What is Symmetrel/Amantadine used for?

This medicine is used to prevent and treat influenza A in adults and children over 1 year of age. It is also used to treat Parkinson's disease and other muscle disorders (drug induced extra-pyrimidal effects) caused by certain medications.

If you have any questions about your medicine, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider. This medicine is only to be used by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not give it to others. This information is advisory only. It does not contain all information about this medicine. If you have any questions about your medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

How should Symmetrel/Amantadine be stored?

Store at room temperature (59 to 86 degrees F) in a tight fitting container. Protect from moisture, heat and direct light.

General drug information:

When should Symmetrel/Amantadine not be taken?

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine

What precautions should I follow when taking Symmetrel/Amantadine?

Before using this medicine, tell your health care provider about any of the following: if your baby is taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine if your baby has any other medical condition

What special warning(s) should I be aware of when taking Symmetrel/Amantadine?

Patients with a history of epilepsy or other seizures should be observed closely for possible increased seizure activity while being treated with this medicine. Treatment with this medicine should be done under strict supervision of a health care provider. Patients being treated for Parkinson's disease have shown suicidal tendencies while being treated with this medicine.

What are the side effects of Symmetrel/Amantadine?

Most severe:  Swelling of the hands or feet; convulsions; hallucinations; shortness of breath; severe allergic reaction (giant hives; rash; difficulty breathing; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue).

Most common:  Nausea; dizziness; lightheadedness; sleeplessness; depression; anxiety; irritability; headache; confusion; appetite loss; dry mouth; constipation; clumsiness.

Other:  Urinary retention; difficulty breathing; tiredness; rash; vomiting; weakness; slurred speech; vision problems. Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine. Abrupt withdrawal of this medicine may cause agitation, hallucinations, paranoia, anxiety, depression, or unconsciousness.

How should I take Symmetrel/Amantadine?

How much medicine you take and how often you take it depends on many factors, including the condition being treated and the age and weight of the patient. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of the medicine you are taking, talk with your health care provider. Carefully read and follow the patient leaflet provided with this medicine and reread it each time you get your prescription refilled. Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your health care provider. Contact your doctor at once if you think you have taken too much of this medicine. This medication should be taken as soon as possible after known exposure to influenza, preferably within 24 to 48 hours after symptoms of the flu occur. This medicine should be taken for at least 10 days from the start of influenza symptoms. Contact your doctor if fever, muscle rigidity, involuntary movements, moods or mental changes, rapid pulse, or shortness of breath occurs. Parkinson's disease patients should gradually increase physical activity as symptoms improve. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a potentially fatal syndrome that has been associated with this medicine. Contact your health care provider at once if any of the following occur: Fever; rigid muscles; irregular pulse or blood pressure; rapid heartbeat; excessive sweating; irregular heart rhythms; lack of response to surroundings or environment. Contact your doctor if mood/mental changes, swelling of the hands or feet, difficulty urinating, or shortness of breath occurs. Dizziness or lightheadedness may occur if you stand up too fast from a sitting or lying position. If this occurs, get up slowly and avoid sudden changes in posture. This medicine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. Use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness, coordination, or physical dexterity. Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine. Lab tests may be required to monitor therapy. Be sure to keep appointments. Do not stop taking this medication without checking with your doctor. Do not take more medication than prescribed unless advised to do so by your doctor or health care provider. Patients with previous medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking this medication. Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications without talking with your doctor. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed, restart medication and advise your doctor or pharmacist.