Information About Amantadine Hcl

Common uses
Amantadine Hcl is used to prevent or treat the flu. It may also be used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease, to reverse a certain type of side effect called an extrapyramidal reaction, or for other conditions as determined by your physician.

Prior to Use
Be aware that pre-existing medical conditions, or taking additional medications could interfere with the effectiveness of this one. Let your physician or pharmacist know about any other medications -- prescription or over-the-counter -- that you are using. Do not start or stop any medicine without physician or pharmacist approval. Inform your physician of any other medical conditions including mental or mood problems, kidney disease, seizures, congestive heart failure, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. You should not take Amantadine Hcl if you have uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma. If you have questions or concerns about Amantadine Hcl, be sure to let your physician or pharmacist know.

Instructions for Use
Follow your physician's instructions for taking Amantadine Hcl. Store Amantadine Hcl at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. Should you skip or forget a dose of Amantadine Hcl, begin using it immediately. If it is almost time for your next dose, omit the skipped dose and continue to follow your original dosing schedule. Never take more than one dose at the same time.

Warnings
Do not use Amantadine Hcl if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. Do not exceed the recommended dose of Amantadine Hcl. Doing so will not improve your condition faster and may increase your risk for serious side effects. If you are taking Amantadine Hcl for PARKINSON's disease, do not stop taking Amantadine Hcl without first checking with your physician. Your dose may need to be decreased slowly to avoid side effects. Amantadine Hcl may cause dizziness or blurred vision. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Amantadine Hcl. If dizziness occurs, sit up or stand up slowly. Do not become overheated in hot weather or during exercise or other activities since heatstroke may occur. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, consult your pharmacist or physician . Caution is advised when using Amantadine Hcl in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of Amantadine Hcl. Women, if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your physician the benefits and risks of using Amantadine Hcl during pregnancy. Amantadine Hcl is excreted in breast milk do not breast-feed while taking Amantadine Hcl.

Potential Side Effects
Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include nausea, blurred vision, dizziness or lightheadedness, difficulty sleeping, decreased appetite, anxiety, confusion, dry mouth, headache, or constipation. Consult your physician if they do not go away or if they bring you difficulties. Consult your physician immediately if you experience fainting, difficulty urinating, mental or mood changes, or swelling of legs, feet, or ankles. Contact your physician immediately if you experience unexplained fever, muscle stiffness, severe confusion, uncontrollable movements, or rapid heartbeat. An allergic reaction to Amantadine Hcl is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. Let your physician, pharmacist, or nurse know if you experience any side-effects not listed here.

Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job.

In Case of Overdose
Contact a poison control center or visit an emergency room immediately, if you think you have overdosed. Indications of an overdose are nausea, vomiting, slurred speech, blurred vision, drowsiness, memory loss, depression, excessive excitability, increased sensitivity to the sun, fast or irregular heartbeat, and loss of consciousness.

Additional information
Do not let anyone else use Amantadine Hcl. Do not take Amantadine Hcl to treat health conditions other than what it was prescribed for. Store this and all medication away from the reach of children. If using Amantadine Hcl for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.