* Generic Name: amantadine hydrochloride
* Brand Name: Symmetrel
* What is amantadine (Gocovri, Symmetrel)?
* What are the possible side effects of amantadine (Gocovri,
Symmetrel)?
* What is the most important information I should know about
amantadine (Gocovri, Symmetrel)?
* What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
amantadine (Gocovri, Symmetrel)?
* How should I take amantadine (Gocovri, Symmetrel)?
* What happens if I miss a dose (Gocovri, Symmetrel)?
* What happens if I overdose (Gocovri, Symmetrel)?
* What should I avoid while taking amantadine (Gocovri,
Symmetrel)?
* What other drugs will affect amantadine (Gocovri, Symmetrel)?
* Where can I get more information (Gocovri, Symmetrel)?
What is amantadine (Gocovri, Symmetrel)?
Amantadine is an antiviral medicine that blocks the actions of
viruses in your body.
Amantadine is used to treat or prevent influenza A in adults and
children. Amantadine may not be effective during every flu season
because certain strains of the virus may be resistant to this medicine.
Amantadine should not be used in place of getting a yearly flu shot.
The Centers for Disease Control recommends an annual flu shot to
help protect you each year from new strains of influenza virus.
Amantadine is also used to treat Parkinson's disease and
"Parkinson-like" symptoms such as stiffness or tremors, shaking,
and repetitive uncontrolled muscle movements that may be caused by the
use of certain drugs.
Amantadine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication
guide.
What are the possible side effects of amantadine (Gocovri, Symmetrel)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
* extreme drowsiness, falling asleep suddenly even after feeling
alert;
* a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
* shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling in your
hands or feet;
* painful or difficult urination;
* depression, agitation, aggression, behavior changes,
hallucinations, thoughts of hurting yourself;
* a seizure; or
* severe nervous system reaction--very stiff (rigid) muscles, high
fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors.
You may have increased sexual urges, unusual urges to gamble, or other
intense urges while taking this medicine. Talk with your doctor if this
occurs.
Side effects may be more likely in older adults.
Common side effects may include:
* dizziness, falls;
* dry mouth;
* swelling in your legs or feet;
* nausea, constipation; or
* sleep problems (insomnia).
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about amantadine
(Gocovri, Symmetrel)?
You should not use amantadine if you received a nasal flu vaccine
in the past 14 days.
Do not receive a nasal flu vaccine while taking amantadine, and for at
least 48 hours after your last dose.
Symmetrel Patient Information including How Should I Take
Flu: 10 Foods to Eat When You Have the Flu
Flu Slideshow: 10 Foods to Eat When You Have the Flu
Natural Cold & Flu Remedies:How to Find Relief
Natural Cold & Flu Remedies Slideshow
RxList
Take the Cold & Flu Quiz
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking amantadine
(Gocovri, Symmetrel)?
You should not use amantadine if you are allergic to it, or if you have
received a "live" nasal flu vaccine (FluMist) within the
past 14 days.
To make sure amantadine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have
ever had:
* daytime drowsiness (caused by a sleep disorder or taking certain
medicines);
* a seizure;
* fluid retention, congestive heart failure;
* liver or kidney disease;
* low blood pressure, fainting spells;
* eczema;
* glaucoma;
* alcoholism or drug addiction; or
* mental illness, psychosis, or suicidal thoughts or actions.
People with Parkinson's disease may have a higher risk of skin
cancer (melanoma). Talk to your doctor about this risk and what
skin symptoms to watch for.
It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell
your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Amantadine can pass into breast milk, but effects on the nursing baby
are not known. This medicine may also affect breast milk production.
You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.
Amantadine is not approved for influenza in a child younger than 1 year
old. Gocovri is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years
old.
How should I take amantadine (Gocovri, Symmetrel)?
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may
occasionally change your dose. Do not use this medicine in larger or
smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
If you take amantadine to treat influenza A, start taking the medicine
within 24 to 48 hours after flu symptoms begin. Keep taking amantadine
for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve
before the infection is completely cleared.
You may take amantadine with or without food. You may need to take this
medicine only at bedtime. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a
special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a
dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Do not crush, chew, break, or open an extended-release capsule. Swallow
it whole.
To make swallowing easier, you may open the capsule and sprinkle the
medicine into a spoonful of applesauce. Swallow the mixture right away
without chewing. Do not save it for later use.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if you have a
fever with a headache, cough, skin rash, or other new symptoms.
If you take amantadine for Parkinson symptoms: You should not stop
using amantadine suddenly or your condition may become worse. Stopping
suddenly may also cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your
doctor how to safely stop using this medicine.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the
bottle tightly closed when not in use.
Symmetrel Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
Flu: 10 Foods to Eat When You Have the Flu
Flu Slideshow: 10 Foods to Eat When You Have the Flu
Natural Cold & Flu Remedies:How to Find Relief
Natural Cold & Flu Remedies Slideshow
RxList
Take the Cold & Flu Quiz
What happens if I miss a dose (Gocovri, Symmetrel)?
Skip the missed dose and take the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not
take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Call your doctor if you miss several doses in a row.
What happens if I overdose (Gocovri, Symmetrel)?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
1-800-222-1222. An overdose of amantadine can be fatal.
Overdose symptoms may include confusion, agitation, behavior changes,
hallucinations, severe headache or pounding in your ears, muscle
stiffness, problems with balance or walking, trouble breathing,
fast heartbeats, or seizure.
What should I avoid while taking amantadine (Gocovri, Symmetrel)?
Do not receive a nasal flu vaccine while using amantadine, and for at
least 48 hours after your last dose. The vaccine may not work as well
during this time, and may not fully protect you from disease.
Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects could occur.
Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine
will affect you. Amantadine may impair your thinking or reactions. Some
people taking amantadine have fallen asleep during normal daytime
activities such as working, talking, eating, or driving. You may fall
asleep suddenly, even after feeling alert. Be careful if you drive or
do anything that requires you to be alert.
Avoid taking diet pills, caffeine pills, or other stimulants
(such as ADHD medications) without your doctor's advice. Taking a
stimulant together with amantadine can increase your risk of unpleasant
side effects.
What other drugs will affect amantadine (Gocovri, Symmetrel)?
Taking amantadine with other drugs that make you sleepy can worsen this
effect. Ask your doctor before taking a sleeping pill, narcotic
medication, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or
seizures.
Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or
stop using, especially:
* glaucoma medication; or
* medicine that contains sodium bicarbonate (such as
Alka-Seltzer).
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with amantadine,
including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and
herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this
medication guide.
Where can I get more information (Gocovri, Symmetrel)?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about amantadine.
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