Amantadine for flu. The daily dosage may be split into one capsule of 100 mg twice a day. One type is influenza A, with headaches, coughs and runny noses that can last for many days and lead to serious illnesses such as pneumonia. Get the full list here, including natural treatments for influenza. Treatment may also help reduce changes in symptoms. Nov 3, 2016 · Resistance to adamantanes remains high among influenza A viruses currently circulating. Jul 3, 2025 · The standard dose of oseltamivir for adolescents and adults is 75 mg twice daily for 5 days. Prevention or treatment of influenza (flu) Treatment of Parkinson’s disease or symptoms that are similar to Aug 15, 2023 · Amantadine is also used to treat or prevent influenza A in adults and children. Other medicines, such as painkillers may also be used to help with the symptoms of flu. A controlled trial of amantadine and rimantadine in the prophylaxis of influenza A infection. Since the crash destroyed her kidneys, she couldn't filter the drugs and she effectively ODed on her flu medication. 3. [This abstract has been prepared centrally. Consumer information about the medication AMANTADINE - ORAL (Symmetrel), includes side effects, drug interactions, recommended dosages, and storage information. As viruses go through genetic changes, they can become resistant to certain antiviral medications, like amantadine. It can also treat conditions that affect your movement, like Parkinson’s disease. It will not treat colds or infections caused by bacteria or other viruses. Three types of influenza cause disease in humans. It may be given alone or together with flu shots. 2 The adverse effects associated with amantadine are often mild and transient. Amantadine should not be used in Amantadine was approved for clinical use in 1966 and subsequently rimantadine in 1993. Apr 10, 2017 · Antiviral drugs for treating the flu are oseltamivir (Tamiflu®), zanamivir (Relenza®), and peramivir (Rapivab®). Amantadine: The journey from fighting flu… Mar 20, 2025 · Amantadine is used to treat and prevent influenza A virus. Apr 19, 2006 · Amantadine and rimantadine have comparable efficacy and effectiveness in relieving or treating symptoms of influenza A in healthy adults, although rimantadine induces fewer adverse effects than amantadine. Compare risks and benefits of common medications used for Influenza. 2012 Apr 3;78(14):1096-9. They work by stopping the flu virus from multiplying in the body. However, high levels of resistance have emerged recently, initially from Asia and now in North America. Jul 24, 2025 · What is Symmetrel (amantadine)? Amantadine is an antiviral medicine that blocks the actions of viruses in your body. Both drugs were initially very effective in treating and preventing influenza A infection with efficacy rates of up to 90%. Influenza B and C viruses are resistant. It is also used to control movement problems that are a side effect of certain medications used to treat Parkinson's disease. Sep 20, 2011 · In 2006, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended discontinuing the use of adamantanes (amantadine and rimantadine) to treat influenza because of high levels of resistance to this class of antivirals. Amantadine may not be effective during every flu season because certain strains of the virus may be resistant to this medicine. 1982 Sep 2;307 (10):580–584. In the 1990s, another drug, rimantadine (an analog), was approved and showed fewer side effects than amantadine. Dec 1, 2000 · Amantadine and rimantadine are older antiviral agents that have been important adjuncts in the prevention and treatment of influenza A outbreaks. Jan 9, 2024 · Amantadine is an NMDA antagonist. Amantadine resistance should be suspected when laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza A continue to occur in residents or staff receiving adequate prophylaxis, particularly if the number of new cases starts to increase again. . Antiviral drugs work by binding to proteins on the surface of viruses. It is used to prevent or treat certain influenza (flu) infections (type A). The effectiveness of both drugs in interrupting transmission is probably low. We examined changes in prescribing practices resulting from this recommendation and found that prescribing of adamantanes declined nationwide, with these drugs accounting for Abstract Two classes of anti-viral agents, the M2 ion channel inhibitors (amantadine, rimantadine) and neuraminidase (NA) inhibitors (oseltamivir, zanamivir) are available for treatment and prevention of infl uenza in most countries of the world. It may not be effective during every flu season because certain strains of the virus may be resistant to amantadine. To minimize side effects, the amantadine dose is adjusted for age and estimated creatinine clearance (CrCl) based on plasma Flu viruses change from season to season and even during a flu season. This medicine should not be used in place of getting a yearly flu shot. The NAIs may be used to treat both A and B influenza and have relatively fewer side effects. Therefore, amantadine and rimantadine are not recommended for antiviral treatment or chemoprophylaxis of currently circulating influenza A virus strains. As of 2011, the CDC does not recommend treatment or prophylaxis of influenza A due to the high levels of resistance. Read more about the prescription drug AMANTADINE - ORAL. Which medication is better for you? Dec 9, 2024 · The adamantanes amantadine and rimantadine are active against influenza A viruses, but not influenza B viruses. Jan 25, 2025 · Amantadine is a medication used in the management of Parkinson's Disease, primarily to help alleviate symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and dyskinesias (involuntary movements). In recent years, amantadine has also been found to be useful for some in reducing dyskinesias (involuntary movements) that occur with dopamine medication. Amantadine extended-release capsules (Gocovri®) are used along with Amantadine, an antiviral agent, is the only drug currently approved in Canada for prophylaxis of influenza A virus infection. His paper appears in this month’s edition of Neurology. It was only effective against influenza A viruses, but for several years, these viruses have been resistant to amantadine. Amantadine is taken by mouth, typically once or twice daily. Aug 28, 2024 · Oseltamivir, laninamivir, baloxavir, and amantadine likely lower the risk of symptomatic and asymptomatic infection (moderate certainty), but zanamivir, oseltamivir, laninamivir, and baloxavir probably don't do much—if anything—to prevent asymptomatic flu or reduce all-cause death rates (high or moderate certainty). S. Rimantadine (generic or under the trade name Flumadine®) for oral administration is FDA-approved to prevent only influenza A virus infection among people older than 1 year. This medication doesn’t work on other types of the flu. In this case oseltamivir and amantadine were used consecutively, so a possible synergistic effect is debatable. Apr 2, 2012 · Amantadine was originally introduced and utilized as an antiviral medication. The abstract is below: Neurology. Amantadine is an antiviral medicine that blocks the actions of viruses in your body. Compare Oseltamivir and Amantadine for flu treatment: efficacy, benefits, and side effects. It's at that point that House realizes what's killing her: amantadine poisoning. Amantadine was used in the early 2000s for Influenza A treatment. Amantadine and its derivative, rimantadine, can be used successfully in the prevention and treatment of influenza A; however, these agents have no effect against influenza B The recommended dosage of amantadine is 100 mg daily for 4 to 5 days. Amantadine, drug used to treat infections caused by influenza type A virus, the most common cause of influenza epidemics. Amantadine should not be used in Oseltamivir, zanamivir and amantadine Oseltamivir, zanamivir and amantadine are three antiviral drugs that are licensed for the treatment of flu. Amantadine is now used mostly for Aug 1, 2025 · Amantadine is also used to treat stiffness and shakiness caused by certain medicines that are used to treat nervous, mental, and emotional conditions. Learn expert prevention tips, plus get advice on how to boost immunity and what to know about the influenza vaccine. This article offers a deep dive into the many facets of amantadine, analyzing the interactions at the molecular level and the Sep 6, 2017 · Usual Dosing (Adults) Dosage for Prophylaxis and Treatment of Uncomplicated Influenza A Virus IllnessAdult The adult daily dosage of Amantadine Hydrochloride Capsules, USP is 200 mg; two 100 mg capsules as a single daily dose. Amantadine may not be effective during every flu season because certain strains of influenza virus may be resistant to this medicine. Due to a marked increase in resistant isolates, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adamantanes not be used in the United States for the treatment of influenza, except in selected circumstances [1]. , 1989). 44-1A and B ) that specifically inhibit the replication of influenza A viruses at low concentrations (<1 µg/mL). Amantadine is now used mostly for Amantadine- and rimantadine-resistant influenza A viruses can emerge when either of these drugs is administered for treatment; amantadine- resistant strains are cross-resistant to rimantadine and vice versa. May 2, 2020 · But that's when House sees the real problem. The prophylactic efficacy of a low dose (100 mg) of amantadine hydrochloride against experimental challenge with influenza A/Texas/1/85 (H1N1) wild-type virus was determined in healthy adult volunteers in a placebo-controlled, double-blind, Apr 3, 2012 · Amantadine has over the years fallen out of favor as a drug to address influenza infection; however, it has become part of the arsenal utilized for early symptomatic treatment of PD, as well an option for treating dyskinesia. May 19, 2025 · Amantadine is no longer recommended for treatment of flu virus in the United States. May 15, 2024 · Easy-to-read patient tips for amantadine covering how it works, benefits, risks, and best practices. Amantadine is used to treat and prevent influenza A (a viral infection). Rimantadine (generic, formerly branded as Flumadine) and amantadine (generic, formerly branded as Symmetrel) are both oral medications, but they serve different purposes and belong to different drug classes. 9 day. Learn about side effects, drug interactions, dosages, warnings, and more. Includes dosages for Parkinson's Disease, Extrapyramidal Reaction, Influenza Prophylaxis and more; plus renal, liver and dialysis adjustments. Amantadine is used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD; a disorder of the nervous system that causes difficulties with movement, muscle control, and balance) and other similar conditions. Type A is the most serious of influenzas, responsible for widespread pandemics, but type B influenza can also exert a heavy hand during the fall and winter months, accounting for half of the flu cases diagnosed in most years. This medication is an antiviral that is believed to work by Amantadine-resistance testing is not yet available in a sufficiently timely manner for use in outbreak management. Extensive mechanistic studies AMANTADINE (a MAN ta deen) prevents and treats infections caused by the flu virus (influenza). Apr 8, 2012 · UF Med student Grant Hubsher recently published an article describing how a single observation in a patient with Parkinson’s disease taking amantadine for flu, led to the use of amantadine in Parkinson’s disease. Apr 24, 2023 · Amantadine is an antiviral agent with mild antiparkinsonian activity. Find the most popular drugs, view ratings and user reviews. Amantadine and rimantadine are antiviral drugs in a class of medications known as adamantanes, which are active against influenza A viruses, but not influenza B viruses. ] Sep 10, 2024 · Amantadine Hydrochloride (Antiviral) reference guide for safe and effective use from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (AHFS DI). It’s also used to manage extrapyramidal symptoms (movement disorders) that are caused by other drugs or Parkinson’s disease. Aug 20, 2025 · What is amantadine used for? Amantadine is commonly used for the following conditions. Includes indications, proper use, special instructions, precautions, and possible side effects - en Amantadine and rimantadine have comparable effectiveness in the prevention and treatment of influenza A in healthy adults, although rimantadine induces fewer adverse effects than amantadine. Amantadine is a type of medicine used to treat symptoms of Parkinson’s such as tremors and dyskinesias. What does this mean for me? Sep 8, 2023 · Get the latest facts about the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for the flu. 1 However, through serendipity, amantadine is now instead used in the treatment of patients with Parkinson's disease. In 2017, an extended-release form of amantadine (Gocovri) was the first drug approved by the FDA specifically to treat dyskinesia in Dec 15, 2019 · Influenza is an acute viral respiratory infection that causes significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Get expert advice for safe and effective treatment. Review side effects, uses, dosage and other drug facts and safety information. The drug had been shown to inhibit the penetration of influenza virus in cells in the chicken embryo. In family settings, family members of the person being treated with amantadine can be infected by these amantadine-resistant strains. The principle concerns about emergence of antiviral resistance in infl uenza viruses are loss of drug effi cacy, transmission of resistant variants Feb 23, 2006 · The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued an alert instructing clinicians to avoid using M2 ion-channel inhibitors (amantadine and rimantadine) during the current influen Immediate-release amantadine has historically been used in Parkinson’s disease (PD) to help tremor. Oct 1, 2004 · Four antiviral agents have been approved by the U. Taking amantadine if you have been or will be exposed to the flu may help to prevent you from getting the flu. It may also be used to treat movement disorders, including those caused by Jun 23, 2025 · For patients taking amantadine to prevent or treat flu infections: Talk to your doctor about the possibility of getting a flu shot if you have not had one yet. Oct 8, 2024 · Why is amantadine used for flu?Amantadine, specifically Amantadine Hydrochloride, has been a subject of interest in the medical community for its role in combating influenza. Due to increased global resistance, amantadine has not been recommended for the treatment of influenza since 2006 [8, 27, 28]. It may also be used to treat unusual tiredness or weakness in children with multiple sclerosis. This stops viruses from spreading to healthy cells. When viruses change their proteins, they can become resistant to antivirals. Nowadays, these adamantanes are no longer administered in clinics because of the massive and rapid emergence of drug-resistant influenza strains, in addition to the severe side effects [12, 13]. Learn about its side effects, dosage, and more. Amantadine is also an antiviral medicine. 1056/NEJM198209023071002. Sep 11, 2024 · Flu antiviral drugs are prescription medicines that can be used to treat flu illness. Amantadine is administered orally as syrup (Symmetrel) or 100-mg capsules (Lysovir) for the treatment of influenza. GOCOVRI® (amantadine) provides all-day coverage with one nightly dose. Mar 23, 2023 · Can amantadine be used in flu season? Amantadine is an antiviral medication, and it may be used along with the flu shot during flu season for prevention and treatment of influenza A virus. China’s Ministry of Agriculture has denied accusations that it approved the use of the human antiviral drug amantadine as a preventive measure against avian influenza in poultry. doi: 10. A report by the Washington Post (18 June, p A01) said that Chinese farmers had been using The effectiveness of amantadine antiviral treatment is estimated to be a 50% reduction in the duration of symptoms if therapy is started in the first 48 h of infection with amantadine-sensitive influenza A virus [21, 26]. It works by raising the levels of dopamine in your body, which helps coordinate movements. Understanding its biochemical and pharmacological mechanisms is essential for appreciating how it operates within the body. Gan Kang Compound Paracetamol and Amantadine Hydrochloride Tablets For use in the alleviation of common cold and flu symptoms: Fever Headache Body Ache Sneezing Runny Nose Sore Throat 感康复方氨酚烷胺片 适用于缓解普通感冒及流行性感冒引起的发热、头痛、四肢酸痛、打喷嚏、流鼻涕、鼻塞、咽痛等症状。 Feb 25, 2025 · Amantadine and rimantadine are administered orally and present efficacy only against IAV due to the amino acid sequence diversity of IBV M2 protein [10]. Influenza A is the type most Compare risks and benefits of common medications used for Influenza Prophylaxis. Apr 19, 2006 · The drugs amantadine and rimantadine can both help prevent and relieve the symptoms of influenza A in adults, but amantadine has more adverse effects. Here's how it works and its role in treating Parkinson's Disease. Antiviral drug against influenza was first discovered and available in 1960s when the amantadine (an amino derivative of adamantine) was approved for treatment and prophylaxis of influenza A viruses with an efficacy of around 90% (Reuman et al. However, antimicrobial resistance is an ongoing challenge. 1 In the past, epidemic human and avian strains of Dec 23, 2024 · Amantadine oral capsule is a generic prescription drug used to treat certain conditions, including Parkinson’s. Amantadine was first approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a prophylactic agent against Asian influenza in 1966 and against influenza A in 1976. This medicine is best taken before exposure or right away after exposure to people who have the flu. Nevertheless, a cause and effect relationship may be seen amid the implementation of amantadine therapy and cessation of viral shedding. You may also hear amantadine called by its brand name, Endantadine. If central nervous system effects develop in once-a-day dosage, a split dosage schedule may reduce Aug 8, 2025 · Learn about Gocovri (amantadine) usage and dosing. These drugs interrupt the function of neuraminidase on the virus surface and prevent the release of viral particles from infected host cells. For information on oseltamivir dosage recommendations for treatment by age group, please visit: Emergency Use Instructions (EUI) for Oseltamivir | Bird Flu | CDC and Influenza Antiviral Medications: Summary for Clinicians. Easy-to-read patient leaflet for amantadine. Sep 20, 2005 · Amantadine and rimantadine are primarily used to treat seasonal flu in the United States and Japan, for instance, in nursing homes, says Arnold Monto, an epidemiologist at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor--but their use is bound to decline now, he adds. Routine use of b … Amantadine hydrochloride is a stable white or nearly white crystalline powder, freely soluble in water and soluble in alcohol and in chloroform. She had been prescribed amantadine for the flu. CDC recommends prompt treatment for people who have flu or suspected flu and who are at increased risk of serious flu complications, such as pregnant women, people Jan 23, 2008 · Abstract Background: Although amantadine (AMT) and rimantadine (RMT) are used to relieve or treat influenza A symptoms in healthy adults, little is known about the effectiveness and safety of these antivirals in preventing and treating influenza A in children and the elderly. Jul 24, 2025 · Detailed Amantadine dosage information for adults, the elderly and children. The Mechanism of Action of Amantadine Hydrochloride in Flu Discover how Amantadine works, its uses for Parkinson's, flu, and MS, dosage guidelines, side effects, and interactions. Dec 8, 2023 · More information regarding the four recommended antiviral medications is available: Table 1. [20][23] Amantadine Capsules or Tablets Amantadine is an antiviral medication that prevents and treats influenza A, a type of the flu virus. Sep 29, 2005 · Four drugs are currently available for the treatment or prophylaxis of influenza infections: the adamantanes (amantadine and rimantadine) and the newer class of neuraminidase inhibitors (zanamivir Amantadine is a medication used to treat dyskinesia in Parkinson's patients receiving levodopa, as well as extrapyramidal side effects of medications. Now NIAID Nov 21, 2014 · The quality of the evidence combined with a lack of knowledge about the safety of amantadine and the limited benefits of rimantadine, do not indicate that amantadine and rimantadine compared to control (placebo or paracetamol) could be useful in preventing, treating and shortening the duration of in … Oct 20, 2025 · Xofluza, Relenza, Rapivab, amantadine, and rimantadine are some Tamiflu alternatives. It's used to treat symptoms of movement disorders in adults, including Parkinson’s disease (PD). 8 – 0. Tamiflu, Relenza, and Rapivab are chemically related antiviral medications known as neuraminidase inhibitors that have activity against both influenza A and B viruses. Amantadine is used to treat or prevent influenza A in adults and children. Sep 1, 2022 · The adamantanes include: Amantadine (generic) for oral administration is FDA-approved to treat and prevent only influenza A viruses in people older than 1 year. Learn more about GOCOVRI's PK profile, dosing, and administration. 28 The spectrum of amantadine, as previously mentioned, covers only influenza A, although A strains cause most epidemics. N Engl J Med. This antiviral medication, initially developed to treat Parkinson's disease, has found application in managing flu symptoms and preventing viral replication. Unfortunately, the popular antiviral treatment for type A flu, amantadine, as well as its derivative, rimantadine, doesn't work against a type B strain. Feb 29, 2012 · Since amantadine is so commonly used, he said U. troops with severe brain injuries in Iraq or Afghanistan probably get it, or should get it now. It will not replace the annual flu vaccine. There are currently two approved M2 ion channel inhibitors, amantadine and rimantadine. Oseltamivir + amantadine + ribavirin: Triple-combination antiviral drug treatment (TCAD) with amantadine, oseltamivir, and ribavirin has shown synergistic activity in vitro against both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant strains of influenza A [96, 97]. Early studies demonstrated that influenza variants with high-level resistance to amantadine and rimantadine could be selected in the laboratory though in vitro and in vivo passage in virus in the presence of the drug [3, 18]. The resistance of influenza A to amantadine was first recognised during the 1980 influenza A epidemic [12]. Read the latest news and reviews about the drug as well as potential side effects and popular alternatives. [7] The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found 100% of seasonal H3N2 and 2009 pandemic flu samples were resistant to adamantanes (amantadine and rimantadine) during the 2008–2009 flu season. Some side effects of this medication include nausea, dizziness, and trouble sleeping. Oct 23, 2021 · Commonly asked questions concerning Amantadine, answered by the Drugs. Rimantadine is an antiviral used to treat and prevent influenza type A, while amantadine is an NMDA antagonist used to manage symptoms of Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders Apr 15, 2015 · Amantadine is an antiviral medicine that is used to treat or stop some types of influenza (flu). The flu can be caused by many different viruses. Its widespread use by Chinese farmers is now being blamed for producing strains of avian flu that are resistant to the drug. Amantadine has no effect preventing or treating influenza B infections. The adamantanes, amantadine and rimantadine, which are only active against influenza A. As of 2011, the CDC does not recommend treatment or prophyla … Feb 4, 2025 · Learn about the side effects of amantadine, from common to rare, for consumers and healthcare professionals. "Don't do it," he says, as he watches her take a pill. A single patient noticed relief in her Parkinson disease (PD) symptoms after taking amantadine for a flu infection, and this observation sparked an interest, and several important studies that eventually led to a new drug indication. 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. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of influenza infection: amantadine (Symmetrel), oseltamivir (Tamiflu), rimantadine (Flumadine Jan 21, 2011 · The daily dosage of amantadine for persons aged ≥65 years should not exceed 100 mg for chemoprophylaxis or treatment of amantadine-susceptible influenza A viruses, because renal function declines with increasing age. Feb 15, 2003 · Amantadine was the first drug approved for prophylaxis of influenza type A (in 1966), and in 1976, it was approved for treatment and prophylaxis in adults and children older than one year. Intro Amantadine has garnered attention for its diverse applications in medicine, specifically in treating influenza and Parkinson's disease. The brand name of amantadine is Symmetrel®. It works by slowing the spread of the flu virus in your body and reducing how long your symptoms last. Antiviral drugs work best when started within 1 to 2 days after flu symptoms begin. Resistance to these drugs has been reported in recent years and remains high (>99%) among circulating influenza A (H3N2) and A (H1N1) pdm09 viruses; neither amantadine nor rimantadine is recommended for treatment or chemoprophylaxis Jan 27, 2025 · 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. PubMed Central (PMC) Spectrum Amantadine (1-adamantanamine hydrochloride; Symmetrel) and rimantadine (α-methyl-1-adamantane methylamine hydrochloride; Flumadine) are symmetrical tricyclic amines (Fig. Treatment: Antiviral treatment at the onset of symptoms shows that amantadine reduces fever by one day and oseltamivir and zanamivir reduce duration of flu symptoms by 0. The two other FDA-approved influenza antiviral medications (amantadine and rimantadine) are not recommended for antiviral treatment or chemoprophylaxis because of high levels of resistance among circulating influenza A viruses. Amantadine (Symmetrel [Discontinued]) is a drug prescribed for the prevention and treatment of influenza A, and the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. They can lessen symptoms and shorten the time you are sick. Amantadine is used to prevent or treat a certain type of flu (influenza A). com team of qualified healthcare professionals. Prevention or treatment of influenza (flu) Treatment of Parkinson’s disease or symptoms that are similar to Amantadine is a second-line preventive agent. Amantadine is an antiviral agent with mild antiparkinsonian activity. hfcgbe eu trxn iaglpz 00 lqt0u 0v7qig qypash tbqzr ujui