Type of medicine: antiviral
Generic and brand names: rimantadine hydrochloride, oral; Flumadine
This medicine is taken by mouth to prevent or treat infections caused by certain kinds of influenza A virus in adults. In children, it is used to prevent influenza A virus infections. This medicine does not replace the flu shot.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Tell your healthcare provider if you have received the intranasal flu vaccine (FluMist) in the past 2 weeks.
Females of childbearing age: Talk with 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.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. When used to treat infection caused by the influenza A virus, the medicine should be started within 48 hours of any signs or symptoms and continued for approximately 7 days.
This medicine comes in tablet and liquid forms. If you are using the liquid form, use a specially marked dosing spoon or cup to measure the correct dose.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Taking it with meals may lessen the chance the drug will upset your stomach.
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: restlessness, confusion, hallucinations, irregular heartbeat.
If you have epilepsy, you may have more seizures. If this occurs, contact your healthcare provider right away.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.
If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they get worse, 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): Seizures.
Other: Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dry mouth, trouble sleeping, tiredness, dizziness, headache, nervousness, stomach pain, diarrhea.
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:
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.
