The drug "Amantadine" refers to antiviral and antiparkinsonian drugs. Due to the pronounced effect on the central nervous system, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with contraindications before taking it, as well as find out with which 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 less commonly used. Other drugs that have fewer possible side effects are usually chosen.
How does the drug work?
The action of Amantadine is directed to glutamate receptors. Due to their blocking, the effect on the neostriatum is reduced against the background of dopamine deficiency - this is how the antiparkinsonian effect is achieved. The antiviral effect is that the drug prevents the penetration of the virus (influenza A) into the cells of body tissues.
The route of administration is oral. Further, "Amantadine" is absorbed in the digestive tract and enters the bloodstream, 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.
Structure
The active substance is amantadine sulfate, but other auxiliary components are included. They are especially worth paying attention to if 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 is Amantadine used?
This low-cost antiviral drug is used to treat influenza A, as well as for prevention. In addition, it is possible to use with shingles (it is caused by the Herpes zoster virus ) to reduce neuralgia. Another indication is parkinsonism.
"Amantadine": instructions for use
How to take the drug? Amantadine tablets (the price depends on the place of purchase - 130-150 rubles) is recommended to be used in the first half of the day, since excessive activation of the central nervous system is possible, and therefore, the occurrence of insomnia and other side effects (dizziness, headache). 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. With parkinsonism, in the first week, as a rule, 100 mg of the drug is prescribed per day, and after that the dose is increased (maximum - 400 mg).
The treatment plan is adjusted depending on the presence of concomitant diseases in the patient, for example, with renal failure and in old age, the dosage should be reduced. For pronounced antiparkinsonian action, the drug is combined with other drugs. Monotherapy is ineffective. You should not abruptly stop taking the drug, since there is a risk of increased symptoms of Parkinson's disease up to akinetic crises. This should be especially taken into account when pronounced side effects are detected - refusal of the drug should occur smoothly, the dose is gradually reduced.
Antiviral therapy consists of taking the medicine every 12 hours. As a rule, the doctor prescribes 1 tablet (100 mg), but for elderly patients the dose is reduced (the maximum daily dose is 100 mg). Treatment should be started immediately after the onset of the first symptoms, the course of therapy is usually 5 days. For prevention, 100 mg / day should be taken, the duration of administration is from 2 to 4 weeks.
Treatment for neuralgia caused by H. zoster lasts about 14 days, and therapy should be started immediately after diagnosis.
Side effects
"Amantadine" (instructions for use - included) has a large list of side effects, which is mainly due to its ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and affect the central nervous system. Among them are anxiety, headaches and dizziness, nervous agitation, nightmares, hallucinations (rarely). Often there is a decrease in attention and confusion, therefore, during the treatment with Amantadine, you should not drive vehicles and perform 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, you should carefully read the list of contraindications. Among them:
- allergy to components;
- renal failure;
- peptic ulcer;
- epilepsy;
- pregnancy and breastfeeding.
What drugs cannot be combined with Amantadine?
The drug is usually combined with anticholinergics, as well as other drugs for the treatment of parkinsonism, with a mutual reinforcement of the effect. However, combining this drug with Levodopa is not recommended, as there is a risk of an increase in the effect on the central nervous system (psychoses, hallucinations, nightmares). For the same reason, Amantadine is not taken at the same time as Memantine.
It is necessary to abandon the use of alcohol, as this entails an increase in the toxic effect on the central nervous system. In addition, the simultaneous administration of Amantadine with diuretics is not allowed, since in this case the antiviral drug is disrupted, and therefore its concentration in the blood can reach a toxic level.
Amantadine: analogues. What is worth buying?
Among the drugs, which include amantadine as the active substance (instructions for the use of analogues are different), one can distinguish PK Merz and Neomidantan. The latter is available in the form of gelatin capsules filled with white powder. "PC-Merz" - tablets in an orange shell. The list of indications for this drug is extensive. PC-Merz is also used for traumatic brain injury, endogenous intoxication, cerebrovascular accident, 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 medicine for viruses note a speedy improvement in well-being. Among the side effects, nervous agitation and attention disorder are usually observed, others are rare. Many doctors with Parkinson's disease as a supplement to combination therapy recommend exactly "Amantadine", reviews in general about it are mostly positive. Although every drug has opponents.
"Amantadine" is an inexpensive antiviral drug that can also be used in parkinsonism. Before use, it is imperative to consult with a specialist who, taking into account the characteristics of the body and associated pathologies, will select the necessary dose or suggest any other drug that has a similar effect.