What is amantadine?

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.