What is Amantadine Hcl: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 12, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Amantadine Hcl overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Osmolex ER Dosing Kit, Gocovri, Osmolex ER

Generic Names:

  • Amantadine Hcl

Uses:

  • Treats or prevents the flu (influenza type A). Also treats Parkinson's disease (including dyskinesia) and parkinson-like symptoms caused by certain medicines.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antiparkinsonian, Antiviral

Forms:

  • Tablet, Long Acting Tablet, Capsule, Long Acting Capsule, Liquid Filled Capsule, Liquid

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What form(s) does Amantadine Hcl come in

  • Tablet

  • Long Acting Tablet

  • Capsule

  • Long Acting Capsule

  • Liquid Filled Capsule

  • Liquid

What are common Amantadine Hcl doses?

  • Tablet 100MG

  • Capsule 100MG

  • Bottle 473ML of 50MG/5ML

  • Cup 10ML of 50MG/5ML

Common Amantadine Hcl prescriptions

  • Amantadine HCl
    473ml of 50mg/5ml bottle

  • Amantadine HCl
    100mg capsule

  • Amantadine HCl
    100mg tablet

How to take Amantadine Hcl

  • If you are using this medicine for the flu (influenza type A), keep using it for the full treatment time.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Missed dose: Symmetrel®: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. Gocovri® and Osmolex ER„¢: If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at your usual time. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Extended-release capsule: Take Gocovri® at bedtime. Swallow whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it. You may also open and sprinkle the extended-release capsules on a teaspoonful of soft food, including applesauce. Take all of the medicine right away without chewing.

  • Extended-release tablet: Take Osmolex ER„¢ in the morning. Swallow whole. Do not crush, open, or chew it.

  • Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • Missed dose: Symmetrel®: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. Gocovri® and Osmolex ER„¢: If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at your usual time. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • If you are using this medicine for the flu (influenza type A), keep using it for the full treatment time.

  • Extended-release capsule: Take Gocovri® at bedtime. Swallow whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it. You may also open and sprinkle the extended-release capsules on a teaspoonful of soft food, including applesauce. Take all of the medicine right away without chewing.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Extended-release tablet: Take Osmolex ER„¢ in the morning. Swallow whole. Do not crush, open, or chew it.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

What to do if you miss a dose of Amantadine Hcl

  • Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Oral routeAsk your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Amantadine Hcl contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to amantadine, or if you have severe kidney disease.

Amantadine Hcl warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, narrow-angle glaucoma, heart disease, low blood pressure, swelling or water retention, trouble sleeping, epilepsy, or a history of seizures or mental problems. Tell your doctor if you also have a history of eczema (skin problem) or neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS).

  • This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, or lightheaded. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. Standing up slowly from a sitting or lying position can lessen the chance of getting dizzy or lightheaded.

  • This medicine may increase your risk for melanoma (skin cancer), especially if you are using this medicine for Parkinson's disease. It may also cause unusual changes in behavior, including gambling urges, binge or compulsive eating, or compulsive shopping, or sexual urges.

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Problems with balance or walking.

  • Seizures.

  • Slow or irregular heartbeat.

  • Shortness of breath, cold sweats, and bluish-colored skin.

  • Swelling in the hands, ankles, or feet.

  • Unusual thoughts or behavior, thoughts of hurting yourself.

Amantadine Hcl interactions

  • Some medicines can affect how amantadine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Quinidine, quinine, sodium bicarbonate, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, thioridazineDiet pillsDiuretic (water pill, including carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, triamterene/HCTZ)Medicine to treat stomach problems or diarrheaMedicine to treat urinary problems (incontinence)

  • This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines. Do not use Symmetrel® if you have received the nasal flu vaccine (live attenuated influenza vaccine) in the past 2 weeks or if you will receive the vaccine within 48 hours, unless your doctor says it is okay.

  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

  • If you are using this medicine for Parkinson's disease, it is important that your doctor check your skin regularly for signs of a skin cancer called melanoma. If you notice any unusual red, brown, or black spots on your skin, talk to your doctor right away.

  • Some people who have used this medicine had unusual changes in their behavior. Talk with your doctor right away if you start having problems with gambling or an increased interest in sex while using this medicine.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

Amantadine Hcl side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Swelling in the hands, ankles, or feet

  • Unusual thoughts or behavior, thoughts of hurting yourself.

  • Trouble breathing, cold sweat, bluish-colored skin

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Change in how much or how often you urinate, difficult urination

  • Changes in mood or behavior, thoughts of hurting yourself

  • Chills, cough, sore throat, body aches

  • Compulsive behavior or intense urges you cannot control

  • Fever, sweating, confusion, uneven heartbeat, muscle stiffness

  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting

  • Problems with balance or walking

  • Purplish red, net-like, blotchy spots on the skin

  • Seizures

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Dry mouth

  • Sleepiness or unusual drowsiness

  • Trouble sleeping.

  • Tiredness

  • Nausea, constipation, loss of appetite

  • Tiredness.

  • Blurred vision

  • Problems with sex

  • Trouble sleeping

  • Unusual dreams.