From the Guidelines
Amantadine does not typically lower blood pressure and is not prescribed for hypertension treatment. Amantadine is primarily used to treat Parkinson's disease symptoms, drug-induced extrapyramidal symptoms, and certain viral infections like influenza A. In fact, amantadine may occasionally cause elevated blood pressure as a side effect in some patients, as it can have anticholinergic effects and might cause mydriasis 1. The medication works by increasing dopamine release and blocking NMDA receptors in the brain, which helps improve motor function in Parkinson's disease but does not have a therapeutic effect on blood pressure regulation.
Key Points to Consider
- Amantadine's side effects can be serious, especially in patients with renal insufficiency, seizure disorders, or certain psychiatric disorders, and among older persons taking high dosages 1.
- The daily dose of amantadine for persons aged >65 years should not exceed 100 mg for prophylaxis or treatment, because renal function declines with increasing age 1.
- If you're looking for medications to lower blood pressure, you should consult with your healthcare provider about appropriate antihypertensive medications such as ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium channel blockers, diuretics, or beta-blockers, which are specifically designed to reduce blood pressure through various mechanisms targeting the cardiovascular system.
Important Considerations for Amantadine Use
- Amantadine should not be used among patients with untreated angle closure glaucoma due to its anticholinergic effects 1.
- Clinical observations and studies have indicated that lowering the dosage of amantadine among certain persons reduces the incidence and severity of side effects 1.
- Never use amantadine with the expectation that it will help control hypertension, as it is not designed for this purpose and may even cause elevated blood pressure in some cases.
From the FDA Drug Label
The dose of amantadine hydrochloride may need reduction in patients with congestive heart failure, peripheral edema, or orthostatic hypotension The dose of amantadine hydrochloride may need careful adjustment in patients with congestive heart failure, peripheral edema, or orthostatic hypotension Avoid excessive alcohol usage, since it may increase the potential for CNS effects such as dizziness, confusion, lightheadedness and orthostatic hypotension. Avoid getting up suddenly from a sitting or lying position. If dizziness or lightheadedness occurs, notify physician.
The FDA drug label suggests that amantadine may lower blood pressure, as evidenced by the need for dose reduction in patients with orthostatic hypotension and the potential for dizziness and lightheadedness. However, it does not directly state that amantadine lowers blood pressure. 2, 2, 2
From the Research
Amantadine and Blood Pressure
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that amantadine lowers blood pressure 3, 4, 5.
- The studies focus on the use of amantadine for Parkinson's disease, drug-induced movement disorders, and other indications, but do not mention its effect on blood pressure.
- A study on the treatment of hypertension mentions various medications and lifestyle modifications that can help lower blood pressure, but does not include amantadine as a treatment option 6.
- Another study discusses the blood pressure lowering efficacy of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, which are a different class of medications than amantadine 7.
Related Studies
- Studies on amantadine have investigated its use for various conditions, including Parkinson's disease, drug-induced movement disorders, and traumatic brain injury 3, 4, 5.
- The treatment of hypertension is a separate area of research, with various studies investigating the efficacy of different medications and lifestyle modifications 6, 7.
- There is no overlap between the studies on amantadine and the studies on hypertension that would suggest amantadine has an effect on blood pressure.