Unclear
Bottom Line
Treatment of Influenza A with Amantadine and Rimantadine. This treatment has been replaced by neuraminidase inhibitors and is no longer used in the USA. No valid studies conducted. Therefore, no data exists on benefits. Both drugs have irritating stomach and gut effects, while Amantadine may also impair the nervous system and lead to psychiatric symptoms.
EVIDENCE | NOT TESTED
EFFECTIVENESS | UNCLEAR
SAFETY | DANGEROUS
Avoid this treatment:
No data exists on benefits for seniors, and these treatments are possibly dangerous and were discontinued by the manufacturer in the USA.
Antiviral drugs (Symmetrel and Flumadine)
Target Population:
Seniors with Flu, 65 year old and above
Dosage:
Amantadine or Rimantadine, usually 100 mg orally, twice a day for 7 days
Goal:
Treatment of Influenza A infection, symptoms and complications
Not tested
Seniors Tested
Benefits:
Unknown. No valid clinical trials.
Dangerous
Risks:
Common side effects include nausea, loss of appetite, constipation or diarrhea, and upset stomach and rash for both drugs, while for Amantadine can also have serious effects on the nervous system, leading to concentration difficulties and psychiatric symptoms.
Medical problem:
Flu (influenza A virus infection and symptoms).
Symptoms and signs:
Cough, dizziness, fever, headache, nausea, pains, runny nose, sore throat, vomiting and aches.
Complications:
Ear infection, lung infection, Seizures.
Additional Information
Visitors at this page also visited
Amantadine and Rimantadine
Amantadine (trade name Symmetrel, by Endo Pharmaceuticals) is a drug that has U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for use both as an antiviral and an antiparkinsonian drug. Rimantadine (INN, sold under the trade name Flumadine) is an orally administered antiviral drug used to treat, and in rare cases prevent, influenza virus A infection. Both rimantadine and Amantadine are derivates of adamantane. (source)
Similar pages on this site
Good to know
Video
Homeopathy, quackery and fraud
James Randi, Skeptic and conjuror
Learn More...
CureFacts is for informational purposes and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment recommendations.
See terms of use and privacy statement. Copyright © 2015-2017 CureFacts. All Rights Reserved.
