Amantidine review

Amantidine, also known as Symmetrel, is a manmade anti-viral medication that hampers the duplication of viruses within cells. Currently, it is unknown how it works in treating Parkinsons disease. The effects it has on the illness may be connected to its ability to amplify the effects of dopamine (a neurotransmitter in the brain whose function is usually compromised in patients with Parkinson's disease). This medication was approved by the FDA in 1996.

Anyone with Parkinson's disease or who wants to prevent the spread of a viral infection (particularly influenza) would be candidates for this medicine. However, in order to prevent viral infection, the drug should be given before exposure to the virus just like a vaccine.

Not a practical treatment for most viral infections, it has been used to prevent Influenza A during flu season. However, even when given a day or two after the onset of flu symptoms, it should still decrease the severity of the flu symptoms. It's also being used to improve the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

This medication should be taken once or twice daily with or without food. In the event that it causes an upset stomach, the patient should take the next dose with food. When treating influenza, this medicine should be administered within 24 to 48 hours after the first flu symptoms appear and should be continued 24 to 48 hours after the disappearance of the flu symptoms or for at least 10 days total. Elderly persons and those with reduced kidney function may need lower doses or less frequent doses.

Common known side effects include vomiting, nausea, nervousness, inability to sleep, loss of coordination, and dizziness. One out of twenty people have been reported to suffer from these side effects and they typically emerge several days or even just a few hours after treatment begins. Less common side effects include discoloration of the eye, loss of appetite, constipation, diarrhea, slurred speech, amnesia, weakness, drowsiness, hallucinations, confusion, depression, nightmares, irritability, and headache. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms.

Levodopa is more effective than Amantidine in treating Parkinson's disease, but the latter possesses extra advantages when taken together with the former. Note that Amantidine can alter the effects of alcohol and other sedatives such as the tricyclic class of antidepressants (Norpamin, Tofranil, and Elavil), the benzodiazepine class of anti-anxiety drugs (Ambien, Valium, Xanax, Klonopin, and Ativan), opiate agonists (Codeine, Vicodin, Dilaudid, and Percocet), certain antihypertensive medications (Catapres and Inderal), and certain antihistamines (Tavist, Atarax, Vistaril, and Benadryl). Combining Amantidine with any of the above medications may cause dizziness upon standing, fainting, lightheadedness, or confusion for the patient.

Because this medication augments the effects of dopamine in the brain, other medications that block the effects of dopamine should be avoided while taking it for Parkinson's disease. Such medicines include phenothaizines like Mellaril (thioridazine) and Stelazine (triflupromazine), Haldol (halperidol), and Reglan (metoclopramide). Using diuretics hydrochlorothiazide or Dyazide/Maxzide (triamterene) with Amantidine can impede the kidney's ability to purge Amantidine from your body. This can lead to increased levels of Amantidine in your blood and increase your risk for side effects.

It is not known how safe or deadly Amantidine is for pregnant women or their unborn babies. Consult your doctor in order to determine whether or not Amantidine's benefits to the pregnant woman outweigh its risks and disadvantages. Also, this medication has been proven to pass into breast milk in low concentrations. Even though it is not known how toxic it is to infants, nursing mothers are strongly discouraged from breastfeeding their babies while taking Amantidine. Consult your doctor for more details and recommendations.

Amantidine has the following structural formula:

Chemical structure of amantidine

• Molecular formula of amantidine is C10H17N
• Chemical IUPAC Name is adamantan-1-amine
• Molecular weight is 151.249 g/mol
Amantidine available : 100mg tablets

Generic name: Amantadine

Brand name(s): Adamantamine, Adamantanamine, Adamantylamine, Adekin, Aminoadamantane, Endantadine, Mantadine, Symadine, Symmetrel

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