Rimantadine

Generic name: Rimantadine
Brand names: Flumadine
Dosage form: oral tablet (100 mg)
Drug class: Adamantane antivirals

Usage of Rimantadine

Rimantadine is an antiviral medicine used to treat or prevent influenza A in people who are at least 17 years old. Rimantadine is also used to prevent influenza A in children ages 1 to 16 years old.

Rimantadine may not be effective during every flu season because certain strains of the virus may be resistant to rimantadine. Rimantadine should not be used in place of getting a yearly flu shot. The Centers for Disease Control recommends an annual flu shot to help protect you each year from new strains of influenza virus.

Rimantadine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Rimantadine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Rimantadine may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

extreme drowsiness, or if you fall asleep suddenly even after feeling alert;

a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

depression, agitation, aggression, behavior changes, hallucinations, thoughts of hurting yourself; or

a seizure.

Side effects such as headache, dizziness, feeling weak or tired, anxiety, vomiting, and stomach pain may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects of rimantadine may include:

nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain;

dry mouth;

sleep problems (insomnia); or

dizziness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Rimantadine

You should not use rimantadine if you are allergic to rimantadine or a similar medicine called amantadine.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

a seizure; or

liver or kidney disease.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

You should not breastfeed while using this medicine.

Relate drugs

How to use Rimantadine

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Start taking rimantadine within 24 to 48 hours after flu symptoms begin. Keep taking rimantadine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared.

Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Tell your doctor if the person taking this medicine has trouble swallowing the rimantadine tablet.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Warnings

Do not receive a nasal flu vaccine while taking rimantadine, and for at least 48 hours after your last dose.

What other drugs will affect Rimantadine

Using rimantadine with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Other drugs may affect rimantadine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Disclaimer

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