Amantadine Hydrochloride

Generic Name

Amantadine Hydrochloride

Other Names

• Symmetrel

Drug Class

• Antiviral
• Antiparkinsonian

Chemical Formula

C10H17N.HCl

Molecular Weight

187.71 g/mol

Mechanism of Action

• Blocks viral penetration and uncoating
• Increases dopamine release

Indications

• Influenza A treatment
• Parkinson's disease

Common Dosage Forms

• Capsule
• Oral solution

Typical Dosage

• 100 mg - 200 mg per day in divided doses

Pediatric Dosage

• Not established

Geriatric Dosage

• Adjust dosage based on renal function

Side Effects

• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Insomnia
• Livedo reticularis

Contraindications

• Seizure disorders
• History of drug sensitivity

Pregnancy Category

• C - Risk cannot be ruled out

Lactation Safety

• Limited data available. Use with caution

Drug Interactions

• Anticholinergic drugs
• Quinidine
• Dopamine agonists

Overdose Symptoms

• Hallucinations
• Excitement
• Tremor

Antidote for Overdose

• No specific antidote. Supportive care

Storage Conditions

• Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat

Pharmacokinetics

• Absorption: Well absorbed orally
• Distribution: Crosses blood-brain barrier
• Metabolism: Mainly excreted unchanged in urine
• Excretion: Renal excretion

Precautions

• Renal impairment
• History of heart failure

Warnings

• May lower seizure threshold

Others

• Avoid abrupt discontinuation in Parkinson's disease