Amantadine Hydrochloride capsule

What is this medicine?

AMANTADINE is an antiviral. It is used to prevent and to treat a specific type of flu called influenza A. It will not work for colds, other types of flu, or other viral infections. This medicine is also used to treat Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• glaucoma
• depression or other mental illness
• eczema
• heart failure or circulation problems
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• seizures
• an unusual or allergic reaction to amantadine, rimantadine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think your are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the useof this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 1 year old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

• alcohol
• bupropion
• quinidine
• quinine
• some diuretics
• some flu vaccines
• some medicines for cold or allergies
• stimulants
• sulfamethoxazole; trimethoprim
• thioridazine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

If you are taking this medicine for Parkinson's disease or a movement disorder, be careful. Slowly increase your daily activities as your condition improves. Do not suddenly stop taking your medicine because you may develop a severe reaction.

You may get dry mouth or eyes, or blurry vision while taking this medicine. Try sugarless gum or hard candy, and drink 6 to 8 glasses of water daily. Brush and floss your teeth regularly and carefully to avoid teeth and gum problems. You may want to wet your eyes with lubricating eye drops. Talk to your doctor if these symptoms become a problem.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• breathing problems
• changes in vision
• depression, mood changes
• difficulty passing urine
• feeling faint or lightheaded
• fever
• hallucinations
• irregular, fast heartbeat
• mouth sores
• seizures
• swelling of the hands or feet
• unusual stiffness, tremors

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• anxiety, irritable, nervous
• constipation or diarrhea
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• trouble sleeping
• unusually tired

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.