What is Rimantadine?
Rimantadine, an antiviral medication, is used to treat or even prevent flu A among people over the age of 17. Rimantadine can also be used to prevent flu A among children aged 1–16 years. Rimantadine might not work during all flu seasons because some strains of the virus are resistant to it. Rimantadine is not a substitute for a flu shot. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends an annual influenza shot to protect you from the new strains of flu virus each year. Rimantadine can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Rimantadine
If you experience any of the following signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing or swelling to lips, face or throat. Seek medical assistance immediately!
Rimantadine may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- If you feel extreme sleepiness or fall asleep even though you feel alert,
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
- Depression; agitation; aggression; behavioral changes; hallucinations; and thoughts of harming yourself.
- A seizure.
In older adults, side effects like headaches, dizziness, fatigue, anxiety, and nausea and stomach pain are more common.
Rimantadine can cause the following side effects:
- Nausea, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain
- Dry Mouth
- Sleep problems (insomnia);
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
Amantadine, Tamiflu, oseltamivir, Fluzone, influenza virus vaccine, inactivated, Afluria, Fluad
Warnings
You should not get a nasal vaccine for at least 48 hours after taking rimantadine.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to rimantadine or another similar medicine called Amantadine, then you should avoid using rimantadine.
Inform your physician immediately of any of the following conditions:
- A seizure;
- Liver or kidney disease
This medicine is not known to harm an unborn child. Notify your doctor immediately if you are expecting or planning on becoming pregnant. This medicine should not be used while breastfeeding.
How to take Rimantadine?
Read all of the instructions or guides provided with your medication, and follow all label directions carefully. Follow the directions on the label. Take rimantadine as soon as you feel flu symptoms. Continue to take rimantadine as prescribed. You may experience symptom improvement before the virus has completely been cleared. Do not forget to follow your doctor's instructions. Tell your doctor if you or the person who is taking the medicine has difficulty swallowing the tablet. If your symptoms continue or worsen, call your healthcare provider immediately. Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Do not take the missed dose. Use your next dose as usual. Do not take two doses at the same time.
What happens if I overdose?
Call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. Overdoses can be deadly. Overdose symptoms include agitation or hallucinations.
What should be avoided?
Avoid receiving a nasal influenza vaccine for 48 hours following your last dose of rimantadine. The vaccine might not work well, and you may not be fully protected. Don't drink alcohol. Side effects can be dangerous. Do not drive or engage in any hazardous activities until you have a better understanding of how rimantadine affects you. You could have impaired reactions.
Interaction with other drug
Rimantadine can make you more drowsy when combined with other drugs. Before taking an opioid, a sleeping tablet, a muscle-relaxing medication, or medicine to treat anxiety or seizures, consult your doctor. Rimantadine can be affected by other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal remedies. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are taking and those that you stop or start using.
