From the Guidelines
Amantadine is an antiviral medication used to prevent and treat influenza A virus infections.
Key Characteristics of Amantadine
- It is approximately 70%-90% effective in preventing illnesses caused by naturally occurring strains of type A influenza viruses when administered prophylactically 1.
- Amantadine can reduce the duration of fever and other systemic symptoms and may permit a more rapid return to routine daily activities when administered within 48 hours after the onset of influenza illness 1.
- It is licensed for use in the United States and is indicated for treatment and prophylaxis of adults and children greater than or equal to 1 year of age 1.
Important Considerations
- Amantadine is not effective against influenza B viruses 1.
- Resistance to amantadine by influenza A strains has been reported, and the incidence of central nervous system side effects, such as nervousness and anxiety, is a concern 1.
- The dosage should be adjusted for age and renal function to minimize adverse reactions 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Amantadine Hydrochloride Oral Solution USP is designated generically as amantadine hydrochloride and chemically as 1-adamantanamine hydrochloride. Amantadine hydrochloride has pharmacological actions as both an anti-Parkinson and an antiviral drug. Amantadine is an antiviral and anti-Parkinson drug, chemically known as 1-adamantanamine hydrochloride 2 2.
- It is used to treat influenza A virus infection and parkinsonism.
- The drug has a molecular weight of 187.71 and is freely soluble in water.
From the Research
Definition and Mechanism of Action
- Amantadine is a drug that has been used for various purposes, including the treatment and prophylaxis of influenza infection, drug-induced Parkinsonism, Parkinson's disease, traumatic head injury, dementia, multiple sclerosis, and cocaine withdrawal 3, 4, 5, 6.
- It acts through several pharmacological mechanisms, including dopaminergic, noradrenergic, and serotonergic effects, blocking monoaminoxidase A and NMDA receptors, and raising beta-endorphin/beta-lipotropin levels 3.
Therapeutic Uses
- Amantadine has been shown to be effective in the symptomatic treatment of patients with Parkinson's disease, with a unique combination of dopaminergic and glutamatergic properties 6.
- It is also used to treat levodopa-induced dyskinesias in patients with Parkinson's disease, and has potential to reduce motor fluctuations 6, 7.
- Additionally, amantadine has been used to treat traumatic brain injury, with possible neuroprotective and neuroactivating effects 5.
History and Development
- Amantadine was originally introduced as an antiviral medication, but its use in treating Parkinson's disease was discovered serendipitously over 50 years ago 4, 7.
- It has since become a commonly used drug in the treatment of Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders, with ongoing research into its efficacy and potential new uses 6, 7.