Amantadine (a-MAN-ta-deen)

Treats Parkinson disease, parkinson-like symptoms caused by certain medicines, and symptoms of Parkinson disease that have increased (off episodes). Also treats or prevents the flu (influenza type A).

Brand Name(s):

Gocovri, Osmolex ER, Osmolex ER Dosing Kit

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule, Long Acting Capsule, Liquid Filled Capsule, Liquid, Tablet, Long Acting Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Extended-release capsule: Take Gocovri® at bedtime. Swallow whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it. You may also open and sprinkle the extended-release capsules on a teaspoonful of soft food, including applesauce. Take all of the medicine right away without chewing.
• Extended-release tablet: Take Osmolex ER™ in the morning. Swallow whole. Do not crush, open, or chew it.
• Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
• If you are using this medicine for the flu (influenza type A), keep using it for the full treatment time.
• This medicine comes with a Medication Guide or patient information leaflet. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.
• Missed dose:
  • Gocovri® and Osmolex ER™: If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at your usual time. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
  • Symmetrel®: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how amantadine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Quinidine, quinine, sodium bicarbonate, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, thioridazine
  • Diet pills
  • Diuretic (water pill, including carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, triamterene/HCTZ)
  • Medicine to treat stomach problems or diarrhea
  • Medicine to treat urinary problems (incontinence)
• This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines. You should not receive the nasal flu vaccine (live attenuated influenza vaccine) during treatment with this medicine.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, narrow-angle glaucoma, heart disease, low blood pressure, swelling or water retention, trouble sleeping, epilepsy, or a history of seizures or mental problems. Tell your doctor if you also have a history of eczema (skin problem) or neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS).
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Mental health problems (including thoughts of suicide, depression, hallucinations)
  • Skin cancer, including melanoma
  • Unusual changes in thoughts or behavior (including an urge to gamble or spend money, binge eating, or an increased sex drive)
• This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, or lightheaded. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. Standing up slowly from a sitting or lying position can lessen the chance of getting dizzy or lightheaded.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Change in how much or how often you urinate, difficult urination
• Changes in mood or behavior, thoughts of hurting yourself
• Chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
• Compulsive behavior or intense urges you cannot control
• Fever, sweating, confusion, uneven heartbeat, muscle stiffness
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
• Problems with balance or walking
• Rapid weight gain, swelling in the hands, ankles, or feet
• Seizures
• Trouble breathing, cold sweat, bluish-colored skin

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Blurred vision
• Dry mouth
• Nausea, constipation, loss of appetite
• Problems with sex
• Sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
• Tiredness
• Trouble sleeping

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088