Amantadine Hcl

Before taking amantadine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to rimantadine; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: glaucoma, swelling of arms/legs (peripheral edema), heart problems (such as heart failure), blood pressure problems (such as dizziness when standing), kidney disease, liver disease, mental/mood conditions (such as depression, psychosis), seizures, a certain skin condition (eczematoid dermatitis).

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or blur your vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). See also Side Effects section.

If you are taking this medication for Parkinson's disease, be careful not to overdo physical activity as your condition improves because this may increase your risk of falls. Consult your doctor about a plan to gradually increase your physical activity as symptoms improve.

Older adults may be at a greater risk for side effects while taking this drug.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This drug passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult with your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Amantadine may interfere with the effect of certain vaccines, such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose. However, you may get a flu shot (flu vaccine given by injection) if recommended by your doctor.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include fast/irregular heartbeats, severe drowsiness, shortness of breath, change in the amount of urine, mental/mood changes (such as anxiety, aggression, confusion, hallucinations), seizures.

Do not share this product with others.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice daily. If you are taking this medication twice a day and have trouble sleeping after taking it, take the second dose several hours before bedtime.

If you are using the liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Children's dosage is also based on weight. Do not take more than prescribed by your doctor.

This medication works best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Take this medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night.

If you are taking amantadine for a viral infection, begin taking it as soon as possible. Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection.

In Parkinson's disease, the effects of the medication may not be noticed for several weeks. Do not suddenly stop taking the medication because symptoms or side effects may worsen. Your doctor may want to reduce your dose gradually. This medication may not work as well after it has been taken for several months. Tell your doctor if this medication stops working well.