Description

Concurrent administration of Amantadine and anticholinergic agents or levodopa may increase confusion, hallucinations, nightmares, gastro-intestinal disturbances, or other atropine-like side effects. Psychotic reactions have been observed in patients receiving Amantadine and Levodopa. Concurrent administration of Amantadine and drugs or substances (e.g. alcohol) acting on the CNS may result in additive CNS toxicity. Close observation is recommended.

The adverse effects of Amantadine are generally mild and, when they occur, may diminish or cease after a week or more on the medication. The most commonly reported side effects include nausea, dizziness/ lightheadedness, and insomnia. Other side effects may include edema of ankles, livedo reticularis; anxiety, elevation of mood, headache, lethargy, hallucinations, ataxia, slurred speech, blurred vision, loss of concentration, nervousness, depression, myalgia, palpitations, orthostatic hypotension, dry mouth, anorexia, constipation and diaphoresis.

Pregnancy category C. No well-controlled studies have been done in pregnant women to evaluate Amantadine's safety. Amantadine may be used during pregnancy when the potential benefits outweigh the potential but unknown risks to the fetus. Amantadine is excreted into breast milk in low concentrations. As no information is available on the effects in infants, therefore amantadine should be used cautiously in women who are breastfeeding.

Amantadine should not be discontinued abruptly in patients with Parkinson's disease since a few patients have experienced a parkinsonian crisis, i.e., a sudden marked clinical deterioration, when this medication was suddenly stopped. The dose of anticholinergic drugs or of Amantadine Hydrochloride should be reduced if atropine-like effects appear when these drugs are used concurrently. Abrupt discontinuation may also precipitate delirium, agitation, delusions, hallucinations, paranoid reaction, stupor, anxiety, depression and slurred speech.

Patients with renal impairment:  The dose should be reduced. This can be achieved by either reducing the total daily dose, or by increasing the dosage interval in accordance with the creatinine clearance. For example: CrCl <15 ml/min: Contraindicated CrCl 15-35 ml/min: 100 mg every 2 to 3 days CrCl >35 ml/min: 100mg every day Patients with hepatic impairment: Use with caution

Respiratory viral infections (Influenza)

Store at 20-25°C in dry place. Protect from light.