Amantadine HCl (hydrochloride) is a medication used to treat Parkinson's disease and to prevent and treat flu-like symptoms caused by the flu virus.. It works by blocking the actions of a certain chemical in the body and increasing the release of certain chemicals in the brain that help improve mood and decrease muscle stiffness. The medicine can cause side effects, including dizziness, confusion, and dry mouth, and should be used with caution in people with certain health conditions, such as liver or kidney disease. As with any medication, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider before taking the medicine to determine if it is safe and appropriate for you.
Uses of Amantadine hcl
It has a few different uses, including:
Parkinson's
disease:
It is used to treat the symptoms of
Parkinson's disease, including tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with
movement.
Influenza:
The
medicine is used to prevent and treat flu-like symptoms caused by the flu
virus. It is most effective when taken as soon as symptoms appear.
Other
viral infections:
It may also be used to treat other viral
infections, including the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and herpes simplex
virus (HSV).
It is important to note that the use of the
medicine for influenza prevention and treatment is limited by the emergence of
flu viruses that are resistant to the drug.
How to use?
The specific method of using the
medicine depends on the condition being treated and the individual patient's
needs. Here are some general guidelines for taking this medicine:
Parkinson's disease:
The exact dosage and frequency
will depend on the severity of the symptoms and the individual patient's
response to the medication.
Influenza:
It is usually taken one or two
times a day to prevent or treat flu-like symptoms. The exact dosage and
frequency will depend on the individual patient's needs and the severity of the
infection.
It is important to follow your
healthcare provider's instructions when taking this and to not take more or
less of the drug than prescribed. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you
remember, unless it is close to the time for your next dose. If you experience
side effects or any unusual symptoms while taking the medicine, contact your
healthcare provider immediately.
Doses of Amantadine
The recommended dose of the medicine varies
based on the condition being treated and the individual patient's needs. Here
are some general guidelines for the doses:
Parkinson's
disease:
The starting dose for adults is 100 mg two
or three times a day, with the option to increase the dose to 200 mg two or
three times a day, as needed.
Influenza:
The recommended dose for adults is 100 mg
two times a day, taken with food.
It is important to note that these are
general guidelines and the specific dose of the medicine for an individual
patient may be different. The appropriate dose of the medicine will depend on
the patient's age, weight, medical history, and other factors, and should be
determined by a healthcare provider. It is important to follow the instructions
of your healthcare provider and not to adjust the dose without their guidance.
Indication
It is indicated for the treatment of
several conditions, including:
Parkinson's
disease:
It is used to treat the symptoms of
Parkinson's disease, including tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with
movement.
Influenza:
It is used to prevent and treat flu-like
symptoms caused by the flu virus. It is most effective when taken as soon as
symptoms appear.
Other
viral infections:
It may also be used to treat other viral
infections, including the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and herpes simplex
virus (HSV).
It is important to note that the use of Amantadine hcl for influenza prevention and treatment is limited by the emergence of flu
viruses that are resistant to the drug. Consult with a healthcare provider for
specific treatment recommendations based on current flu trends and your
individual health status.
It is important to only use the medicine
for the specific condition it has been indicated for and to follow the
instructions of a healthcare provider. Using this for any other purpose or in a
manner other than as directed can lead to serious side effects and adverse events.
Interaction
It can interact with several
other medications and substances, potentially affecting the safety and
effectiveness of both the Amantadine HCl and the other substance. Some of the
medications that can interact with the medicine include:
CNS depressants:
It can increase the sedative
effects of central nervous system (CNS) depressants, such as alcohol,
benzodiazepines, and opioids.
Anticholinergics:
It can increase the anticholinergic effects of
medications used to treat Parkinson's disease, such as antimuscarinics and
antispasmodics.
Antidepressants:
It can increase the risk of side effects and
adverse events when taken with tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase
inhibitors (MAOIs).
Antiarrhythmics:
Amantadine HCl can increase the risk of side
effects and adverse events when taken with antiarrhythmic medications, such as
quinidine and disopyramide.
It is important to inform your
healthcare provider about all medications, vitamins, and supplements you are
taking, so that they can assess for potential drug interactions. Your
healthcare provider may adjust the dose or frequency of one or both
medications, or switch you to a different medication, if a potential
interaction is identified.
Side effects
Like all medications, Amantadine HCl can
cause side effects.
·
Nausea and vomiting
·
Dizziness
·
Lightheadedness
·
Insomnia
·
Headache
·
Confusion
·
Fatigue
·
Constipation
·
Dry mouth
In some cases, it can cause more serious
side effects, including:
·
Hallucinations
·
Seizures
·
Rapid or irregular heartbeats
·
Urinary retention
·
Aggression or agitation
·
Depression
It is important to inform your healthcare
provider of any side effects you experience while taking Amantadine HCl, as
they may need to adjust the dose or switch you to a different medication to
minimize the risk of side effects.
Frequently asked question
Here are some frequently asked questions
regarding about the medicine:
Q-Is Amantadine HCl safe?
The medicine is generally considered safe
when taken as directed by a healthcare provider. However, like all medications,
it can cause side effects and may interact with other medications.
Q-Can Amantadine HCl be taken with other medications?
It can interact with several other
medications, potentially affecting the safety and effectiveness of both the medicine
and the other substance. It is important to inform your healthcare provider of
all medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking, so that they can
assess for potential drug interactions.
Q-What are the common side effects of Amantadine HCl?
The most common side effects of medicine
include nausea and vomiting, dizziness, lightheadedness, insomnia, headache,
confusion, fatigue, constipation, and dry mouth.
Q-Can Amantadine HCl be used to treat the flu?
It can be used to treat and prevent
flu-like symptoms caused by the flu virus. However, the use of the medicine for
influenza prevention and treatment is limited by the emergence of flu viruses
that are resistant to the drug.
Q-Can Amantadine HCl be used to treat Parkinson's disease?
It can be used to treat the symptoms of
Parkinson's disease, including tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with
movement.
It is important to only use of the medicine
for the specific condition it has been indicated for and to follow the
instructions of a healthcare provider. Using Amantadine HCl for any other
purpose or in a manner other than as directed can lead to serious side effects
and adverse events.
