Rimantadine: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

Use

What is Rimantadine for?

Rimantadine is a drug to prevent or treat a certain type of flu virus, namely influenza A. If you have been infected with this flu, rimantadine can help relieve symptoms and speed up recovery time. Taking rimantadine when you have been exposed to or will be exposed to the flu can help prevent you from catching the flu.

Rimantadine is an antivitus that is believed to work by stopping the growth of the flu virus. This drug is not a vaccine. To increase your chances of not catching the flu, it's important to get a flu shot once a year at the start of the flu season, if possible.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that rimantadine should not be used for the treatment or prevention of influenza A because the influenza A virus has now become resistant to this drug. For more details, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

What are the rules for using Rimantadine?

Take this medication with or without food as directed by your doctor. If this medicine is used to prevent the flu, children under 10 years should usually take it once a day, and children over 10 and adults should take it twice a day. If used to treat flu in adults, this drug is used 2 times a day. Do not increase your dose or use rimantadine more often than prescribed.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. In children, the dosage is also given based on body weight.

Start using rimantadine as soon as possible after exposure to the flu or the appearance of flu symptoms. Use this drug in full according to the dosage. Stopping this drug too early can cause the virus to continue growing, which can lead to a severe flu infection.

If you are taking medicated syrups, measure the dose carefully with a spoon / cup of the medication.

Tell the doctor if the condition is not good or even gets worse.

How to store Rimantadine?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Dose

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of Rimantadine for adults?

100 mg orally 2 times a day for 7 days

Dosage for patients over 65 years: Reducing the dose to 100 mg orally once a day is recommended.

What is the dosage of Rimantadine for children?

• 1-9 years: 5 mg / kg (up to 150 mg) orally once a day
• 10 years and over: 100 mg orally 2 times a day
• 17 years and over: 100 mg orally 2 times a day for 7 days

In what dosage and preparation is Rimantadine available?

Rimantadine is available in the following dosages:

100 mg tablet

Side effects

What side effects may occur due to Rimantadine?

Seek immediate medical help if you experience any of the following signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using rimantadine and call your doctor immediately if you experience seizures (unconsciousness or convulsions).

Less serious side effects can include:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach pain
• Dry mouth
• Sleep disturbance (insomnia)
• Dizzy
• Headache
• Anxiety, difficulty concentrating.

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions & Warnings

What should be known before using Rimantadine?

Before using certain drugs, consider the risks and benefits first. This is a decision you and your doctor will have to make. For this drug, pay attention to the following:

Allergy

Tell your doctor if you have any unusual or allergic reactions to this or any other medicine. Also tell your doctor if you have any other types of allergies such as to food, coloring, preservatives, or animal allergies. For over-the-counter products, read the labels on the packaging carefully.

Children

Research to date has not demonstrated a specific problem in children that may limit the benefits of rimantadine in children. However, safety and effectiveness have not been determined in children younger than 1 year of age.

Elderly

Research to date has not demonstrated a specific problem in children that may limit the benefits of rimantadine in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more prone to experiencing unwanted side effects (such as anxiety, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain), which require attention and an adjustment to the dosage for patients receiving rimantadine.

Is Rimantadine safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category C according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = No risk,
• B = not at risk in several studies,
• C = May be risky,
• D = There is positive evidence of risk,
• X = Contraindicated,
• N = Unknown

Interaction

What medicines may interact with Rimantadine?

Although some drugs should not be taken at the same time, in other cases some drugs can also be used together even though interactions may occur. In such cases, the doctor may change the dose, or take other preventive measures as needed. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other over-the-counter or prescription drugs.

Can food or alcohol interact with Rimantadine?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions may interact with Rimantadine?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

• Epilepsy or seizures, or history - Use with caution. May worsen the condition.
• Kidney disease, severe
• Liver disease, severe - Use with caution. The effect of this drug can be increased due to slow excretion from the body.

Overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (118/119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.