Amantadine – Oral, Symmetrel
Medication Uses, How To Use, Side Effects, Precautions, Drug Interactions, Overdose, Notes, Missed Dose, Storage USES: Amantadine is used to prevent or treat influenza A. This medication may help make your flu symptoms less severe and shorten recovery time. Taking amantadine may also help prevent flu if you’ve been exposed to it. The medication works by stopping the growth of the flu virus. It is not a vaccine. Get a flu shot every year to increase your chances of not getting the flu. Based on recommendations from the CDC, amantadine should not be used to treat or prevent influenza A because the virus is resistant to it. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Amantadine is also used to treat Parkinson’s disease and side effects caused by drugs, chemicals, or other medical conditions. It may improve range of motion and exercise ability by restoring natural brain chemicals. HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once or twice daily or as directed by your doctor. If you’re taking it twice a day and have trouble sleeping, take the second dose several hours before bedtime. If you’re taking the syrup, measure the dose carefully with a medication spoon/cup. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Do not exceed the prescribed dose. Take this medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night to maintain a constant level in your body. If taking it for a viral infection, start as soon as possible and continue until the full prescribed amount is finished. Stopping too early may result in a relapse. For Parkinson’s disease, the effects may not be noticeable for several weeks. Do not suddenly stop taking the medication, as symptoms or side effects may worsen. Your doctor may gradually reduce your dose. Tell your doctor if the medication stops working well.
SIDE EFFECTS: Common side effects include blurred vision, nausea, stomach upset, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, dry mouth, constipation, nervousness, trouble sleeping. Notify your doctor or pharmacist if these persist or worsen. Serious side effects are rare but may include purplish-red blotchy spots on the skin, swelling of the ankles/feet, difficulty urinating, vision changes, shortness of breath, mental/mood changes (such as depression, suicidal thoughts/attempts, compulsive behavior including urge to gamble), muscle stiffness, uncontrolled muscle movements, unusual sweating, fast heartbeat, unexplained fever, seizures. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience a serious allergic reaction, including rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
QUESTION
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Your healthcare professionals 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 flu vaccine inhaled through the nose. Inform your doctor or pharmacist about all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you use. This document does not contain all possible interactions. Keep a list of all your medications and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include fast/irregular heartbeats, severe drowsiness, shortness of breath, change in urine amount, mental/mood changes, seizures. NOTES: Do not share this product with others. People with Parkinson’s disease may have an increased risk for developing skin cancer. Promptly inform your doctor if you notice changes in skin moles or other unusual skin changes. Ask your doctor if you should have regular skin exams. MISSED DOSE: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it’s near the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual schedule. Do not double the dose. STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Properly discard when expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or waste disposal company for more details.
Report Problems to the FDA
Report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA through their MedWatch website or by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.
Conditions of Use: The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects. Consult a healthcare professional before using any drug, changing diet, or starting or discontinuing any course of treatment.
