Amantadine is an antiviral medicine that blocks the actions of viruses in your body.

Amantadine is used to treat Parkinson's disease and "Parkinson-like" symptoms like stiffness or tremors, shaking, and repetitive uncontrolled muscle movements caused by certain drugs.

Amantadine is also used to treat or prevent influenza A in adults and children. It may not be effective during every flu season because certain strains of the virus may be resistant to amantadine. This medication should not be used instead of a yearly flu shot. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends an annual flu shot to help protect you from new strains of influenza virus each year.

Amantadine is available in the form of tablets, capsules, and an oral solution.

If you have received a nasal flu vaccine within the last 14 days, you should not use amantadine.

While taking amantadine, and for at least 48 hours after your last dose, do not get a nasal flu vaccine. While taking amantadine, you may be given a flu shot (injection).

Avoid driving and other activities that require you to be alert or have clear vision until you see how this amantadine affects you.

If you have been sitting or lying down, slowly rise to reduce the possibility of feeling dizzy or passing out. Take care when going up and down the stairs.

Heat stroke has occurred in amantadine users. Be cautious in hot weather and when engaging in physical activity.

Consult your doctor if you have kidney problems. Depending on how well your kidneys work, your dose may need to be adjusted. Deaths have happened in people with kidney problems whose dose was too high for their kidney function.

Do not abruptly discontinue amantadine without first consulting your doctor. You may be more susceptible to side effects. If you need to stop amantadine, you will want to slowly stop it as ordered by your doctor.

You should not use amantadine if you are allergic to it, or if:

• you suffer from severe kidney disease; or
• within the last 14 days, you received a "live" nasal flu vaccine (FluMist).

Let your doctor know if you've ever had any of the following to ensure that amantadine is safe for you:

• kidney disease;
• daytime drowsiness (caused by a sleep disorder or taking certain medicines);
• congestive heart failure;
• eczema;
• glaucoma;
• liver disease;
• a seizure;
• low blood pressure, fainting spells;
• alcoholism or drug addiction; or
• mental illness, psychosis, or suicidal thoughts or actions.

Skin cancer may be more common in people with Parkinson's disease (melanoma). Consult your doctor about this risk and the skin symptoms to look out for.

It is not known whether amantadine will harm an unborn baby. If you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant, inform your doctor.

You should not breastfeed if you are taking this medication.

Amantadine is not approved for the treatment of influenza in children under the age of one year. Gocovri is not intended for use by anyone under the age of 18.

Amantadine should be taken exactly as directed by your doctor. Read all medication guides or instruction sheets and follow all directions on your prescription label. The term "electronic commerce" refers to the sale of electronic goods.

If you take amantadine to treat influenza A, begin taking it within 24 to 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. The term "electronic commerce" refers to the sale of electronic goods. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared.

Amantadine can be taken with or without food. This medication may need to be taken only at bedtime. Follow your doctor's advice. Carefully measure the liquid oral solution. Use the provided dosing syringe or a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon). Swallow the capsule or tablet whole, without crushing, chewing, or breaking it. If you are unable to swallow a capsule whole, open it and mix the medication with a spoonful of applesauce. Without chewing, immediately swallow the mixture. It should not be saved for later use.

If your symptoms do not improve, or if you have a fever with a headache, cough, skin rash, or other new symptoms, contact your doctor.

The term "responsibility" refers to the act of determining whether or not a person is responsible for his or her own actions. Stopping suddenly may also cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Inquire with your doctor about how to discontinue this medication safely.

Store away from moisture, heat, and light at room temperature. When not in use, keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Skip the missed dose and take your next dose as usual. Do not take two doses at the same time. If you miss several doses in a row, contact your doctor.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Amantadine overdose can be fatal.

Confusion, agitation, behavioral changes, hallucinations, severe headache or pounding in your ears, muscle stiffness, problems with balance or walking, trouble breathing, fast heartbeats, or seizure are all possible overdose symptoms.

While taking amantadine, and for at least 48 hours after your last dose, do not get a nasal flu vaccine. During this time, the vaccine may not work as well and may not protect you from influenza. While taking amantadineTwitter, you may be given a flu shot (injection).

Do not consume alcohol. Dangerous side effects are possible.

Avoid driving or operating machinery until you have a better understanding of how amantadine will affect you. Amantadine may impair your ability to think or react. Some people taking this medication have fallen asleep while working, talking, eating, or driving during the day. Even if you are awake, you may fall asleep unexpectedly. Be cautious if you are driving or doing anything else that requires you to be alert.

If you get up too quickly from a sitting or lying position, you may feel dizzy.

Without consulting your doctor, avoid taking diet pills, caffeine pills, or other stimulants (such as ADHD medications). Taking a stimulant together with amantadine can increase your risk of unpleasant side effects.

If you experience hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, seek emergency medical attention.

If you have any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor right away:

• extreme drowsiness, falling asleep unexpectedly even when alert;
• a light-headed sensation, as if you might pass out;
• shortness of breath (even with light exertion), hand or foot swelling
• urination that is painful or difficult;
• depression, agitation, aggression, behavioral changes, hallucinations, suicidal ideation;
• a convulsion; or
• severe nervous system reaction characterized by very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeats, and tremors.

While taking this medication, you may experience increased sexual urges, unusual gambling urges, or other intense urges. Talk with your doctor if this occurs. Side effects may be more common in older people.

The following are some of the most common amantadine side effects:

• dizziness, falls;
• dry mouth;
• swelling in your legs or feet;
• nausea, constipation; or
• sleep problems (insomnia).

This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects; others may occur. For medical advice on side effects, contact your doctor. You can contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.

Combining amantadine with other sedative medications can exacerbate this effect. Before taking an opioid, a sleeping aid, a muscle relaxant, or a medication for seizures or anxiety, consult your doctor.

Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking, especially:

• glaucoma medication; or
• medicine that contains sodium bicarbonate (such as Alka-Seltzer).

This is not an exhaustive list. Amantadine may interact with other medications, such as prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal remedies. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.