A-Z Indexes

Food

Health Guides

Health News

Amantadine

This form:

Pronounced

"a-MAN-ta-deen"

Common brand names:

Symmetrel

Uses

Amantadine is used to treat Parkinson's disease, as well as side effects caused by drugs (such as drug-induced extrapyramidal symptoms), chemicals, and other medical conditions. In these cases, this medication may help to improve your range of motion and ability to exercise. For the treatment of these conditions, amantadine is believed to work by restoring the balance of natural chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain.

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. Taking amantadine if you have been or will be exposed to the flu may help to prevent you from getting the flu. This medication is an antiviral that is believed to work by stopping growth of the flu virus. This medication is not a vaccine. To increase the chance that you will not get the flu, it is important to get a flu shot once a year at the beginning of every flu season, if possible.

Based on the recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in the US, amantadine should not be used to treat or prevent influenza A because the current influenza A virus in the United States and Canada is resistant to this medication. For more details, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

How to Use This Medication

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice daily. If you are taking this medication twice a day and have trouble sleeping after taking it, take the second dose several hours before bedtime.

If you are using the liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Children's dosage is also based on weight. Do not take more than prescribed by your doctor.

This medication works best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Take this medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night.

If you are taking amantadine for a viral infection, begin taking it as soon as possible. Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection.

In Parkinson's disease, the effects of the medication may not be noticed for several weeks. Do not suddenly stop taking the medication because symptoms or side effects may worsen. Your doctor may want to reduce your dose gradually. This medication may not work as well after it has been taken for several months. Tell your doctor if this medication stops working well.