DRUG TITLE

Symmetrel (Amantadine)

APPLICATION

Symmetrel is an antiviral drug. It blocks the action of the virus in the body.

Symmetrel is used to treat and prevent influenza A (viral infection). There may be some types of seasonal influenza in which Symmetrel is not recommended, because some strains of influenza may be resistant to this drug.

Symmetrel is also used to treat Parkinson's disease and disease symptoms such as seizures, which may be caused by the use of certain drugs.

Symmetrel can also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

MODE OF APPLICATION

Take the medication prescribed by a doctor. Do not take medication in larger amounts, or for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions on the label.

Take this medicine with a full glass of water.
Measure the dose of the drug in a liquid form of a special measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a measuring device, ask your pharmacist.

If you are taking Symmetrel to treat influenza, start taking the drug for 24 and 48 hours after the onset of flu symptoms. Continue to take medication during the entire period of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely treated. If you are taking Symmetrel for Parkinson's disease, do not stop taking medication without first talking to your doctor. If you stop taking Symmetrel sharply, your condition may worsen. Packaging Symmetrel store at room temperature in a dry and warm place.

THE MECHANISM OF ACTION

Symmetrel is indicated generally as amantadine hydrochloride and chemically as 1-adamantanamine hydrochloride.

MISSED DOSE

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If this occurred while taking your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine the next time a regular basis. Do not take a double dose.

STORAGE

Store this medication at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from heat and light.

PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES

Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances, if you have a history of heart problems (eg, congestive heart failure), swelling of your hands or feet, mental or mood problems, suicidal thoughts or actions, seizures, glaucoma, low blood pressure, dizziness when you stand or sit up, an eczema–like rash, or kidney or liver problems.

may cause drowsiness. These effects get aggravated if you take it with alcohol or certain other medications (sleep aids, muscle relaxers). So, do not drive or perform other potentially hazardous tasks until you know how your body reacts to the drug.

You must not take if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or if you have uncontrolled narrow–angle glaucoma.

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using Symmertel and contact your doctor immediately.

It is unknown whether Symmertel is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.

Certain drugs can interact with Symmertel and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking.

Symmertel can cause a potentially fatal syndrome called the Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) which has symptoms like fever, stiff muscles, confusion, abnormal thinking, fast or irregular heartbeat, and sweating.

Do not become overheated in hot weather or while you are being active, heatstroke may occur. Symmetrel only works against certain types of the flu, it does not treat other viral infections (eg, the common cold). If you are taking Symmetrel for Parkinson disease, increase physical activity slowly as your symptoms improve.

Symmertel must be used with extreme caution in children as the safety and effectiveness of the drug have not been confirmed yet.

It has been noted that elderly patients are more sensitive to the side effects of the drug. They might need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring throughout the treatment.

SIDE EFFECTS

Need to get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
• swelling, rapid weight gain;
• feelings of depression, anxiety, or aggression;
• Changes in behavior, hallucinations, thoughts of hurting yourself;
• urinating less than usual or not at all;
• fever, muscle tension, confusion, sweating, fast or irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, feeling faint approaching;
• restless movement of muscles of the eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck
• tremor

Less serious side effects may include:

• dizziness, drowsiness, headache;
• trouble sleeping (insomnia), strange dreams;
• nervousness
• nausea, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite;
• dry mouth and nose
• loss of balance or coordination.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Do not use a live vaccine, at a time while you are being treated with Symmetrel and for at least 48 hours after discontinuation of Symmetrel. The vaccine may not be as effective if you get it in while you are taking Symmetrel. Before taking Symmetrel, tell your doctor if you have received influenza vaccine during the past 14 days. Symmetrel can cause side effects that can lead to poor vision, thinking or reactions.

Avoid sudden standing up, you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steadily I, to prevent falling. Avoid alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of Symmetrel.

Avoid taking diet pills, tablets of caffeine and other stimulants (such as ADHD medications) without consulting your doctor. Acceptance of stimulants with Symmetrel can increase the risk of unpleasant side effects.