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RimantadinePronounced"rih-MAN-tuh-deen" UsesRimantadine is used to prevent or treat a certain type of flu virus (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 rimantadine 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 the 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. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that rimantadine should not be used for the treatment or prevention of influenza A because the current influenza A virus in the United States is resistant to this medication. For more details, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. How to Use This MedicationTake this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor. When this medication is taken to prevent flu, children younger than 10 should usually take it once a day, and children older than 10 and adults should take it twice a day. When used to treat flu in adults, the medication is taken twice a day. Do not increase your dose or take rimantadine more often than prescribed. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Children's dosage is also based on weight. Begin taking rimantadine as soon as possible after being exposed to the flu or developing flu symptoms. Continue to take this medication for the full time prescribed, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a severe flu infection. If you are taking the syrup, measure the dose carefully with a medication spoon/cup. Inform your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse. |