The FDA approved amantadine hydrochloride for medical use on 24/08/2017 to treat uncontrolled, involuntary muscle movements in Parkinson's patients.

• To treat symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, such as muscle stiffness, tremors, and slow movement

• To improve movement control and coordination

• To help reduce difficulty in daily activities like walking, dressing, or writing

• To support better quality of life in patients with movement disorders

Amantadine hydrochloride is administered orally and is available in capsule, tablet, and oral solution formulations. It is typically taken once or twice daily, depending on the clinical indication and patient-specific factors, and may be taken with or without food, although taking it with food can help minimize gastrointestinal upset. Doses are generally scheduled earlier in the day to reduce the risk of insomnia. Because amantadine is primarily eliminated by the kidneys, dose adjustment is required in patients with renal impairment, and abrupt discontinuation should be avoided, with gradual tapering recommended when stopping therapy.

Side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Even though all medicines cause side effects, not everyone gets them.

Serious

• Convulsions (fits)

• Fainting

Common

• Swollen ankles

• Red blotchy spots on the skin

• Depression and confusion

• Difficulty sleeping

• Nightmares and feeling nervous

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Difficulty in controlling movements

• Slurred speech

• Fast or irregular heartbeat

• Low blood pressure when standing up. constipation

• Sweating

• Dry mouth

• Do not take amantadine if you are allergic to amantadine hydrochloride or any of its components.

• Avoid use if you have lactose intolerance, epilepsy (seizures), peptic ulcers, or severe kidney disease.

• Amantadine is not recommended during pregnancy, when planning pregnancy, or while breastfeeding unless clearly advised by a doctor.

• Consult your doctor before use if you have liver or kidney problems, heart disease, mental health disorders (such as schizophrenia), or glaucoma.

• Always inform your doctor about your complete medical history and all medications you are taking before starting amantadine treatment.

• Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, as amantadine is not advisable during pregnancy due to potential risk to the baby.

• Avoid amantadine while breastfeeding, as the medicine can pass into breast milk.

• Consult your doctor before taking amantadine if you have lung or liver disease.

• Avoid alcohol during treatment, as it may increase side effects.

• Use caution when driving or operating machinery, as amantadine may cause dizziness or blurred vision

• During treatment with amantadine, you, your family, or your caregiver should watch for unusual urges or cravings that are difficult to control.

• These urges may result in harmful behaviors, such as excessive gambling, eating, spending, or increased sexual thoughts or activities, known as impulse control disorders.

• Inform your doctor immediately if any of these symptoms occur, as your dose may need to be adjusted or the medication discontinued.

• If you experience blurred vision or other visual disturbances, seek prompt evaluation by an eye care professional.

• Some patients may notice that amantadine becomes less effective after several months of regular use; report any reduction in benefit to your doctor.

1. Alliance Pharmaceuticals, Electronic medicines compendium (EMC), [Revised on Jan 2023] [Accessed on 3rd Oct 2023] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/12143/pil
2. Vertical Pharmaceuticals, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), [Revised on Feb 2018] [Accessed on 3rd Oct 2023] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/209410s000lbl.pdf
3. Carol Chang et al; Amantadine; National Library of Medicine; Published on April 2023; Accessed on 03/10/2022; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499953/
4. Kd Tripathi, Essentials Of Medical Pharmacology, Drugs Acting On Central Nervous System, 8th Edition, 2019, 459-460
5. Goodman & Gilman's, The Pharmacological Basis Of Therapeutics, Chemotherapy Of Infectious Diseases, 13th Edition, 2018, 1112-1114

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.