names)
Description
Uses
Proper use
Cautions
Side effects
Special considerations

Generic names (Common brand names):
amantadine hydrochloride (Symmetrel, Symadine)
* This list does not necessarily include all brand names.

Description:
Amantadine is an antiviral agent that appears to block the release of viral material from susceptible viruses into the host cell. This keeps the virus from multiplying in the host cell and allows the body's own defenses to destroy the virus.

Amantadine also affects the nervous system reducing the muscle rigidity, tremors and impaired movement that is associated with Parkinsonism.

Uses:
Amantadine is used to treat or prevent infections (certain strains of flu) due to influenza A. It is also used in the treatment of parkinsonism.

Proper use:
Take as instructed by the health care provider.
For use in the prevention or treatment of the flu. You should get a yearly flu shot, unless your health care provider has given you a reason not to. Take amantadine prior to exposure or as soon after as possible. If you already have the flu, continue to take the medication for the full course of therapy. Take for at least 2 days after all symptoms of the flu have disappeared. Space doses evenly apart throughout the 24-hour day.

Missed dose:
Take the missed dose as soon as remembered. If it is close to the time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the correct time. Do not double the dose.

Cautions:
INFORM YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER

about any past reactions to amantadine hydrochloride
if any of the following medical conditions are present
- eczema
- heart or blood vessel problems
- kidney disease
- mental or emotional problems
- seizure disorders
- swelling of feet or ankles

Side effects:
VERY SERIOUS
Seek immediate medical attention if any of these symptoms occur:

body as a whole
- difficulty urinating
- fainting
- swelling of lower legs or feet
- fever
respiratory
- shortness of breath
eyes, ears, nose, and throat
- blurred vision
- changes in vision
- irritated eyes
- swelling of the eyes
skin
- rash
nervous system
- confusion
- hallucination
- convulsions
- coordination difficulties
- depression
- slurred speech

MINOR
These effects need no attention unless they become annoying:

body as a whole
- headache
- irritability
eyes, ears, nose, and throat
- dry mouth ( chewing gum or sucking on ice or hard tack candy may help with this)
skin
- purple blotches especially on the legs (more prevalent in females) (these normally disappear within 3 months after the medication is discontinued)
gastrointestinal
nervous system
- concentration difficulties
- dizziness
- lightheadedness
- nervousness
- problems sleeping

Special considerations:
ALCOHOL

The sources used to create this product do not have advice on the use of alcohol with this medication.

ASTHMATICS

No information.

BREAST FEEDING

Amantadine does pass into the breast milk. The manufacturer recommends against use by women who are breast feeding. Notify your health care provider that you are breast feeding if you are advised to take this medication.

DIABETES MELLITUS

No information.

DISCONTINUING MEDICATION

If treating the flu, take for the full course of therapy unless otherwise directed by the health care provider.

DRIVING AND HAZARDOUS EQUIPMENT OPERATION

Because of some of the possible side effects associated with amantadine, do not drive while taking this medication until it has been determined how you react to the medication and whether your ability to drive safely is impaired.

ELDERLY

If taking this medication for parkinsonism, you may need to have the dosage altered after a few months, as it appears to become less effective. This dosage alteration should be done under the direction of the health care provider.

The elderly may have more problems with difficulty urinating, dizziness, confusion, blurred vision, constipation, and dry mouth than other age groups.

FOODS

No information.

INFANTS AND CHILDREN

This drug is not indicated for children under age one. The problems for children appear to be the same as that for other age groups. In particular, it may cause insomnia in children. Give the drug several hours before bedtime if this is a problem.

PREGNANCY

No information. Consult the health care provider for further guidance.

SEXUAL FUNCTION

No information.

SUN EXPOSURE

No information.

[Generic names (Common brand names)][Description][Uses][Proper use][Cautions][Side effects][Special considerations]

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