Symmetrel (Amantadine Hydrochloride) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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May 26, 2012

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Influenza, commonly called "the flu," is caused by viruses that infect the respiratory tract.
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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®
(amantadine hydrochloride, USP) Tablets and Syrup

DRUG DESCRIPTION

SYMMETREL (Amantadine Hydrochloride, USP) is designated generically as amantadine hydrochloride and chemically as 1-adamantanamine hydrochloride.

SYMMETREL®
(Amantadine Hydrochloride) Structural Formula Illustration

Amantadine hydrochloride is a stable white or nearly white crystalline powder, freely soluble in water and soluble in alcohol and in chloroform.

Amantadine hydrochloride has pharmacological actions as both an anti-Parkinson and an antiviral drug.

SYMMETREL (amantadine hydrochloride) is available in tablets and syrup.

Each tablet intended for oral administration contains 100 mg amantadine hydrochloride and has the following inactive ingredients: hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate, FD&C Yellow No. 6.

SYMMETREL syrup contains 50 mg of amantadine hydrochloride per 5 mL and has the following inactive ingredients: artificial raspberry flavor, citric acid, methylparaben, propylparaben, and sorbitol solution.

What are the possible side effects of amantadine (Symmetrel)?

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...

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What are the precautions when taking amantadine hydrochloride (Symmetrel)?

Before taking amantadine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to rimantadine; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: a certain type of eye disease (untreated closed-angle glaucoma).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: swelling of arms/legs (peripheral edema), heart problems (e.g., congestive heart failure), blood pressure problems (e.g., dizziness when standing), kidney disease, liver disease,...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 3/12/2009
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.