Amantadine
Parkinson Disease, Dyskinesias ... show more
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DRUG STATUS
Approvals
US(FDA), UK(BNF)
Essential Medicine
NO
Teratogenicity
Unlisted
Pharmaceutical Class
Influenza A M2 Protein Inhibitor
Amantadine
Know More About This Medicine -
Click HereSummary
Amantadine is used to treat and prevent symptoms of Parkinson's disease such as shaking, stiffness, and difficulty moving. It can also control muscle spasms caused by certain medications. Additionally, it can treat or prevent the flu caused by the influenza A virus.
Amantadine works by increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain, which helps improve movement and control in conditions like Parkinson's disease. It also has antiviral properties, blocking the flu virus from spreading in the body.
Take Amantadine as prescribed by your doctor, either with or without food. The length of time to take Amantadine depends on the condition being treated. For the flu, take it for 1-2 days after your symptoms go away. For Parkinson's disease, it may stop working after a few months.
Amantadine can cause side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, or indigestion. It can also cause mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, agitation, aggression, hallucinations, paranoia, and psychosis.
Amantadine should not be taken if you are allergic to it. It can worsen mental health problems and seizures. It can also affect your ability to drive safely. If you have Parkinson's disease, suddenly stopping Amantadine can cause a serious flare-up of symptoms.
Indications and Purpose
What is Amantadine used for?
Amantadine hydrochloride helps treat and prevent symptoms like shaking, stiffness, and difficulty moving in people with Parkinson's disease. It can also help control muscle spasms caused by certain medications. Additionally, amantadine can treat or prevent the flu caused by influenza A virus, especially if taken early on.
How does Amantadine work?
Amantadine works by increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain, which helps improve movement and control in conditions like Parkinson's disease. It also has antiviral properties, blocking the flu virus from spreading in the body.
Is Amantadine effective?
Amantadine can help prevent and treat the flu caused by influenza A viruses. It can also be used to treat Parkinson's disease. However, it's not a substitute for the flu vaccine. The flu virus can change over time, which can make amantadine less effective. For the flu, it's best to take amantadine as soon as possible after symptoms start. There's not much evidence that amantadine can help with other respiratory illnesses.
How does one know if Amantadine is working?
Amantadine hydrochloride can help improve a patient's condition. If it doesn't help within a few days, or if it stops working after a few weeks, talk to your doctor. They may need to change your dose. For example, they might increase it to 300 mg each day or have you stop taking it for a while and then start again. Taking it with levodopa can also help or make the benefits more consistent.
Directions for Use
What is the usual dose of Amantadine?
For adults, the usual daily dose of Amantadine is 200 mg, which can be taken as two 100 mg doses. For children, the dose is calculated based on weight, typically 2 to 4 mg per pound per day, not exceeding 150 mg per day. Always follow your doctor's specific dosage instructions.
How do I take Amantadine?
Take amantadine as prescribed, either with or without food. Follow your doctor’s instructions for the correct dosage and timing. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible unless it's close to the next dose. Do not double the dose. Stay hydrated, as it may cause dry mouth.
For how long do I take Amantadine?
The length of time to take amantadine depends on the condition being treated. For the flu, you should take it for 1-2 days after your symptoms go away. For Parkinson's disease, it may stop working after a few months. If this happens, your doctor may increase your dose or have you stop taking it for a while. Other Parkinson's medications may also be needed.
How long does it take for Amantadine to start working?
Amantadine typically starts to work within a few days to a week, though it may take longer to see full effects, especially for conditions like Parkinson’s disease. For flu prevention or treatment, it may begin working within 24 to 48 hours. Individual response times can vary. Always follow your healthcare provider’s guidance on treatment progress.
How should I store Amantadine?
Store amantadine at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep it in a tightly closed container, out of reach of children. Avoid storing it in the bathroom, where humidity can affect the medication.
Warnings and Precautions
Who should avoid taking Amantadine?
Amantadine is a medication that should not be taken if you are allergic to it. If you take too much of it, it can be harmful to your heart, lungs, kidneys, or brain. If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately: - Mood changes - Swelling - Difficulty urinating - Shortness of breath If your condition does not improve after a few days or if it becomes worse after a few weeks, talk to your doctor. Do not take more of this medication than prescribed. If you notice an increase in gambling, sexual activity, or other intense urges, talk to your doctor. Your dose may need to be lowered or the medication may need to be stopped. Be careful if you take this medication with other medications that stimulate the central nervous system or block the effects of acetylcholine. If you have epilepsy, this medication may increase your risk of seizures. If you experience any side effects that affect your central nervous system or vision, do not drive or operate machinery. If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention.
Can I take Amantadine with other prescription drugs?
Be careful when taking amantadine with stimulants for the brain. Anticholinergic drugs can make the side effects of amantadine worse. Thioridazine can worsen tremors in older adults with Parkinson's disease, and triamterene/hydrochlorothiazide can raise amantadine levels in the blood. Quinine or quinidine can slow down how quickly amantadine is removed from the body. Don't take the live flu vaccine within 2 weeks before or 2 days after taking amantadine, unless a doctor says it's necessary.
Can I take Amantadine with vitamins or supplements?
**Interactions with Other Medicines:** * Taking Dyazide with amantadine can increase amantadine levels in the body. * Quinine or quinidine can reduce how quickly your body gets rid of amantadine, leading to higher levels. **Interactions with Vaccines:** * Avoid live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) around amantadine use, as it could reduce its effectiveness. * Trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine can be taken with amantadine at any time.
Can Amantadine be taken safely while pregnant?
Using Amantadine during pregnancy is only recommended if the benefits to the pregnant person outweigh the potential risks to the developing baby. There is limited data on the effects of Amantadine on human pregnancies. Some reported cases suggest a possible link between Amantadine use early in pregnancy (during weeks 6-7) and certain birth defects, such as heart and limb abnormalities. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Can Amantadine be taken safely while breastfeeding?
Amantadine, a medication used to treat Parkinson's disease and influenza, passes into breast milk. It's best to avoid breastfeeding while taking amantadine, as it could potentially harm the baby.
Is Amantadine safe for the elderly?
For people over 65, the dosage of amantadine hydrochloride may need to be lowered because the body doesn't get rid of it as well as it used to. It's important to watch for side effects, especially if you're taking other medications that can affect the brain or nervous system, like stimulants or anticholinergic agents. If you start to have unusual urges, like gambling or sexual thoughts, let your doctor know. They may need to lower your dose or stop the medication altogether.
Is it safe to exercise while taking Amantadine?
Amantadine does not specifically limit the ability to exercise. However, side effects like dizziness or fatigue may affect physical activity. If you experience these symptoms, consult your doctor for advice on managing them while maintaining an exercise routine.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Amantadine?
Drinking alcohol while taking Amantadine can increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness, confusion, and lightheadedness. It is advisable to avoid excessive alcohol consumption to prevent these potential interactions and maintain the effectiveness of the medication.
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