Amantadine Hydrochloride

Welcome to Dwaey, specifically on Amantadine Hydrochloride page.
This medicine contains important and useful components, as it consists of
Amantadine Hydrochloride is available in the market in concentration.

Generic Name of Amantadine Hydrochloride - Learn More

Amantadine Hydrochloride

Amantadine Hydrochloride Precaution - What You Need to Know

Amantadine hydrochloride requires caution when used in certain populations and clinical situations. It is commonly used for Parkinson's disease and influenza A prevention and treatment, but it may not be appropriate for all patients:
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Amantadine is classified as Category C during pregnancy, meaning that while there is limited evidence of harm, it should only be used if the potential benefits justify the risks. It is excreted into breast milk, and caution is advised when used by breastfeeding women.
- Renal Impairment: Amantadine is primarily excreted through the kidneys, and dosage adjustments are necessary in patients with renal impairment. In severe renal dysfunction, amantadine can accumulate, leading to toxic side effects, such as hallucinations, confusion, or seizures. Monitoring of renal function is crucial.
- Psychiatric and Neurological History: Caution is advised in patients with a history of psychosis, seizures, or congestive heart failure, as amantadine can exacerbate these conditions, particularly at higher doses.
- Orthostatic Hypotension: Amantadine may cause orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure upon standing), especially in elderly patients, increasing the risk of falls. Blood pressure should be monitored regularly.
- Misuse Potential: There is some potential for misuse of amantadine, particularly in individuals with a history of substance abuse, as it can produce euphoric or sedative effects at higher doses.

Monitoring Parameters:
- Renal Function: Patients should have their renal function monitored regularly to adjust dosing in cases of renal impairment.
- Psychiatric Symptoms: Assess for signs of psychiatric effects, such as hallucinations, confusion, or agitation, especially in elderly patients or those with a history of mental health disorders.
- Cardiovascular Function: Monitor for orthostatic hypotension and other cardiovascular effects during treatment, particularly in elderly individuals.
- Adverse Effects: Monitor for side effects such as dizziness, dry mouth, and constipation, especially during long-term use.

Amantadine Hydrochloride Indication - Uses and Benefits

Amantadine hydrochloride is approved for several medical conditions:
- Parkinson's Disease: It is used to treat Parkinson’s disease symptoms, particularly motor symptoms like rigidity, bradykinesia, and tremors. Amantadine acts as a dopamine agonist and may also have anticholinergic effects, which help alleviate these symptoms. It is often used as adjunct therapy with other Parkinson's medications such as levodopa.
- Influenza A: It is used for prophylaxis and treatment of influenza A infection. Amantadine works by inhibiting the M2 ion channel protein of the influenza virus, preventing viral replication.
- Off-label Uses: Amantadine is sometimes used off-label to treat drug-induced dyskinesia (involuntary movements) in patients with Parkinson's disease or those taking certain antipsychotic medications. It has also been explored for use in treating multiple sclerosis symptoms, particularly fatigue, although this is not widely recommended.

Amantadine Hydrochloride Contraindications - Important Warnings

Amantadine is contraindicated in several conditions:
- Hypersensitivity: It should not be used in individuals with a known hypersensitivity to amantadine or any of its components, as severe allergic reactions can occur.
- End-Stage Renal Disease: Amantadine is contraindicated in patients with end-stage renal disease or severe renal impairment, as accumulation of the drug can lead to toxic side effects, including seizures and hallucinations.
- History of Psychosis: It is not recommended for individuals with a history of psychotic disorders, as amantadine may exacerbate symptoms like delirium or hallucinations.
- Pregnancy: As mentioned, it is a Category C drug, and it should not be used during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary, as there is insufficient evidence to support its safety.

Amantadine Hydrochloride Side Effects - What to Expect

The side effects of amantadine can vary based on the dosage and individual patient factors. Common side effects include:
- CNS-related Effects: The most frequent side effects are dizziness, confusion, insomnia, and hallucinations. These are especially common in elderly patients and those with existing psychiatric conditions.
- Gastrointestinal Effects: Nausea, vomiting, and dry mouth are common, especially at the start of treatment. These side effects are typically mild but can interfere with the patient’s ability to tolerate the medication.
- Cardiovascular Effects: Orthostatic hypotension, or a drop in blood pressure when standing up, is a well-known side effect. It can lead to fainting or dizziness, especially in elderly patients.
- Skin: Rashes, swelling, and leg edema are possible, though rare.
- Serious Side Effects: Although rare, severe psychiatric symptoms like agitation, paranoia, or seizures can occur, particularly in high doses or patients with pre-existing mental health disorders.
- Long-term use: Chronic use can lead to movement disorders, particularly in patients with Parkinson's disease, such as dyskinesia (uncontrolled movements).

Amantadine Hydrochloride Pregnancy Category ID - Safety Information

3

Amantadine Hydrochloride Mode of Action - How It Works

Amantadine hydrochloride works through several mechanisms:
- Dopamine Agonism: It increases the release of dopamine and inhibits its reuptake in the brain, especially in the striatum and basal ganglia, which helps in treating the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease. This action helps improve motor control, reduce rigidity, and alleviate tremors.
- NMDA Antagonism: Amantadine also has NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptor antagonistic properties, which help to reduce the symptoms of drug-induced dyskinesia. By blocking glutamate activity, it can help prevent excessive neuronal firing.
- Antiviral Action: In influenza, amantadine inhibits the M2 ion channel of the influenza A virus, preventing the virus from uncoating and replicating within host cells. This reduces the severity and duration of symptoms if administered early during the infection.

Amantadine Hydrochloride Drug Interactions - What to Avoid

Amantadine interacts with several other drugs:
- Anticholinergic Drugs: Amantadine has anticholinergic properties, and combining it with other anticholinergic medications (e.g., antihistamines, tricyclic antidepressants) can enhance these effects, increasing the risk of side effects like dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, and urinary retention.
- CNS Depressants: Concurrent use with central nervous system depressants (e.g., benzodiazepines, alcohol) can increase sedative effects and impair coordination, increasing the risk of falls or accidents.
- Antihypertensive Medications: Amantadine may reduce the effectiveness of certain antihypertensive drugs, especially those that act on the sympathetic nervous system, such as beta-blockers and alpha-blockers, due to its dopamine agonist effects.
- Loop Diuretics: Amantadine’s renal excretion may be affected by diuretics, such as furosemide, which can result in increased levels of amantadine in the bloodstream, increasing the risk of side effects.

Amantadine Hydrochloride Adult Dose - Recommended Dosage

- For Parkinson's Disease:
- Initial Dose: Typically 100 mg once daily.
- Titration: The dose may be increased gradually by 100 mg per day at weekly intervals, depending on patient response and tolerance. The maximum recommended dose is usually 400 mg per day.
- It can be taken once daily or divided into two doses.
- For Influenza A:
- Treatment: Typically 200 mg daily for 5 days, taken as a single dose or divided doses.
- Prevention: 100 mg daily during the flu season.

Amantadine Hydrochloride Child Dose - Dosage for Children

Amantadine is not typically recommended for children under 1 year of age for any indication, due to concerns regarding safety and efficacy. In children over 1 year, dosing is often weight-based:
- For Parkinson’s Disease and Dyskinesia: Dosing is individualized and should be managed by a healthcare provider, with careful monitoring for side effects.
- For Influenza A:
- Children aged 1-9 years: 2-4 mg/kg/day in divided doses.
- Children aged 10 years and older: The adult dose can be used, with adjustments based on renal function.

Amantadine Hydrochloride Renal Dose - Dosage for Kidney Conditions

- Renal impairment: In patients with mild to moderate renal impairment, the usual starting dose should be reduced, and renal function should be monitored closely.
- Creatinine clearance (CrCl) 30-50 mL/min: Initial dose of 100 mg daily.
- CrCl < 30 mL/min: Initial dose of 100 mg every other day.
- Hemodialysis: The dose may need to be reduced further, and patients should be closely monitored for adverse effects due to slower clearance.