From the Guidelines
Amantadine is available under several brand names, with Symmetrel being the most well-known and historically significant brand name in the United States. Other brand names for amantadine include Gocovri (an extended-release formulation), Osmolex ER (another extended-release version), and PK-Merz. Amantadine is an antiviral medication that also has effects on the central nervous system, making it useful for treating both influenza A infections and Parkinson's disease symptoms. It's also used to manage drug-induced extrapyramidal symptoms and for treatment of fatigue in multiple sclerosis. When prescribed, the typical dosage for Parkinson's disease is 100 mg once or twice daily, while for influenza prevention or treatment, it's usually 200 mg daily in divided doses, as noted in older studies such as 1. However, more recent guidelines, such as 1, suggest that amantadine and rimantadine are not recommended for antiviral treatment or chemoprophylaxis of currently circulating influenza A virus strains due to widespread adamantane resistance. The medication works by increasing dopamine release and blocking dopamine reuptake in the brain, which helps improve motor function in Parkinson's patients. For viral infections, it prevents the virus from replicating by blocking the uncoating of the viral RNA. Key points to consider when prescribing amantadine include:
- Its effectiveness against influenza A viruses
- Its limited use due to resistance among current influenza A strains, as highlighted in 1
- Its potential benefits for Parkinson's disease and other conditions
- The importance of monitoring for side effects and adjusting dosages as needed.
From the FDA Drug Label
Amantadine Hydrochloride Oral Solution USP is designated generically as amantadine hydrochloride The brand name for amantadine is not explicitly stated in the provided drug labels 2 2.
From the Research
Brand Name for Amantadine
- The brand name for amantadine is Symmetrel, as mentioned in the study 3.
- This study published in 1976, refers to amantadine hydrochloride as Symmetrel, an antiviral and antiparkinson agent.
- There is no other brand name mentioned for amantadine in the provided studies 4, 5, 6, 7.
- These studies focus on the effectiveness and safety of amantadine and rimantadine in preventing and treating influenza A, but do not provide additional information on brand names.