Amantadine is a medication used to prevent and treat symptoms of influenza A virus infections, as well as to manage Parkinson's disease and certain movement disorders caused by other medications. It works by interfering with the virus's ability to replicate and may also help improve movement control in Parkinson's patients. The medication is taken in capsule form, typically starting at a dose of 100 mg once a day, which can be increased to a maximum of 400 mg per day based on the doctor's advice. It's important to know that amantadine can cause serious side effects, including mental health issues, so caution is advised if you have a history of psychiatric disorders. Additionally, if you have kidney problems, your doctor may need to adjust your dose to avoid complications.
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Uses
- Influenza A virus infection.
- Parkinson's disease.
- Drug-induced extrapyramidal reactions.
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Dosage
Adults may need dose reduction for heart or kidney issues.
Take as directed by your doctor.
Always follow your doctor's specific instructions for your dose.
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Side effects
Common
nauseadizzinessinsomniaLess common: depressionanxietyhallucinations
Serious
congestive heart failuresuicidal thoughts
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Warnings
⚠ Important warnings
- Overdose can be fatal; lowest lethal dose is 1 gram.
- May worsen mental health issues in some patients.
- Not for patients with untreated angle closure glaucoma.
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Drug interactions
- Thioridazineworsens tremors in Parkinson's patientsCaution
- Quinine or Quinidinereduces amantadine clearanceCaution
- Anticholinergic drugsincreases side effects.Monitor
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Answers pulled from the FDA label only.
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Medical Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before taking any medication.
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
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