Side Effects of Flumadine (rimantadine)

Flumadine (rimantadine) is an antiviral drug used to treat and prevent influenza A in adults and children older than one year of age.

Flumadine is chemically related to amantadine (Symmetrel), but has fewer side effects on the nervous system. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that Flumadine should not be used to replace the annual influenza vaccination.

Prolonged and frequent use of Flumadine can reduce its effectiveness against the influenza A virus. It is most effective when given within 48 hours of the start of symptoms.

Common side effects of Flumadine include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• sleep disturbances
• lack of concentration
• dizziness
• loss of appetite
• swelling (edema)
• anxiety
• headaches
• weight loss

Serious side effects of Flumadine include:

• extreme drowsiness
• lightheadedness
• depression
• agitation
• aggression
• behavior changes
• hallucinations
• thoughts of hurting yourself
• seizures

Drug interactions of Flumadine include the influenza virus vaccine, which may reduce the effectiveness of the vaccine. Flumadine should not be given 48 hours prior to and 14 days after administering the influenza virus vaccine. Flumadine may also interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and cause sudden drops in blood pressure.

Flumadine is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding due to the lack of well-controlled studies and possible adverse effects on infants.

What are the side effects of Flumadine (rimantadine)?

The most common side effects of rimantadine are:

• nausea
• vomiting
• sleep disturbances
• lack of concentration
• dizziness
• loss of appetite

Other side effects associated with rimantadine are:

Flumadine (rimantadine) side effects list for healthcare professionals

In controlled clinical trials, the most frequently reported adverse events involved the gastrointestinal and nervous systems. Common adverse events at the recommended dose include insomnia, dizziness, headache, nervousness, and fatigue. Gastrointestinal adverse events include nausea, vomiting, anorexia, dry mouth, and abdominal pain. Less frequent adverse events include diarrhea, dyspepsia, impairment of concentration, ataxia, somnolence, agitation, depression, rash, and dyspnea. Additional adverse events reported at recommended doses include gait abnormality, euphoria, hyperkinesia, tremor, hallucination, confusion, convulsions, bronchospasm, cough, paleness, palpitation, hypertension, cerebrovascular disorder, cardiac failure, pedal edema, heart block, tachycardia, syncope, non-puerperal lactation, taste loss/change, and parosmia. Adverse events increased in studies using higher than recommended doses of Flumadine.

Adverse reactions to rimantadine and amantadine in a six-week prophylaxis study included insomnia, nervousness, impaired concentration, dizziness, and depression.

Geriatric Use

In controlled clinical trials with geriatric subjects, central nervous system and gastrointestinal adverse events were reported more frequently in those treated with rimantadine compared to those receiving placebo. Symptoms such as dizziness, headache, anxiety, asthenia, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain occurred more often in subjects treated with rimantadine.

It is recommended to use a lower dose of 100 mg daily in patients over 65 years of age.

What drugs interact with Flumadine (rimantadine)?

Flumadine can interact with acetaminophen and aspirin, resulting in reduced concentrations of rimantadine. Coadministration with cimetidine does not significantly affect the pharmacokinetics of rimantadine.

Concurrent use of Flumadine with live attenuated intranasal influenza vaccine has not been evaluated, and caution should be exercised to avoid potential interference between the products.

Summary

Flumadine is an antiviral drug used to treat and prevent influenza A in adults and children. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, sleep disturbances, lack of concentration, dizziness, loss of appetite, swelling, anxiety, headaches, and weight loss. It is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.