What is the drug amantadine used to treat?
Indications and Usage for Amantadine. Amantadine hydrochloride capsules, USP are indicated for the prophylaxis and treatment of signs and symptoms of infection caused by various strains of influenza A virus. Amantadine hydrochloride capsules, USP are also indicated in the treatment of parkinsonism and drug-induced extrapyramidal reactions.
When should amantadine hydrochloride prophylaxis be used during an influenza A outbreak?
Following vaccination during an influenza A outbreak, amantadine hydrochloride prophylaxis should be considered for the 2- to 4- week time period required to develop an antibody response.
Is amantadine hydrochloride effective in the treatment of Parkinson's disease?
In the treatment of Parkinson's disease, Amantadine Hydrochloride are less effective than levodopa, (-)-3- (3, 4-dihydroxyphenyl)-L-alanine and its efficacy in comparison with the anticholinergic antiparkinson drugs has not yet been established. Amantadine Hydrochloride are indicated in the treatment of drug-induced extrapyramidal reactions.
What is the USP for amantadine hydrochloride?
The dose of amantadine hydrochloride, USP may need reduction in patients with congestive heart failure, peripheral edema, orthostatic hypotension, or impaired renal function (see Dosage for Impaired Renal Function ). Adult: The adult daily dosage of amantadine hydrochloride is 200 mg; four teaspoonfuls of oral solution as a single daily dose.
What is amantadine used to treat?
Amantadine is an antidyskinetic medicine. It is used to treat Parkinson's disease (sometimes called "paralysis agitans" or "shaking palsy") and its symptoms, including dyskinesia (sudden uncontrolled movements). It may be given alone or in combination with other medicines (eg, levodopa) for Parkinson's disease.
Which drug is used as prophylaxis for influenza and also in treating Parkinson's disease?
Amantadine is an antiviral medication used to treat and prevent influenza infections. Amantadine was serendipitously found to reduce Parkinson's disease motor symptoms when it was given prophylactically in a nursing home.
What is the action of amantadine?
Continuing Education Activity Amantadine is an antiviral agent with mild antiparkinsonian activity. Amantadine was used in the early 2000s for Influenza A treatment.
How is amantadine used to treat Parkinson's disease?
Amantadine is a medication that is useful in treating some symptoms of Parkinson's disease. It may cause greater amounts of dopamine to be released in the brain. Amantadine can be used by itself to treat people in the early stages of Parkinson's disease.
How does amantadine work for influenza?
In the treatment of influenza, amantadine acts by blocking uncoating of the virus within the cell, thus preventing the release of viral RNA into the host cell. Amantadine can also block the assembly of influenza virus during viral replication.
Is amantadine used for the flu?
Amantadine is used to prevent or treat a certain type of flu (influenza A). If you have been infected with the flu, this medication may help make your symptoms less severe and shorten the time it will take you to get better.
Is amantadine used for dementia?
Amantadine use may delay the onset of dementia in PD patients and may attenuate its severity.
How does amantadine work in the brain?
Amantadine helps boost brain levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to arousal. And for patients who are in a vegetative state following a brain injury, the drug can help -- possibly by improving responsiveness during rehabilitation.
Is amantadine an anticholinergic drug?
Anticholinergics, such as amantadine have been used to treat extrapyramidal symptoms caused by antipsychotics for many years now.
When was amantadine approved for Parkinson's?
On August 24, 2017, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved amantadine (Gocovri; Adamas Pharmaceuticals), an oral, extended-release drug for the treatment of dyskinesia in patients with Parkinson's disease who receive levodopa-based therapy, with or without concomitant dopaminergic medications.
What is the best medication for Parkinson's disease?
Carbidopa-levodopa. Levodopa, the most effective Parkinson's disease medication, is a natural chemical that passes into your brain and is converted to dopamine. Levodopa is combined with carbidopa (Lodosyn), which protects levodopa from early conversion to dopamine outside your brain.
Is amantadine used for ADHD?
Amantadine is a medication used as an anti-viral medication since the 1960's, and continues to be used to help treat the flu. It has also been improve focus, impulse control, and even mood swings related to ADHD and disruptive mood dysregulation disorder.
Usual Adult Dose For Influenza Prophylaxis
Initial dose: 200 mg/day orally in 1 or 2 divided dosesComments:-Twice-daily dosing may minimize CNS side effects; dose reduction to 100 mg/day may...
Usual Adult Dose For Parkinson's Disease
Immediate-release:Initial dose: 100 mg orally twice a day-Dose may be increased to 400 mg/day in divided doses under close supervision; for patient...
Usual Adult Dose For Extrapyramidal Reaction
Immediate-release:Initial dose: 100 mg orally twice a day-Titration to 300 mg daily in divided doses may be beneficial in some patientsExtended-rel...
Usual Geriatric Dose For Influenza Prophylaxis
65 years or older: 100 mg orally per dayComments:-Due to antiviral resistance, adamantanes which include amantadine and rimantadine, are not recomm...
Usual Pediatric Dose For Influenza Prophylaxis
1 to 9 years: 4.4 to 8.8 mg/kg/ day orallyMaximum dose: 150 mg/day9 to 12 years: 100 mg orally twice a dayAdvisory Committee on Immunization Practi...
How much Parkinson's medication should I take?
For Patients with Serious Associated Medical Illness or receiving High Doses of Other Anti-Parkinson Drugs: -Initial dose: 100 mg orally once a day; may increase to 100 mg twice a day after 1 week as needed.
Is extended release amantadine interchangeable with other amantadine?
Comments: -The extended-release capsules are not indicated for the treatment of drug-induced extrapyramidal reactions; extended-release tablets are not interchangeable with other amantadine formulations; see administration advise for additional administration information.
Is adamantadine a geriatric medication?
Usual Geriatric Dose for Influenza A. -Due to antiviral resistance, adamantanes which include amantadine and rimantadine, are not recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for treating and preventing influenza virus illness in the United States.
Is rimantadine adamantanes?
Comments: -Due to antiviral resistance, adamantanes which include amantadine and rimantadine, are currently not recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for treating and preventing influenza virus illness in the United States .
What is the class of amantadine?
Amantadine belongs to the class of medicines known as dopaminergic antiparkinson agents. It may also be called an adamantane antiviral.
How does amantadine affect the excretion rate?
The excretion rate of amantadine can be influenced by the pH of the urine. Urinary pH can be altered by diet, drugs (eg, sodium bicarbonate, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors), and other medical conditions such as urinary tract infections or renal tubular acidosis. Alterations towards acidic urine rapidly increase the excretion of amantadine, whereas alterations towards an alkaline pH may lead to an accumulation of Gocovir and possibly an increase in side effects.
How long does amantadine take to develop antibodies?
Following vaccination during an influenza A outbreak, amantadine should be considered for the 2- to 4- week time period required to develop an antibody response.
How long does it take to reduce amantadine?
The dosage of amantadine needs to be reduced slowly in people who have been taking it for more than four weeks. The manufacturer recommends reducing the dosage by half for the final week of dosing.
Can amantadine be used to treat influenza A?
This is why the CDC no longer recommends amantadine to treat or prevent influenza A infection.
Does amantadine help with flu?
Individuals who take amantadine for flu are still likely to develop immune responses to natural disease or vaccination and may be protected when later exposed to antigenically related viruses because amantadine does not completely prevent the host immune response to influenza A infection.
Does amantadine help with dyskinesia?
Experts aren't sure exactly how amantadine works to treat dyskinesias or "off" episodes in people with PD but it is known that amantadine is a weak antagonist of the NMDA receptor and may have direct and indirect effects on dopamine neurons because it displays dopaminergic-like side effects such as hallucinations and dizziness. It also exhibits anticholinergic-like side effects such as dry mouth, urinary retention, and constipation, even though it has not been shown to possess any direct anticholinergic activity in animal studies.
Why is amantadine important?
Importance of taking amantadine as prescribed; importance of not taking more drug than prescribed. Importance of consulting clinician if there is no improvement after a few days or if drug appears less effective after a few weeks. Importance of seeking immediate medical attention for suspected overdose.
What is the CDC's recommendation for antivirals?
CDC issues recommendations concerning use of antivirals for prophylaxis of influenza, and these recommendations are updated as needed during each influenza season.
What drugs are resistant to H3N2?
Beginning in the 2005–2006 influenza season, most strains of influenza A (H3N2) circulating in the US were resistant to adamantanes (amantadine, rimantadine), and resistance to these drugs among seasonal influenza A (H3N2) isolates has remained high during subsequent influenza seasons. In addition, the influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 virus circulating ...
Can you discontinue amantadine abruptly?
Do not abruptly discontinue amantadine in patients with parkinsonian syndrome; some patients have developed parkinsonian crises after abrupt discontinuance of the drug. Abrupt discontinuance also may precipitate delirium, agitation, delusions, hallucinations, paranoid reaction, stupor, anxiety, depression, and slurred speech.
Does Amantadine help with influenza B?
Has been used for treatment of uncomplicated respiratory tract illness caused by susceptible influenza A virus in adults, adolescents, and children ≥1 year of age. Amantadine and rimantadine have little or no activity against influenza B; not used for treatment of influenza B infection. Beginning in the 2005–2006 influenza season, ...
When to use caution with CNS?
Risk of CNS effects and blurred vision; use caution when alertness and motor coordination is needed.
Can amantadine be used before or after the flu?
Although antivirals used for treatment or prevention of influenza, including amantadine, may be used concomitantly with or at any time before or after influenza virus vaccine inactivated, these antivirals may inhibit the vaccine virus contained in influenza vaccine live intranasal. (See Influenza Virus Vaccines under Interactions.)
Amantadine Description
Amantadine - Clinical Pharmacology
- Pharmacodynamics
Mechanism of Action Antiviral The mechanism by which Amantadine exerts its antiviral activity is not clearly understood. It appears to mainly prevent the release of infectious viral nucleic acid into the host cell by interfering with the function of the transmembrane domain of the viral M2 protei… - Pharmacokinetics
Amantadine hydrochloride is well absorbed orally. Maximum plasma concentrations are directly related to dose for doses up to 200 mg/day. Doses above 200 mg/day may result in a greater than proportional increase in maximum plasma concentrations. It is primarily excreted unchanged in …
Contraindications
- Amantadine Hydrochloride is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to Amantadine hydrochloride or to any of the other ingredients in Amantadine Hydrochloride Tablets and Capsules.
Warnings
- Deaths
Deaths have been reported from overdose with Amantadine hydrochloride. The lowest reported acute lethal dose was 1 gram. Acute toxicity may be attributable to the anticholinergic effects of Amantadine. Drug overdose has resulted in cardiac, respiratory, renal or central nervous system … - Suicide Attempts
Suicide attempts, some of which have been fatal, have been reported in patients treated with Amantadine hydrochloride, many of whom received short courses for influenza treatment or prophylaxis. The incidence of suicide attempts is not known and the pathophysiologic mechanis…
Precautions
- Amantadine hydrochloride should not be discontinued abruptly in patients with Parkinson's disease since a few patients have experienced a parkinsonian crisis, i.e., a sudden marked clinical deterioration, when this medication was suddenly stopped. The dose of anticholinergic drugs or of Amantadine hydrochloride should be reduced if atropine-like effects appear when these drug…
Adverse Reactions
- The adverse reactions reported most frequently at the recommended dose of Amantadine hydrochloride (5 to 10%) are: nausea, dizziness (lightheadedness), and insomnia. Less frequently (1 to 5%) reported adverse reactions are: depression, anxiety and irritability, hallucinations, confusion, anorexia, dry mouth, constipation, ataxia, livedo reticularis, peripheral edema, orthost…
Overdosage
- Deaths have been reported from overdose with Amantadine hydrochloride. The lowest reported acute lethal dose was 1 gram. Because some patients have attempted suicide by overdosing with Amantadine, prescriptions should be written for the smallest quantity consistent with good patient management. Acute toxicity may be attributable to the anticholinergic effects of Amantadine. Dr…
Amantadine Dosage and Administration
- The dose of Amantadine Hydrochloride may need reduction in patients with congestive heart failure, peripheral edema, orthostatic hypotension, or impaired renal function (see Dosage for Impaired Renal Function).
How Is Amantadine Supplied
- Amantadine Hydrochloride Tablets are available as white to off white, round tablet, engraved “IT 75”on one side, other side is plain. Bottles of 100 (NDC 24689-112-01) Bottles of 500 (NDC 24689-112-02) Amantadine Hydrochloride Capsules, USP for oral administration are available as: 100 mg: Hard gelatin capsule, orange cap and orange body imprinted “IT76” in black ink and supplie…
How It Works
- Amantadine may be used to treat Parkinson's disease (PD) or for the prophylaxis and treatment of signs and symptoms of infection caused by various strains of the influenza A virus, although the CDC...
- Experts aren't sure exactly how amantadine works to treat dyskinesias or "off" episodes in people with PD but it is known that amantadine is a weak antagonist of the NMDA receptor a…
- Amantadine may be used to treat Parkinson's disease (PD) or for the prophylaxis and treatment of signs and symptoms of infection caused by various strains of the influenza A virus, although the CDC...
- Experts aren't sure exactly how amantadine works to treat dyskinesias or "off" episodes in people with PD but it is known that amantadine is a weak antagonist of the NMDA receptor and may have dire...
- Experts are also unclear of the mechanism by which Amantadine exerts its antiviral activity but it appears to mainly prevent the release of infectious viral nucleic acid into the host cell by inter...
- Amantadine belongs to the class of medicines known as dopaminergic antiparkinson agents…
Upsides
- May be used to treat dyskinesia in people with Parkinson's disease who are already receiving levodopa-based treatment. Dyskinesias are a complication of some Parkinson's disease medications and sym...
- May also be used to treat "off" episodes of Parkinson's disease (the times when the person's usual medication stops working) in people already treated with levodopa/carbidopa.
- May be used to treat dyskinesia in people with Parkinson's disease who are already receiving levodopa-based treatment. Dyskinesias are a complication of some Parkinson's disease medications and sym...
- May also be used to treat "off" episodes of Parkinson's disease (the times when the person's usual medication stops working) in people already treated with levodopa/carbidopa.
- May be used either with or without dopaminergic medications such as apomorphine, bromocriptine, or cabergoline.
- Can treat and prevent infection caused by various strains of influenza A virus.
Downsides
- If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: 1. Nausea, dizziness, and insomnia are the most common side effects reported. 2. Visual hallucinations, delusions, illusions, or paranoia may affect up to 25% of all patients. These caused discontinuation of treat…
Bottom Line
- Amantadine may be used to treat dyskinesia or reduce the number of OFF episodes in those with Parkinson's disease (PD) OR in the treatment or prevention of Influenza A viral infection. Nausea, dizziness, insomnia, and hallucinations are common side effects and it may cause a low mood or intense urges to do things such as gamble or spend money in th...
Tips
- May be taken with or without food.
- Do not drink alcohol while taking amantadine.
- May cause drowsiness and affect your ability to drive, operate machinery, or perform hazardous tasks. In addition, other treatments for Parkinson's Disease may increase your risk of falling asleep...
- May be taken with or without food.
- Do not drink alcohol while taking amantadine.
- May cause drowsiness and affect your ability to drive, operate machinery, or perform hazardous tasks. In addition, other treatments for Parkinson's Disease may increase your risk of falling asleep...
- Amantadine may increase your risk of depression. Tell your doctor if you are feeling low or depressed, or if your begin having thoughts about suicide. Ask friends and family to monitor you for this...
Response and Effectiveness
- It takes around 48 hours for amantadine to start working for PD..
- The Unified Dyskinesia Rating Scale (UDysRS) measures factors associated with dyskinesias, such as patient perceptions, time factors, anatomical distribution, objective impairment, severity, and di...
- Most people with PD are 65 and older and in amantadine for PD studies, only 46% were less t…
- It takes around 48 hours for amantadine to start working for PD..
- The Unified Dyskinesia Rating Scale (UDysRS) measures factors associated with dyskinesias, such as patient perceptions, time factors, anatomical distribution, objective impairment, severity, and di...
- Most people with PD are 65 and older and in amantadine for PD studies, only 46% were less than 65 years of age, 39% were 65 to 74 years of age, and 15% were aged 75 years or older.
- A Cochrane review found amantadine prevented 25% of influenza-like illness cases and 61% of influenza A cases. It reduced the duration of fever by one day. Gastrointestinal and central nervous syst...
Interactions
- Medicines that interact with amantadine may either decrease its effect, affect how long it works for, increase side effects, or have less of an effect when taken with amantadine. An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of the medications; however, sometimes it does. Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions sh…
References
- Amantadine. Updated 02/2021. ATHEM LLC. https://www.drugs.com/pro/amantadine.html
- Jefferson T, Demicheli V, Di Pietrantonj C, Rivetti D. Amantadine and rimantadine for influenza A in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2006;2006(2):CD001169. Published 2006 Apr 19. doi:10.1002/14...
Further Information
- Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use amantadine only for the indication prescribed. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Copyright 1996-2022 Drugs.com. Revision date: October 10, 2021. Medical Discl…
Uses For Amantadine
- Treatment of Seasonal Influenza A Virus Infections
Has been used for treatment of uncomplicated respiratory tract illness caused by susceptible influenza A virus in adults, adolescents, and children ≥1 year of age. Amantadine and rimantadine have little or no activity against influenza B; not used for treatment of influenza B infection. Begi… - Prevention of Seasonal Influenza A Virus Infections
Has been used for prophylaxis of signs and symptoms of influenza infection caused by susceptible influenza A in adults, adolescents, and children ≥1 year of age. Amantadine and rimantadine have little or no activity against influenza B; not used for prevention of influenza B in…
Amantadine Dosage and Administration
- Dosage
Available as amantadine hydrochloride; dosage of conventional preparations expressed in terms of amantadine hydrochloride and dosage of extended-release preparations expressed in terms of amantadine. Reduced dosage recommended in geriatric adults ≥65 years of age and in patients …
Cautions For Amantadine
- Contraindications
1. Known hypersensitivity to amantadine or any ingredient in the formulation. 2. Extended-release capsules and tablets are contraindicated in patients with end-stage renal disease. - Common Adverse Effects
Nausea, dizziness (lightheadedness), insomnia.
Actions and Spectrum
- Adamantane-derivative (a symmetric tricyclic amine); structurally related to rimantadine.
- Has antiviral activity against some strains of influenza A, including susceptible H1N1, H2N2, and H3N2.
- Has little or no activity against influenza B.
- Beginning in the 2005–2006 influenza season, most influenza A (H3N2) strains circulating in …
- Adamantane-derivative (a symmetric tricyclic amine); structurally related to rimantadine.
- Has antiviral activity against some strains of influenza A, including susceptible H1N1, H2N2, and H3N2.
- Has little or no activity against influenza B.
- Beginning in the 2005–2006 influenza season, most influenza A (H3N2) strains circulating in the US were resistant to amantadine and rimantadine. Resistance to amantadine and rimantadine among seaso...
Advice to Patients
- Risk of CNS effects and blurred vision; use caution when alertness and motor coordination is needed.
- Advise patients with parkinsonian syndrome to gradually increase physical activity as symptoms improve.
- Importance of avoiding excessive alcohol usage.
- Risk of CNS effects and blurred vision; use caution when alertness and motor coordination is needed.
- Advise patients with parkinsonian syndrome to gradually increase physical activity as symptoms improve.
- Importance of avoiding excessive alcohol usage.
- Importance of not getting up suddenly from a sitting or lying position; notify clinician if dizziness or lightheadedness occurs.
Preparations
- Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details. Please refer to the ASHP Drug Shortages Resource Centerfor information on shortages of one or more of these preparations. * available from one or more manufacturer, distributor, and/or repackager by generic (nonpropriet…
Frequently Asked Questions