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• 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.FDA: Influenza (Flu) Antiviral Drugs and Related Information

  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.MayoClinic.com: Amantadine (Oral Route) Canadian Medical Association Journal: Amantadine-HCl (Symmetrel)... (July 10, 1971)

• Fast Facts

  1. Formal name: 1-aminoadamantane
  2. Generic name: Amantadine HydrochlorideFDA: Influenza (Flu) Antiviral Drugs and Related Information
  3. Brand name: SymmetrelFDA: Influenza (Flu) Antiviral Drugs and Related Information
  4. An organic compound
  5. Drug type: AntiviralNational MS Society: Amantadine
  6. FDA approved in 1966FDA: Influenza (Flu) Antiviral Drugs and Related Information
  7. FDA approved for influenza A virus treatmentFDA: Influenza (Flu) Antiviral Drugs and Related Information
  8. Found to treat Parkinson's in 1969Canadian Medical Association Journal: Amantadine-HCl (Symmetrel)... (July 10, 1971)
  9. Route: Oral
  10. Similar to rimantadineFDA: Influenza (Flu) Antiviral Drugs and Related Information
  11. Availability: Prescription onlyMayoClinic.com: Amantadine (Oral Route)

• Chemical Information

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

• Uses

  • Fatigue in multiple sclerosisNational MS Society: Amantadine
  • InfluenzaNational MS Society: Amantadine
  • Parkinson's diseaseNational MS Society: Amantadine

• 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.Medical Memo: A Fresh Look At Medicines for ADHD

• Side Effects

  • Dizziness
  • Insomnia
  • Nausea
  • Fainting
  • Can rarely cause suicidal ideation and was implicated as the major fatal factor in completed suicidesSymmetrel.com: [http://www.symmetrel.com/PDF/symmetrel_pack_insert.pdf Pack InsertPDF

• 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 | Difference between ADD and ADHD

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