Rimantadine – Side Effects, Dosage, Interactions

Rimantadine

Rimantadine is an antiviral drug. It blocks the function of the virus in your body.

Rimantadine is used for the treatment and prevention of influenza A (a viral infection) in adults. It is also used to prevent influenza A in children.

There may be some flu season during which Rimantadine is not recommended because some medicines can be resistant to some flu strains.

Rimantadine can also be used for other purposes not listed in this drug guide.

Do not use this drug if you are allergic to Rimantadine or a similar drug called amantadine (symmetrel).

Before taking Rimantadine, ask your doctor if you are allergic to any medication, or if you have seizure disorders, kidney disease or liver disease.

Take this medicine for the entire duration of your prescribed time period. Your symptoms may be better before the infection is completely treated.

Do not use the FluMist nose influenza “live vaccine”, while being treated with Rimantadine and at least 48 hours after taking Rimantadine. The nose vaccine can not be as effective when you are taking Rimantadine. Before taking Rimantadine, tell your doctor if you have received nasal flu vaccine in the last 14 days.

Avoid approaching close contact with any person who has a weak immune system, such as a person taking steroids, for cancer treatment, or bone marrow disorder or HIV or AIDS. If you have a resistant type of influenza of Rimantadine, then your body can actually leave the virus and a person with a weak immune system can easily get sick from getting around you.

Do not use this drug if you are allergic to Rimantadine or a similar drug called amantadine (Symmetrel).

Before taking Rimantadine, ask your doctor whether you are allergic to any medication, or if you have:

•  Epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
•  Kidney disease; Or
•  Liver disease.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need dosage adjustments or special tests to take this medicine safely.

FDA Pregnancy Category C This drug can be harmful to a newborn. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to get pregnant during treatment

It is not known whether Rimantadine passes through breast milk or if it can harm a nursing child. If you are breastfeeding the child, do not use this medicine without telling your doctor.

Rimantadine Side Effects

If you have any of these signs of allergic reaction then get emergency medical help: hives; Difficulty breathing; Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using Rimantadine and if you have sealed (black-out or impulse) then call your doctor once.

Less severe side effects can include:

•  Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, abdominal pain;
•  Dry mouth;
•  Sleep problems (insomnia);
•  Dizziness;
•  Headache; Or
•  Anxiety, focus trouble

This is not a complete list of side effects and others can be. Ask your doctor about any unusual or irritating side effects. You can report the side effects of FDA to 1-800-FDA-1088.

Rimantadine Interaction

Do not use the FluMist nose influenza “live vaccine”, while being treated with Rimantadine and at least 48 hours after taking Rimantadine. The nose vaccine can not be as effective when you are taking Rimantadine. Before taking Rimantadine, tell your doctor if you have received nasal flu vaccine in the last 14 days.

Avoid approaching close contact with any person who has a weak immune system, such as a person taking steroids, for cancer treatment, or bone marrow disorder or HIV or AIDS. If you have a resistant type of influenza of Rimantadine, then your body can actually leave the virus and a person with a weak immune system can easily get sick from getting around you.

Before taking Rimantadine, ask your doctor if you are using any of the following medicines:

•  Cimetidine (tagamet);
•  Aspirin or acetaminophen (Tylenol); Or
•  Nose Flu Vaccine (FluMist).

This list is not complete and other medicines that can interact with Rimantadine. Tell your doctor about all the prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines used by you. This includes medicines prescribed by vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and other doctors. Do not start using a new drug without telling your doctor.

Rimantadine Dose

Take this medicine exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take large amounts of medication, or take longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

If you are taking Rimantadine for the treatment of influenza A, then take it about your first flu symptoms within 48 hours.

Take this medicine with a full glass of water.

Measure the liquid form of Rimantadine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not regular table spoons. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask for one from your pharmacist.

Take this medicine for the entire duration of your prescribed time period. Your symptoms may be better before the infection is completely treated.

Store Rimantadine at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

If you feel that you have used this medicine too much then take care of emergency medicine.

Excessive amounts can include movement, confusion, discrimination, or uneven heart rate.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If this is roughly the time for your next dose, leave the missed dose and take the medicine to your next regular time. Do not take extra medicine to make a missed dose.

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