Generic name: Symadine
Brand names: Symmetrel, Symadine, Amanta, Amantadine, Mantidan, Mantandan, Endantadine, Mantadix, Prayanol, Virofral, Actison, Ampakine, Virosol, Amant, Hofcomant, PK-Merz, Amantan, Viregyt-K, Atarin, Amantagamma, Parkadina, Amixx, InfectoFlu,Lysovir , Profil.
What is Symmetrel?
It is an antiviral medicament that is known as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI). It is prescribed to treat dementia, a specific type of flu called influenza A, traumatic head injury, cocaine withdrawal, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis. It will not work for viral infections, colds and other types of flu.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist to get more information about the medicinal influence of this product.
What important information should I know about Symmetrel?
This remedy may cause dizziness or coordination problems. Be very careful while operating machinery, climbing, driving or doing dangerous tasks till you are aware about how this medicine affects you.
Don’t stand up too quickly, you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.
Do not finish your course of Symmetrel, even in case you feel better. If you stop taking this medicine earlier than it was prescribed by your doctor, it may worsen some conditions.
Don’t drink alcohol. This can lead to dangerous side effects if you take it together with Symmetrel.
Always consult your doctor before giving Symmetrel to a child.
What symptoms or conditions should I report to a doctor before I take this medicine?
Your doctor has to know if you have or had the following conditions:
- glaucoma
- heart disorders (such as heart rhythm problems)
- liver or kidney disease
- allergy to amantadine, or to similar medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- epilepsy or other seizure disorder
- a history of mental illness, suicide attempt, or drug/alcohol addiction
- eczema
- low blood pressure or fainting
- diabetes
- pregnancy, breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant
How to take Symmetrel?
Symmetrel is administered in the form of syrup, capsules and tabs to take orally.
The recommended starting dose of this medication is 100 milligrams (mg) a day. It is usually taken 1 or 2 times a day, at regular intervals. Dosages above 400 mg daily are not recommended.
Take this remedy with glass of water. It is better to drink several glasses of water each day during Symmetrel treatment to protect your kidneys. You may take it on an empty stomach or with food. In order to lighten stomach irritation and help your body absorb the drug is desirable to combine with food.
The tablets, capsules should be swallowed whole. Do not open the capsule, crush, chew and break them.
Shake the syrup well before each use to mix the medication evenly. Use a specially marked measuring spoon or medicine cup to be sure of the correct dose.
Do not adjust this dosage unless your doctor specifically instructs you to do so.
What should I do if I miss the dose?
If you forgot to take a dose of Symmetrel, then take it as soon as it is possible. If it is time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and continue with your normal schedule. Never take two doses at once.
What should be done if you overdose of Symmetrel?
Taking any medicine in large doses you can have serious consequences for your health. In case you are overdosed make known to your doctor at once. Overdose of Symmetrel may cause the following conditions:
- insomnia
- difficulty breathing
- an increased heart rate
- high blood pressure (blurred vision, severe headache)
- tremor
- hallucinations
- aggression
- anxiety
- seizures
- paranoia
- confusion
- coma.
What drug(s) may interact with Symmetrel?
- bupropion
- quinidine
- quinine
- some diuretics
- some flu vaccines
- some medicines for cold or allergies
- stimulants
- sulfamethoxazole; trimethoprim
- thioridazine
This is not a complete list of interactions. Check details with your doctor.
Discuss with your health care professional the use of your remedy with alcohol, food or tobacco.
What side-effects may occur?
- Allergic reaction (itching; skin rash or swelling; hives; swelling of your throat, face, lips or tongue; difficulty breathing)
- Changes in body appearance (weight gain around waist and/or face)
- Problems with breathing, chest pain
- Fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms
- Nausea, vomiting
- Numbness, tingling in your hands or feet (tremor), muscle stiffness, or spasms
- Difficulty urinating (urinary retention), dark urine, diarrhea or loose stools
- Headache, dizziness, ringing in your ears or hearing loss
- Indigestion, or upset stomach, bloating, stomach gas, pain or cramps
- White patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips
- Fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
- Fatigue, faintness
- Loss of appetite
- Liver problems, an enlarged liver, yellowing eyes, skin
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth, pale skin
- Sleep problems (insomnia), strange dreams
If these persist or worsen, advise your medic straightway. This is not a whole list of side effects. If you feel other reactions not stated above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
How should Symmetrel be stored?
Keep it at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C), tightly closed, away from sunlight, direct heat, and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom or near a sink. Keep Symmetrel away from children and animals.
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