Brand Names: Flumadine

Generic Name: rimantadine (Pronunciation: ri MAN ta deen)

• What is rimantadine (Flumadine)?
• What are the possible side effects of rimantadine (Flumadine)?
• What is the most important information I should know about rimantadine (Flumadine)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking rimantadine (Flumadine)?
• How should I take rimantadine (Flumadine)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Flumadine)?
• What happens if I overdose (Flumadine)?
• What should I avoid while taking rimantadine (Flumadine)?
• What other drugs will affect rimantadine (Flumadine)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is rimantadine (Flumadine)?

Rimantadine is an antiviral medication. It blocks the actions of viruses in your body.

Rimantadine is used to treat and prevent influenza A (a viral infection) in adults. It is also used to prevent influenza A in children.

There may be some flu seasons during which rimantadine is not recommended because certain flu strains may be resistant to this drug.

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

Flumadine

oval, peach, imprinted with FOREST, FLUMADINE100

Rimantadine 100 mg-GLO

oval, orange, imprinted with G, 1911

What are the possible side effects of rimantadine (Flumadine)?

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

Stop using rimantadine and call your doctor at once if you have a seizure (black-out or convulsions).

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach pain;
• dry mouth;
• sleep problems (insomnia);
• dizziness;
• headache; or
• anxiety, trouble concentrating.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Flumadine (rimantadine) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about rimantadine (Flumadine)?

Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to rimantadine or a similar medicine called amantadine (Symmetrel).

Before taking rimantadine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have a seizure disorder, kidney disease, or liver disease.

Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated.

Do not use FluMist nasal influenza "live vaccine" while you are being treated with rimantadine and for at least 48 hours after you stop taking rimantadine. The nasal vaccine may not be as effective if you receive it while you are taking rimantadine. Before taking rimantadine, tell your doctor if you have received a nasal flu vaccine within the past 14 days.

Avoid coming into close contact with someone who has a weak immune system, such as a person who is taking steroids, being treated for cancer, or has a bone marrow disorder or an illness such as HIV or AIDS. If you have a type of influenza that is resistant to rimantadine, your body may actually shed that virus and a person with a weak immune system could easily become ill from being near you.