Type of medicine: antiviral; antiparkinsonian
Generic and brand names: amantadine, oral; Symmetrel
This medicine is taken by mouth to prevent and treat type A flu infections. It is not effective against colds, other types of flu, and other viral infections.
This medicine is also used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease and to treat the side effects caused by certain medicines. It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have:
Tell your provider if you have gotten the nasal-spray flu vaccine within the past 2 weeks. Do not get the nasal-spray flu vaccine while you are taking this medicine and for at least 48 hours after you stop taking this medicine.
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
This medicine comes in tablet, capsule and liquid forms. If you have the liquid form, use a specially marked measuring spoon to measure each dose. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.
This medicine works best when taken as soon as possible after exposure to the flu. Take it regularly for the length of time prescribed, even if you feel better.
Do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval. You may have to gradually reduce your dosage.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: blurred vision, fever, severe headache, anxiety, confusion, hallucinations, aggression, tremors, fast or irregular heartbeat, trouble breathing, seizures, coma.
If you are taking this medicine for Parkinson's disease, you may be at an increased risk for skin cancer (melanoma). Talk with your healthcare provider about this and what skin changes to watch for. You may need to have regular skin exams.
This medicine may cause dizziness, confusion, and blurred vision. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.
You may feel dizzy or faint when you get up quickly after sitting or lying down. Getting up slowly may help. Also, drinking alcohol may make it worse. Do not drink alcohol unless your healthcare provider approves.
If your symptoms do not improve or get worse after taking this medicine for a few days, contact your healthcare provider.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Mood changes; severe confusion; thoughts of suicide; depression; severe anxiety; hallucinations; unusual urges or behavior; trouble urinating; lightheadedness or fainting; rash or unusual skin changes; slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat; unexplained fever, uncontrolled muscle movements; stiff muscles; rapid breathing; swelling of the feet, ankles, arms, or legs; shortness of breath; vision changes or blurred vision.
Other: Dizziness, drowsiness, irritability, nausea, loss of appetite, nervousness, trouble sleeping, unusual dreams, constipation, dryness of the mouth, nose, or throat.
Important: Other side effects have been reported with long-term treatment. Report all ill effects to your healthcare provider.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
Do not drink alcohol while you are taking this medicine because it increases the risk of side effects.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
