AMANTADINE - ORAL
(uh-MAN-tuh-deen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S)
Symadine, Symmetrel
USES
This medicine is used to prevent or treat the flu.
HOW TO USE
This medication is best taken on an empty stomach,
but may be taken with food or milk if stomach upset occurs.
This medication works best when the amount of medicine in your
body is kept at a constant level. Do this by taking the
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 until the full
prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a
few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a
relapse of the infection.
In Parkinson's disease, the effects of the medication may not
be apparent for several weeks. Do not suddenly stop taking the
medication as an increase in symptoms may occur. Your doctor may
want to reduce your dose gradually. If after several months, you
notice the drug may not be as effective, contact your doctor.
Tolerance can develop after long-term use.
SIDE EFFECTS
This medication may cause stomach upset, nausea,
drowsiness, constipation, headache, dizziness, anxiety, or
purplish-red blotchy spots on the skin during the first few days
as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist
or become severe, inform your doctor promptly.
Notify your doctor if you develop: slurred speech, shortness
of breath, swelling of the arms or legs, vision disturbances,
difficulty urinating, skin rash, mental/mood changes.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your
doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS
Tell your doctor your medical history, including:
allergies (especially drug allergies), swelling, heart problems.
Because this medication may cause blurred vision or dizziness,
use caution when driving or operating machinery while taking this
medication. Limit use of alcoholic beverages.
Amantadine should be used during pregnancy only if clearly
needed. Since small amounts of the drug do appear in breast milk,
consult with your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Tell your doctor of all prescription and
nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: other drugs
used for Parkinson's disease, stimulants (like decongestants
commonly found in cough-and-cold products).
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist
approval.
OVERDOSE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison
control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of
overdose may include nausea, vomiting, slurred speech, blurred
vision, drowsiness, memory loss, depression, excessive
excitability, increased sensitivity to the sun, loss of
consciousness, fast or irregular heartbeat.
NOTES
Do not share this product with others.
MISSED DOSE
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do
not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip
the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not
"double-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and
moisture.
