Amantadine

What is amantadine?

Amantadine is an antiviral medicine that is used to treat or stop some types of influenza (flu). It may also be used to treat unusual tiredness or weakness in children with multiple sclerosis.

You may also hear amantadine called by its brand name, Endantadine.

Before giving amantadine to your child

Tell your child's doctor if your child is allergic to amantadine or any component of the medication.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if your child has any of the following conditions. This medicine may not be right for your child if they have:

• heart disease
• liver disease
• kidney disease
• seizures
• glaucoma (eye condition)
• eczematoid dermatitis (skin condition)

How should you give your child amantadine?

Follow these instructions when you give your child amantadine:

• Give your child amantadine exactly as your doctor or your pharmacist (druggist) tells you to, even if your child seems better.
• Give your child amantadine for as long as your doctor orders. Talk to your child's doctor before you stop giving this medicine for any reason.
• Give your child amantadine at the same times every day. Doses should be at least 12 hours apart. Pick times that are easy for you so that you do not miss doses.
• Have your child take amantadine with food or milk so their stomach does not become upset.
• Shake the bottle well before you give your child the medicine, if your child is taking liquid amantadine.
• Measure the dose with the special spoon or syringe that the pharmacist gave you.
• You may mix liquid amantadine with a small amount of water or milk.

What should you do if your child misses a dose of amantadine?

If your child misses a dose of amantadine:

• Give your child the missed dose as soon as you remember.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose.
• Give your child the next dose at the regular time. Wait at least 12 hours between doses.
• Give your child only 1 dose at a time.

What are the possible side effects of amantadine?

Your child may have some side effects while they take amantadine. Usually your child will not need to see a doctor about them. These side effects may go away as your child's body gets used to amantadine.

Check with your child's doctor if your child has any of these signs or symptoms and they do not go away, or if they bother your child:

• drowsiness​
• constipation
• headache
• dry mouth, nose, and throat
• confusion
• upset stomach
• difficulty falling asleep
• dizziness, especially when standing up quickly

Call your child's doctor or nurse as soon as possible, during office hours, if your child has any of these signs:

• mood changes
• difficulty peeing, or urinating

Most of the following side effects are not common, but they may be a sign of a serious problem. Call your child's doctor right away or take your child to Emergency if your child has any of these side effects:

• swollen feet or legs
• seizures
• fainting
• vision changes
• hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not really there)
• rash (eczema, or purple blotchy spots)
• muscle rigidity, irregular heartbeat, high fever
  

What other important information should you know about amantadine?

• Check with your child's doctor or pharmacist before you give your child any other medicines, even medicines that you can buy without a doctor's order (prescription).
• If your child has difficulty sleeping while taking amantadine, give them the evening dose several hours before bedtime.
• If your child has a dry mouth from taking amantadine, give them lots of small glasses of water, ice chips, or sugarless hard candy.
• Amantadine may cause your child to be dizzy or less alert. Have your child avoid activities that require them to be alert (for example riding a bicycle, rollerblading, contact sports). School work may be more difficult for your child to focus on so tell your child's teacher that they are taking this medicine.
  

Keep amantadine out of your child’s sight and reach and locked up in a safe place. If your child takes too much amantadine, call your local Poison Information Centre at one of these numbers. These calls are free. 

• Call 1-844 POISON-X, or 1-844-764-7669, from anywhere in Canada except Quebec.
• Call 1-800-463-5060 if you live in Quebec.