Amantadine

Common Use

Amantadine is a versatile medication with two main uses: it works as an antiviral and as an antiparkinsonian agent. In simple terms, it helps the body in two different ways depending on what it is treating.

For Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders: Amantadine is used to treat Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological condition where the brain produces less dopamine, leading to symptoms such as tremors (shaking), stiffness (rigidity), and difficulty with movement (bradykinesia). It works by influencing dopamine activity in the brain, helping to reduce these symptoms. It is also used to treat drug-induced extrapyramidal symptoms—these are movement problems (such as involuntary muscle movements, restlessness, or muscle stiffness) that can sometimes occur as a side effect of certain psychiatric medications.

As an antiviral: Amantadine is also used to treat and prevent infections caused by influenza A (a specific strain of the flu virus). It works by interfering with the virus’s ability to replicate (multiply) inside the body. It is mainly used for prophylaxis (prevention) and early treatment of certain flu strains, though its use has declined in recent years due to the development of resistance in some flu viruses.

Dosage and Direction

The usual adult dose of amantadine ranges from 100 mg to 200 mg per day, depending on the condition being treated. It is typically taken once or twice daily, with or without food. Swallow the tablet or capsule whole with water, and try to take it at the same time each day to help maintain steady levels in your system.

Dosage adjustments may be necessary for:

Elderly patients – as they may be more sensitive to the effects

Patients with kidney impairment – because the medication is cleared from the body by the kidneys

Always follow your doctor’s dosing instructions carefully.

Precautions

Before starting amantadine, be sure to tell your doctor if you have:

Kidney disease

Seizure disorders (epilepsy)

Heart failure

Low blood pressure (hypotension)

A history of mental health issues (such as depression, psychosis, or confusion)

Amantadine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. For this reason, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medication affects you. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to central nervous system (CNS) effects such as confusion, hallucinations, or agitation. Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without consulting your doctor, as this may cause withdrawal symptoms or a sudden worsening of your condition.

Contraindications

Amantadine is contraindicated—meaning you should not take it—in the following situations:

If you have a known hypersensitivity (allergy) to amantadine or any of its ingredients

If you have untreated angle-closure glaucoma (a condition where pressure builds up in the eye)

It should be used with caution in patients with severe renal impairment (kidney problems), unless the dose is properly adjusted. It is not typically recommended for children unless specifically prescribed by a doctor.

Possible Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

Nausea

Dry mouth

Dizziness

Insomnia (trouble sleeping)

Loss of appetite

Swelling in the legs or ankles (edema)

Livedo reticularis – a lacy, purplish mottling of the skin, usually on the legs

Nervousness or anxiety

Serious side effects (rare) may include:

Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there)

Confusion or disorientation

Orthostatic hypotension – a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up, causing dizziness or fainting

Report any unusual mood changes, visual disturbances, or difficulty urinating to your doctor immediately.

Drug Interactions

Amantadine may interact with several other medications:

Anticholinergic drugs (used for Parkinson’s disease, bladder conditions, or allergies) – combining them may increase side effects such as confusion or dry mouth

CNS stimulants – may increase nervousness or agitation

Diuretics (water pills) – can affect how amantadine is cleared from the body

Levodopa and other Parkinson’s medications – amantadine may enhance their effects

Alcohol and sedatives – can increase drowsiness and dizziness

Caution is also advised when taking amantadine with medications that affect kidney function. Always inform your healthcare provider of all drugs, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember—unless it is close to the time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. Missing doses may reduce the effectiveness of the treatment, so try to stay consistent.

Overdose

An overdose of amantadine can cause serious symptoms, including:

Hallucinations

Irregular heartbeat

Agitation or confusion

Seizures

Coma

If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention. There is no specific antidote for amantadine overdose; treatment typically involves supportive care and monitoring in a hospital setting.

Storage

Store amantadine at room temperature between 20°C and 25°C (68°F to 77°F), away from light and moisture. Keep the container tightly closed and out of reach of children. Do not use expired medication. Ask your pharmacist how to properly dispose of unused or expired medicine.

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications, which does not cover all directions, possible drug interactions, or precautions. Information on this site cannot be used for self-treatment or self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed upon with your healthcare adviser or the doctor in charge of your case. We disclaim reliability of this information and any mistakes it may contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special, or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site, nor for the consequences of self-treatment.

About Our Service Cydoctors.com is an online pharmacy based right here in Cyprus. We know that whether you’re managing Parkinson’s disease, dealing with medication-related movement issues, or needing antiviral treatment, having reliable access to your medication is essential—so we’ve made our service straightforward, dependable, and built with your convenience in mind. Because we’re local to the island, we can arrange delivery in the shortest possible time. For our customers in Nicosia, Limassol, and Larnaca, we’re pleased to offer overnight delivery, so your amantadine can be with you by the next day, helping you stay steady, focused, and on track with your treatment.