Adamantan prescribing information |
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Adamantan description
Description:
Amantadine (a-MAN-ta-deen) is an antiviral. It is used to prevent or treat certain influenza (flu) infections (type A). Adamantan (Generic name- Amatandine) is an artificial anti viral drug initially used as a preventive cure for influenza. It is effective in preventing the viral infection only if taken before the onset of the infection. In later years it was discovered that adamantan was effective in improving the symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease.
Adamant can also be used in the treatment of other emotional, nervous or mental illnesses.
About the Drug
The mechanism of action of adamantan is yet to be precisely understood; it is thought to be attributable to the ability of the drug to boost the activity of dopamine since Parkinson’s disease causes a decrease in the effect of the neurotransmitter (dopamine) in the brain. In other words it improves voluntary muscle control leading to more controlled bodily movement. Adamantan can also be used to treat symptomatic involuntary muscle movement that may occur as a result of taking other medicines used in the treatment of emotional, nervous or mental illnesses. Your doctor may also prescribe adamantan for other conditions.
How to Take
Note that adamantan works as a preventative cure only and must be taken a day or two before the onset of the virus. It can be taken alone as well as with other flu injections. When taken with Levodopa the effectiveness of both drugs is improved due to the combination. The drug is available to be taken orally in syrup, tablets or capsules forms. For Children, pregnant women, breast feeding mothers and people who may be allergic to the active or inactive ingredients of the drug, this drug should only be recommended if the benefits outweigh the likely adverse effect.
Requirements of patients vary and since the drug may be used for various purposes, contact your doctor for appropriate daily dose. The medicine should be taken exactly as prescribed and for the duration recommended as early discontinuation could lead to a return of symptoms.
Overdose
Once you suspect that you might have taken an overdose consult a medical staff as soon as possible.
Possible Side Effects
Less common side effects which are likely to occur when taking adamantan includes; blurred vision, hallucinations, confusion, difficulty urinating and this is more likely in the elderly, swelling of the lower legs, feet and hands and fainting. While rare ones include fevers, convulsions, varied vision, loss of coordination, irritated and swollen eye, slurred speech, suicidal thoughts or attempts, unexplained short breath, severe mood swing and skin rash. Your doctors will inform your what symptoms to expect and should certain symptoms persist seek medical advice.
Drug Interactions
Before commencing any treatment with adamantan, ensure you inform your medical staff of any medication you are already taking as certain medicines such as Appetite suppressants, caffeine, cocaine, asthma medicines and medicines for colds or breathing problems may make side effects more likely to occur. Furthermore make sure to inform your doctor of all other medical problems before taking adamantan as these may also result in unwanted adverse effects.
Pregnant and Nursing mothers
Although extensive studies have not been carried out on pregnant humans, a reported case indicates possibilities of birth deformities as a result of taking the drug during pregnancy. The drug could also get into the breast milk while breastfeeding. Therefore inform your doctor if you are planning a baby or are breastfeeding before taking adamantan.
Storage
The capsule form of this medicine should not be stored in damp environment as heat and/or moisture may degrade the medicine. Do not freeze the liquid form and safely discard any unneeded medicine. Keep out of reach of children.
Adamantan notes:
Amantadine is an anti-viral drug that is made synthetically and have been proven to prevent the multiplication of viruses in the cells. The drug amantadine ought to be prescribed even before viral exposure so as to inhibit viral infection in the body. Known by the product brand names Viregyt and Symmetrel, the beneficiary effects of amantadine for various viral diseases are popularly recognized today. Due to the antiviral property of amantadine, this drug is prescribed for treating certain influenza (flu) infections (type A), but not for colds.
Since amantadine is also an antidyskinetic drug, it is also prescribed for treating Parkinson's disease or shaking palsy. It is also prescribed in combination with other drugs. This drug is highly effective for improving muscle control and lowering stiffness, thereby promoting normal muscular movements of the body, while reducing the symptoms of the Parkinson's disease. Amantadine can also help to cure stiffness and shaking, thereby reducing conditions of mental, emotional and nervous disorders.
There are certain probable side effects that can occur as a result of consuming amantadine in some. The amantadine side effects are divided into less commonly occurring, more commonly occurring, and rare side effects. Some less commonly occurring amantadine side effects include Blurred vision, difficult urination, fainting, swelling of hands, feet, or lower legs, hallucinations etc, while some rare side effects include convulsions, chills, fever, sore throat, eye swelling, irritation, high blood pressure, skin rashes, shortness of breath, mental depression, loss of memory etc. The more common and important side effects of amantadine that has to be noted are difficulty in concentrating anxiety, Agitation, nervousness, dizziness, loss of appetite, headache, irritability, nausea, , skin blotches, sleeplessness or nightmares etc. So take the medicine only under prescription.
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