$Unique_ID{BRK01819}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{AMANTADINE}
$Subject{Symmetrel (DuPont)}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Symmetrel*0181901.scf}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


AMANTADINE
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer):
     Symmetrel (DuPont)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Antiparkinsonism agent and antiviral
INGREDIENT:
     amantadine
DOSAGE FORMS:
     Capsules (100 mg)
     Oral syrup (50 mg per 5-ml spoonful)
STORAGE:
     Amantadine should be stored at room temperature (never frozen) in a
       tightly closed container.

USES

     Amantadine is used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease and to
prevent or treat respiratory tract infections caused by influenza A virus.  It
is thought to relieve the symptoms of Parkinson's disease by increasing the
levels of dopamine, an important chemical in the brain, which is lacking in
these patients.  Amantadine is also an antiviral agent that slows the growth
of the influenza virus.

TREATMENT

     Amantadine can be taken on an empty stomach or with food or milk.
     Each dose of the oral syrup should be measured carefully with a specially
designed 5-ml measuring spoon.  An ordinary kitchen teaspoon is not accurate
enough.
     If you are taking amantadine to treat a viral infection, you should start
taking it as soon as possible after exposure to the infection.  Continue to
take this medication for the entire time prescribed by your doctor (usually
seven to 14 days), even if the symptoms of infection disappear before the end
of that period.  If you stop taking the drug too soon, the virus is given a
chance to continue growing and the infection could recur.
     Amantadine works best when the level of medicine in your bloodstream is
kept constant.  Therefore, take the doses at evenly spaced intervals day and
night.  For example, if you are to take two doses a day, the doses should be
spaced 12 hours apart.  If you are taking amantadine to treat Parkinson's
disease, you should know that the full effects of this medication may not
become apparent for several weeks.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose.  In that case, don't
take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do
not double the next dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, headache, insomnia, loss of
appetite, nausea, or vomiting.  These side effects should gradually disappear.
     To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and
drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down for a while; get up slowly from a
sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs.
     To relieve mouth dryness, chew sugarless gum or suck on ice chips or hard
candy.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
anxiety, confusion, convulsions, depression, fluid retention, hallucinations,
purplish-red spots on the skin, shortness of breath, skin rash, slurred
speech, or visual disturbances.

INTERACTIONS

     Amantadine interacts with several other types of drugs:
     1. Concurrent use of amantadine and alcohol can lead to dizziness,
fainting, and confusion.
     2. Phenothiazine tranquilizers and tricyclic antidepressants in
combination with amantadine can lead to confusion, hallucinations, and
nightmares.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially any of those listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Be sure to tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you
have had to any medications, especially to amantadine.  Before starting to
take amantadine, tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had
epilepsy, heart or blood vessel disease, kidney disease, mental disorders, or
stomach ulcers.
     * If this drug makes you dizzy, avoid taking part in any activity that
requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating potentially dangerous
equipment.
     * If you are taking amantadine to treat Parkinson's disease, do not stop
taking the medication unless you first consult your doctor.  Stopping the drug
abruptly may lead to a worsening of the disease.  Your doctor may, therefore,
want to reduce your dosage gradually to prevent this from occurring.  In
addition, tolerance to the benefits of amantadine can develop in several
months.  If you notice a loss of effectiveness, CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Although amantadine
appears to be safe in humans, birth defects have been reported in the
offspring of animals that received large doses during pregnancy.  Also, tell
your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  Small amounts of amantadine
pass into breast milk and can cause side effects in the nursing infant.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
