Amantadine hcl for Parkinson's disease - Drug Information

Generic Name - Amantadine

Category - Anti-Parkinson, Anti-Virals

Indications

Parkinson's disease, Flu
Amantadine hcl is indicated for the prevention and treatment offlu. Parkinson's disease is characterized by tremors or shaking of the limbs in an uncontrolled fashion. While the mechanism and action of Amantadine in the treatment of Parkinson's syndrome is not known, is believed to release brain dopamine from nerve endings making it more available to activate doparminergic receptors.

Amantadine hcl Contraindications and Drug Interactions

Amantadine hcl is contraindicated in patients, who are hypersensitive to this drug, medications that belong to this class of drugs or had an allergic reaction to it in the past.
Amantadine hcl should not be taken by patients who have history of the following ailment conditions

Seizures
Liver disease
Eczematoid rash
Psychosos
Renal disease
Lactation

There are a number of medications that interact with Amantadine. It is important to take the doctor's counsel if you are taking any of the following

Astemizole
Terfenadine
Triameterene
Hydrochlorothiazide

Amantadine hcl Dosage

The following information just highlights the general average dosage of Amantadine Hcl
The initial dose of Amantadine Hcl for Parkinson's is 100 mg daily for patients with serious associated medical illnesses or who are receiving high doses of other anti Parkinson drugs. After one to several weeks at 100 mg once daily, the dose may be increased to 100 mg twice daily, if necessary.

Amantadine hcl Adverse Effects

Some of the most serious Amantadine Hcl side Effects include unusual tiredness, changes in vision, depression or thoughts of suicide, difficulty passing urine, fainting spells or lightheadedness, hallucinations, movement difficulties and seizures (convulsions).

This is not a complete list of all Side effects. Do concur with your doctor and follow his directions completely when you are taking Amantadine Hcl.

Amantadine hcl and Pregnancy

Though animal studies indicate birth defects, no studies have been done in human to measure the safety and effectiveness of Amantadine hcl.

Amantadine hcl and Breastfeeding

Amantadine passes into human milk and should not be taken while breastfeeding.

Amantadine hcl and Pediatric

The safety and effectiveness of Amantadine hcl in pediatric patients have not been established.

Amantadine hcl and Geriatric

Patiens of age 60 and above are found to be more sensitive to amantadine hcl and are more likely to experience adverse side effects. Usually, older patients are given smaller doses of Amaltadine.

Note

The above information about Amantadine HCl serves as an information resource only and is not intended to substitute professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis and treatment.Always seek the counsel of your doctor, physician or pharmacist before starting any new treatment or making changes to existing therapy.