"Amantadine": instructions for use, analogues, reviews

The drug "Amantadine" refers to antiviral and antiparkinsonian drugs. Because of the pronounced effect on the central nervous system before taking it is necessary to read the contraindications, and also to find out with what medicines it should not be combined. As a rule, the drug is prescribed for the treatment of parkinsonism in complex therapy. As an antiviral agent is used less often. Usually, other drugs are chosen that have fewer side effects.

How does the drug work?

The action of "Amantadine" is directed to glutamate receptors. Due to their blocking, the influence on the neostriatum decreases against the background of a deficiency of dopamine - the antiparkinsonian effect is achieved. Antiviral action is that the drug prevents the penetration of the virus (influenza A) into the cells of the body tissues.

The route of administration is oral. Further, "Amantadine" is absorbed in the digestive tract and enters the blood, where its maximum concentration is observed after 4 hours. It should be noted the ability of the drug to penetrate the placental barrier, which has an adverse effect on the fetus. "Amantadine" (instructions for use - below) is contraindicated not only for pregnant women, but also during breastfeeding.

Composition

The active substance is amantadine sulfate, but there are other auxiliary components in the composition. They are especially worth paying attention in case there is an allergic reaction. The preparation contains lactose monohydrate, gelatin, talc, starch and cellulose. Also in the composition - magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide and titanium, polyethylene glycol.

When do they use Amantadine?

This inexpensive antiviral is used to treat influenza A, as well as for prevention. In addition, it is possible to use in herpes zoster (it is caused by the Herpes zoster virus ) to reduce neuralgia. Another indication is parkinsonism.

"Amantadine": instructions for use

How to take the drug? Tablets "Amantadine" (the price depends on the place of purchase - 130-150 rubles.) It is recommended to apply in the morning, as excessive activation of the central nervous system, and, consequently, the occurrence of insomnia and other side effects (dizziness, headache) is possible. A single dose depends on the disease and the desired effect. It is determined only by the attending physician, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient and the clinical case. When Parkinsonism in the first week, usually prescribed 100 mg of the drug per day, and after increasing the dose (maximum - 400 mg).

The treatment plan is adjusted depending on the patient's concomitant diseases, for example, in renal failure and in old age, the dosage should be reduced. For the expressed antiparkinsonian action the drug is combined with other medicines. Monotherapy is ineffective. Do not abruptly stop taking the drug, since there is a risk of increasing symptoms of Parkinson's disease right up to the akinetic crises. This should be taken into account in particular when there are significant side effects - the drug should be withdrawn smoothly, the dose gradually decreases.

Antiviral therapy consists of taking medication every 12 hours. Typically, the doctor appoints a dose of 1 tablet (100 mg), but for elderly patients the dose is reduced (the maximum daily - 100 mg). Treatment should begin immediately after the appearance of the first symptoms, the course of therapy is usually 5 days. For prophylaxis should be taken 100 mg / day, the duration of admission is from 2 to 4 weeks.

Treatment of neuralgia caused by H. zoster, lasts about 14 days, and therapy should begin immediately after diagnosis.

Side effects

"Amantadine" (instructions for use - in the kit) has a large list of side effects, which is mainly due to its ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and influence the central nervous system. Among them - anxiety, headaches and dizziness, nervous excitement, nightmares, hallucinations (rarely). Often there is a decrease in attention and confusion, so during the treatment, Amantadine should not be transported and carry out dangerous work that requires high concentration. Other side effects are leukopenia, nausea, diarrhea, impaired urination, skin rashes, swelling (especially in patients with heart failure).

Contraindications

Before taking the drug should carefully read the list of contraindications. Among them:

• Allergy to components;
• Kidney failure;
• Peptic ulcer;
• epilepsy;
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding.

With what drugs can not combine "Amantadine"?

The drug is usually combined with anticholinergic drugs, as well as other means for the treatment of parkinsonism, while there is a mutual enhancement of the effect. However, combining this drug with "Levodopa" is not recommended, since there is a risk of increasing the effect on the central nervous system (psychosis, hallucinations, nightmares). For the same reason, "Amantadine" is not accepted simultaneously with "Memantine."

It is necessary to abandon the use of alcohol, as this leads to an increase in toxic effects on the central nervous system. In addition, the simultaneous administration of "Amantadine" with diuretics is not allowed, since in this case the excretion of the antiviral agent is violated, and consequently, its concentration in the blood can reach a toxic level.

"Amantadine": analogues. What is worth buying?

Among the drugs, which include amantadine as an active substance (instruction on the use of analogues are different), we can distinguish "PC-Merz" and "Neomidantan." The latter is available in the form of gelatin capsules filled with white powder. "PK-Merz" - tablets in a shell of orange color. The list of indications for this drug is broader. "PK-Merz" is also used in cases of craniocerebral trauma, endogenous intoxications, impaired cerebral circulation, dementia, Huntington's chorea.

Reviews

According to the reviews of doctors and patients, the drug gives a pronounced therapeutic effect in a short time. Those treated with this drug from viruses note an early improvement in their well-being. Among the side effects are usually observed nervous excitement and attention disorder, others are rare. Many doctors in Parkinsonism as a supplement to combination therapy recommend it "Amantadine", reviews in general about it are mostly positive. Although every drug has opponents.

"Amantadine" - an inexpensive antiviral agent, which can also be used in parkinsonism. Before using, it is necessary to consult a specialist who, taking into account the peculiarities of the organism and accompanying pathologies, will select the necessary dose or suggest some other drug with similar effect.