Amantadine
Uses of Amantadine
Amantadine is commonly used to treat Influenza A Flu, Parkinson's Disease, Herpes zoster, Prophylaxis for Influenza A and Drug-induced extrapyramidal symptoms
How Amantadine Works
Amantadine is dopamine agonist which also have peripheral anti-muscarinic activity. The action on the brain neurons relieves the symptoms of Parkinson disease. It also inhibit the replication of influenza A virus although the mechanism is not known.
Side Effects of Amantadine
Headache, Dizziness, Difficulty sleeping, Confusion, Hallucination, Hypotension, Palpitation, Lethargy, Dry mouth, Rash
Warnings
Kidney High Risk
Dose adjustment is needed in mild to moderate renal impairment while Amantadine is contraindicated in severe renal impairment patient.
Alcohol Not Advisable
Alcohol may exacerbate or potentiates the central nervous effects of Amantadine such as dizziness and confusion.
Pregnancy Not Safe
Adverse effects on animal and human study have been recorded on the fetus development in both type of studies. Amantadine is contraindicated in pregnancy unless no other options suitable for the pregnant women.
Driving Not advisable
Amantadine has known for the adverse effects such as dizziness, confusion and headache all which can affect one's ability to drive.
Liver Use With Care
Dose adjustment may be needed in patient with hepatic impairment as rare side effects such as elevated liver enzymes has been reported.
Lactation Limited Data
Amantadine has been reported to be excreted into the human breastmilk. Caution should be taken and careful risk and benefit outcome for the mother and baby should be evaluated before taking Amantadine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Written by Dr Sri Viknarajan, MD (Universiti Hasanuddin, Indonesia)
Reviewed by Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli, MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
