Amantadine

It is chemically unique (a tricycline amine) and unrelated to any nucleic acid precursor. It inhibits replication of influenza virus (a myxovirus) at an early stage of the process (probably uncoating of viral nucleic acid).

Indications

Prophylaxis and treatment of influenza A. Parkinsonism.

Dosage

Adults: 100 mg 12 hrly for 5-7 days. Children: 5 mg/kg body wt daily.

Contra-Indications

Epilepsy and other C.N.S disease, gastric ulcer.

Special Precautions

Earlier the drug is started, the better.

Side Effects

Insomnia, dizziness, lack of mental concentration, hallucinations, postural hypotension, ankle edema due to local vasoconstriction.

Drug Interactions

Enhances the adverse effects of antimuscarinic agents and levodopa. Thioridazine increases the tremors in Parkinsonium. Enhance effects of benzhexol, orphenedrine. Triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide increases the plasma amantadine levels.