Symmetrel (Amantadine Hydrochloride) Drug Center: Guide to Drug Information for Professionals, Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Symmetrel

Flu (Influenza) »

Flu (influenza, conventional, and H1N1) facts

Influenza, commonly called "the flu," is caused by viruses that infect the respiratory tract.
Influenza viruses are divided into three types, designated A, B, and C, with A types usually causing the most problems in humans.
Most people who get the conventional or seasonal flu recover completely in one to two weeks, but some people develop serious and potentially life-threatening medical complications, such as pneumonia.
Much of the illness and death caused by conventional or seasonal influenza can be prevented by annual influenza vaccination.
Influenza A undergoes frequent antigenic changes that require new vaccines to be developed and people to obtain a new vaccination every year. New vaccine technology is being developed.
In April 2009, a new flu virus termed novel H1N1 swine flu developed in Mexico, rapidly spread worldwide, and caused the WHO to de...

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Symmetrel Drug Center

Medical Editor: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

Prescribing Information

For Patients

Symmetrel (amantadine hydrochloride) is prescribed to prevent or treat symptoms of infection caused by strains of influenza A virus. Symmetrel is also used in the treatment of Parkinson's Disease and similar conditions. Symmeterel is available in generic form. The most common side effects are nausea, dizziness, and insomnia. Less common side effects may occur.

The adult daily dosage of Symmeterel is 200 mg per day, taken orally. The dose for patients over 65 is 100 mg per day, and the pediatric dose is calculated based on the child's weight. Doses may be modified based on your medical condition and your response to therapy. Do not take Symmeterel if you have taken flu vaccine inhaled through the nose, as serious adverse reactions may occur. Symmeterel should not be used during pregnancy unless needed as it can cause heart defects in the fetus. It is not recommended for women who are nursing as it can pass into breast milk. Do not suddenly stop taking Symmeteral as symptoms or side effects may worsen.

Our Symmetrel Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information as well as related drugs, user reviews, supplements, and diseases and conditions articles.

What is Prescribing information?

The FDA package insert formatted in easy-to-find categories for health professionals and clinicians.

Symmetrel Prescribing Information: Indications & Dosage

SYMMETREL®
(Amantadine Hydrochloride) Structural Formula Illustration

SYMMETREL (amantadine hydrochloride) is indicated for the prophylaxis and treatment of signs and symptoms of infection caused by various strains of influenza A virus. SYMMETREL (amantadine hydrochloride) is also indicated in the treatment of parkinsonism and drug-induced extrapyramidal reactions.

Influenza A Prophylaxis

SYMMETREL (amantadine hydrochloride) is indicated for chemoprophylaxis against signs and symptoms of influenza A virus infection. Because SYMMETREL (amantadine hydrochloride) does not completely prevent the host immune response to influenza A infection,...

Read the complete drug monograph for Symmetrel »

What is Symmetrel Prescribing Information?

Drug Description - Indications & Dosage - Side Effects & Drug Interactions - Warnings & Precautions - Contraindications - Medication Guide and More

What is Patient information?

Easy-to-read and understand detailed drug information and pill images for the patient or caregiver from Cerner Multum.

Symmetrel Patient Information: Side Effects

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.

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;
feeling depressed, agitated, or aggressive;
behavior changes, hallucinations, thoughts of hurting yourself;
urinating less than usual or not at all;
high fever, stiff muscles, confusion, sweating, fas...

Read the complete patient information for Symmetrel »

What is Symmetrel Patient Information?

Possible Side Effects - Images - What Is - How Should I Take It - What If I Miss a Dose - What Should I Avoid and More

What is Consumer information?

A concise overview of the drug for the patient or caregiver from First DataBank.

Symmetrel Consumer Information: Uses

Amantadine is used to prevent or treat a certain type of flu (influenza A). If you have been infected with the flu, this medication may help make your symptoms less severe and shorten the time it will take you to get better. Taking amantadine if you have been or will be exposed to the flu may help to prevent you from getting the flu. This medication is an antiviral that is believed to work by stopping growth of the flu virus. This medication is not a vaccine. To increase the chance that you will not get the flu, it is important to get a flu shot once a year at the beginning of every flu season...

Read the complete consumer information for Symmetrel »