Amantadine

Amantadine is a type of antiviral medication that may be prescribed for the treatment of the influenza A virus. The Food and Drug Administration in the United States approved amantadine for the treatment of the influenza A virus in 1966.¹

In 1969, researchers discovered amantadine's ability to act as an anidyskinetic. Consequently, amantadine is used to treat Parkinson's disease, although candidates for amantadine use must be screened for a history of seizures or psychiatric symptoms.^{2 3}

Fast Facts

1. Formal name: 1-aminoadamantane
2. Generic name: Amantadine Hydrochloride¹
3. Brand name: Symmetrel¹
4. An organic compound
5. Drug type: Antiviral⁴
6. FDA approved in 1966¹
7. FDA approved for influenza A virus treatment¹
8. Found to treat Parkinson's in 1969³
9. Route: Oral
10. Similar to rimantadine¹
11. Availability: Prescription only²

Chemical Information

• Molecular mass: 151.249 g/mol
• Protein binding: 67%
• Metabolism: Negligible
• Half life: 10-14 hours

Uses

• Fatigue in multiple sclerosis⁴
• Influenza⁴
• Parkinson's disease⁴

Other Uses

Amantadine has also been reported to provide relief to ADHD sufferers (through increased dopamine), and is occasionally used to provide relief from the sexual side effects of SSRIs.⁵

Side Effects

• Dizziness
• Insomnia
• Nausea
• Fainting
• Can rarely cause suicidal ideation and was implicated as the major fatal factor in completed suicides⁶

  Disclaimer

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a doctor for information on amantadine.

Related Pages on Mahalo

Influenza | Bird Flu | Parkinson's Disease | Multiple Sclerosis | Pandemic Flu | Flu | Tromantadine | Rimantadine

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