Amantadine (Systemic)

Brand Names : Symmetrel, Endantadine, Gen-Amantadine

Category

• Antidyskinetic
• Antifatigue, specifically in multiple sclerosis
• Antiviral, systemic

Description

Amantadine (a-MAN-ta-deen) is an antiviral. It is used to prevent or treat certain influenza (flu) infections (type A). It may be given alone or along with flu shots. Amantadine will not work for colds, other types of flu, or other virus infections.

Amantadine also is an antidyskinetic. It is used to treat Parkinson's disease, sometimes called paralysis agitans or shaking palsy. It may be given alone or with other medicines for Parkinson's disease. By improving muscle control and reducing stiffness, this medicine allows more normal movements of the body as the disease symptoms are reduced. Amantadine is also used to treat stiffness and shaking caused by certain medicines used to treat nervous, mental, and emotional conditions.

Amantadine may be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Amantadine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms:

Oral
• Capsules (U.S. and Canada)
• Syrup (U.S. and Canada)
• Tablets (U.S.)

Brand Names

Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S. -

• Symmetrel

In Canada -

• Endantadine
• Gen-Amantadine
• Symmetrel

Generic name product may be available in the U.S. and Canada.