Amantadine HCl
Also known as: Symmetrel, Adekin, Amanta, Amantagamma, Amantan, Amantrel, Amixx, Antadine, Antiflu-DES, Atarin, Atenegine, Cerebramed, Endantadine, Infectoflu, Influ-A, Lysovir, Mantadine, Mantadix, Mantidan, Padiken, Symadine, Viroifral, Virucid
* **Patience is Key**: When used for chronic pain, this medication must be given consistently as prescribed. It may take a week or more to see noticeable improvements in your pet's comfort. * **Side Effects**: Mild gastrointestinal effects (loose stools, gas, diarrhea) or mild agitation/restlessness may occur, especially during the first few days of treatment. Contact your veterinarian if these signs become severe or persist. * **Taste**: If using the liquid formulation, be aware that it has a very bitter taste. Your veterinarian or a compounding pharmacy may be able to provide a flavored version. * **Safety Warning**: Overdoses can be life-threatening. Keep this medication strictly out of reach of children and all pets.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Osteoarthritis pain when NSAIDs alone are not effective
- Adjunctive therapy for chronic pain
- To decrease wind-up
- Analgesia (adjunct for chronic pain)
- Adjunctive therapy for chronic pain
- Adjunctive therapy for chronic pain
- Adjunctive therapy for chronic pain
- Analgesia (adjunct for chronic pain)
- Acute treatment of equine-2 influenza
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Agitation or restlessness (especially early in therapy)
- Loose stools, flatulence, or diarrhea
- Narrow safety margin in cats (potential for neurotoxicity)
- Seizures (reported in horses given IV)
Cautions & contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to amantadine or rimantadine
- Untreated angle-closure glaucoma
- Extra-label use in chickens, turkeys, and ducks (Prohibited by FDA)
- Use with caution in patients with **liver disease, renal disease** (dosage adjustment may be required as it is primarily renally excreted), **congestive heart failure, active psychoses, eczematoid dermatitis, or seizure disorders**. > **Warning**: The FDA strictly prohibits the extra-label use of amantadine and other influenza antivirals in poultry (chickens, turkeys, ducks).
Drug interactions
- Anticholinergic drugs: May enhance the anticholinergic effects of amantadine.
- CNS Stimulants (e.g., selegiline): Concomitant use may increase the CNS stimulatory effects of amantadine.
- Trimethoprim/sulfa, quinidine, quinine, thiazide diuretics, triamterene: May decrease the renal excretion of amantadine, yielding higher and potentially toxic blood levels.
- Urinary acidifiers (e.g., methionine, ammonium chloride, ascorbic acid): May increase the renal excretion of amantadine, potentially decreasing its efficacy.
- Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole: Decreased renal clearance of amantadine, potentially leading to toxicity
- Anticholinergics: Increased anticholinergic side effects (e.g., dry mouth, urine retention)
- CNS stimulants: Increased risk of agitation, restlessness, or seizures
Frequently asked questions
What is Amantadine HCl used for in pets?
* **Patience is Key**: When used for chronic pain, this medication must be given consistently as prescribed. It may take a week or more to see noticeable improvements in your pet's comfort. * **Side Effects**: Mild gastrointestinal effects (loose stools, gas, diarrhea) or mild agitation/restlessness may occur, especially during the first few days of treatment. Contact your veterinarian if these signs become severe or persist. * **Taste**: If using the liquid formulation, be aware that it has a very bitter taste. Your veterinarian or a compounding pharmacy may be able to provide a flavored version. * **Safety Warning**: Overdoses can be life-threatening. Keep this medication strictly out of reach of children and all pets.
Is Amantadine HCl safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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