Amantadine HCL

Amantadine HCL is in a class of medicines called antivirals. This is an FDA-approved prescription that controls movement problems and works against the influenza-A virus. This medicine comes as 100 mg tablets.

What condition does Amantadine HCL treat?

Amantadine HCL is an oral medication used for the treatment of:

• Parkinson’s disease
• Herpes zoster (pain that is associated with shingles)
• Influenza-A or flu

This medication appears to have several actions on how it controls some of the symptoms of these diseases, especially in Parkinson’s disease.

How does Amantadine HCL work?

Amantadine HCL increases the activity of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that includes spreading messages between nerve cells. It is known to be decreased in the brains of people with Parkinson’s disease and is thought to be the main cause of certain symptoms of the disease. By increasing the release of dopamine in the brain, this medication replaces some dopamine which lessens the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Also, Amantadine HCL has a mild anticholinergic effect that prevents the activity of acetylcholine. The activity of dopamine and acetylcholine is normally balanced in the brain but in people with Parkinson’s disease, the lack of dopamine causes overactivity of acetylcholine. By lessening the activity of acetylcholine, this medication helps restore the balance of acetylcholine and dopamine in the brain. Also, it helps decrease some of the symptoms of the disease.

This medication also affects glutamate which acts as a natural nerve-exciting agent. Overactivity of glutamate is also thought to play a role in causing symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Amantadine HCL blocks the receptors in the brain that glutamate typically acts on.

What is the dosage of Amantadine HCL?

The dose of this medication depends on the condition being treated, what other medicines you are taking, the severity of your symptoms, and your kidney function. It is important to follow carefully the instructions given by your doctor. Each dose of this medicine can be taken either with or without food.

In Parkinson’s disease, for adults aged 18 to 64 years:

• The usual starting dosage is 100 mg, twice a day.
• Some people may need to start 100 mg taken once a day if they are taking other medications with high doses for the disease.
• The maximum dose is 200 mg taken twice each day.

For shingles:

• This medication is usually taken twice per day for 14 days.
• It can be continued for another 14 days if you are still having pain.

For Influenza-A:

• In adults aged 18 to 64 years, the usual dosage is 200 mg, once a day or 100 mg taken twice a day.
• In children aged 9 to 12 years, the usual is 200 mg once a day or 100 mg twice a day.
• In children ages 1 to 8 years, the recommended dosage will depend on their weight. The dose should not exceed 150 mg each day.

What are the precautions in using Amantadine HCL?

• Amantadine HCL is not recommended for use if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Let your doctor or pharmacist if you have experienced such an allergy before. If you feel you have an allergic reaction before, stop using this medication and tell your doctor or pharmacist right away.
• If you are taking Amantadine HCL for Parkinson’s disease, you must not suddenly stop taking it unless it is directed by your doctor. Stopping this medication suddenly might worsen the symptoms of the disease. If you are taking antipsychotic medicines, this should also not be stopped suddenly. This can increase the risk of side effects from antipsychotic medication. If treatment needs to be stopped it must be done slowly and with the guidance of your doctor.
• Amantadine HCL might make you feel dizzy and might you’re your vision. It can affect your ability to do risky activities safely. You must take extra carefulness when operating machinery or driving until you know how this medication will affect you.

Use with medicine caution in:

• Elderly people
• People with underlying psychiatric disorders such as hallucinations, schizophrenia, dementia, or confusion
• People with a history of disease involving the heart and blood vessels
• People with kidney or liver disorders

This medicine should not be used in:

• People with severe kidney disease
• People with a history of stomach ulcers
• People who suffer from fits
• Untreated closed-angle glaucoma
• Breastfeeding
• Pregnancy