Amantadine (a-MAN-ta-deen) is an antiviral. It is used to prevent or treat certain influenza (flu) infections (type A). It may be given alone or along with flu shots. Amantadine will not work for colds, other types of flu, or other virus infections.

Amantadine also is an antidyskinetic. It is used to treat Parkinson's disease, sometimes called paralysis agitans or shaking palsy. It may be given alone or with other medicines for Parkinson's disease. By improving muscle control and reducing stiffness, this medicine allows more normal movements of the body as the disease symptoms are reduced. Amantadine is also used to treat stiffness and shaking caused by certain medicines used to treat nervous, mental, and emotional conditions.

Amantadine may be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Special precautions

Allergies? tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to amantadine. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy? Studies have not been done in humans. However, there have been reports of birth defects, including birth defects of the heart, when women took amantadine during the first trimester of pregnancy. Also, a malformation involving the lower leg occurred in one infant. In addition, studies in some animals have shown that amantadine is harmful to the fetus and causes birth defects. Before taking this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.

Breast-feeding? Amantadine passes into breast milk. However, the effects of amantadine in newborn babies and infants are not known. It may be necessary for you to take another medicine or to stop breast-feeding during treatment. Be sure you have discussed the risks and benefits of the medicine with your doctor.

Children? this medicine has been tested in children over 1 year of age and has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in these children than it does in adults. There is no specific information comparing the use of amantadine in children less than 1 year of age with use in other age groups.

Older adults? Elderly people are especially sensitive to the effects of amantadine. Confusion, difficult urination, blurred vision, constipation, and dry mouth, nose, and throat may be especially likely to occur.

Other medical problems? the presence of other medical problems may affect the use of amantadine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

•  Eczema (recurring)?Amantadine may cause or worsen eczema

•  Epilepsy or other seizure disorder (history of)?Amantadine may increase the frequency of convulsions (seizures) in patients with a seizure disorder

•  Heart disease or other circulation problems or

•  Swelling of feet and ankles?Amantadine may increase the chance of swelling of the feet and ankles, and may worsen heart disease or circulation problems

•  Kidney disease?Amantadine is removed from the body by the kidneys; patients with kidney disease will need to receive a lower dose of amantadine

•  Mental or emotional illness?Higher doses of amantadine may cause confusion, hallucinations, and nightmares

•  Substance abuse (drug or alcohol abuse), history of?The chance of side effects from this medicine may be increased

Side effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

• Less common
• Blurred vision;  confusion (especially in elderly patients);  difficult urination (especially in elderly patients);  fainting;  hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there);  swelling of hands, feet, or lower legs 

• Rare
• Convulsions (seizures);  decreased vision or any change in vision;  difficulty in coordination ;  fever, chills, or sore throat;  increased blood pressure;  increase in body movements ;  irritation and swelling of the eye;  loss of memory;  mental depression;  severe mood or mental changes;  skin rash;  slurred speech;  thoughts of suicide or attempts at suicide;  unexplained shortness of breath 

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine.

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.

Do not let anyone else take your medication.

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