Amantadine Capsules or Tablets

What is this medication?

AMANTADINE (a MAN ta deen) prevents and treats infections caused by the flu virus (influenza). It works by slowing the spread of the flu virus in your body and reducing how long your symptoms last. It will not treat colds or infections caused by bacteria or other viruses. It will not replace the annual flu vaccine. It may also be used to treat movement disorders, including those caused by Parkinson disease and some medications. It works by balancing substances in your brain that help manage body movements and coordination. This reduces symptoms, such as body stiffness and tremors.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Symmetrel

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Depression
• Eczema
• Feel sleepy or have fallen asleep suddenly during the day
• Frequently drink alcohol
• Glaucoma
• Heart failure
• Kidney disease
• Low blood pressure
• Schizophrenia
• Seizures
• Sleep apnea
• Suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt by you or a family member
• An unusual or allergic reaction to amantadine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Take all of this medication unless your care team tells you to stop it early. Keep taking it even if you think you are better.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

People over 65 years of age may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

• Acetazolamide
• Alcohol
• Antihistamines for allergy, cough, and cold
• Atropine
• Bupropion
• Certain medications for bladder problems, such as oxybutynin or tolterodine
• Certain medications for Parkinson disease, such as benztropine or trihexyphenidyl
• Certain medications for stomach problems, such as dicyclomine or hyoscyamine
• Certain medications for travel sickness, such as scopolamine
• Ipratropium
• Methazolamide
• Quinidine
• Quinine
• Sodium bicarbonate
• Some flu vaccines
• Thioridazine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

A severe reaction similar to neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) may occur if you reduce the dose of or stop taking this medication too quickly. Symptoms of NMS include high fever, stiff muscles, increased sweating, fast or irregular heartbeat, and confusion. Contact your care team right away if think you have NMS.

This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.

When taking this medication, you may fall asleep without notice. You may be doing activities, such as driving a car, talking, or eating. You may not feel drowsy before it happens. Contact your care team right away if this happens to you.

There have been reports of increased sexual urges or other strong urges, such as gambling while taking this medication. If you experience any of these while taking this medication, you should report this to your care team as soon as possible.

This medication may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses, you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating eye drops may help. See your care team if the problem does not go away or is severe.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your care team if the problem does not go away or is severe.

Talk to your care team about your risk of skin cancer. You may be more at risk for skin cancer if you take this medication.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Falling asleep during daily activities
• Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
• Mood and behavior changes—anxiety, nervousness, confusion, hallucinations, irritability, hostility, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression
• Trouble passing urine
• Urges to engage in impulsive behaviors such as gambling, binge eating, sexual activity, or shopping in ways that are unusual for you

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Blurry vision
• Confusion
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
• Trouble sleeping

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep the container tightly closed. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, pour the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.