Amantadine Hydrochloride

See also Anti-Parkinson's

Generic and Trade Names:

Amantadine

Symmetrel

Description:

Amantadine hydrochloride is a prescription drug classified as an antiviral and anti-parkinsonism agent. It is used to treat type A influenza infections and to relieve symptoms of Parkinson's disease. The mode of action in the treatment of type A influenza appears to be inhibition of viral material from entering cells and prevention of the release of these infected cells to the host cell. The mode of action in the treatment of Parkinson's disease is unclear but it is thought to work by increasing dopamine release in the brain from existing intact dopamine receptors. (Facts and Comparisons 1999)

Nutritional Considerations:

Anorexia. (Pronsky 1999)

Monitor blood pressure, it can cause edema of the ankles or legs (Pronsky 1999)

Urine retention or increased frequency. (Pronsky 1999)

Take at least 4 hours before bedtime to prevent insomnia. (Pronsky 1999)

Avoid alcohol. (Pronsky 1999)

Electrolytes (especially sodium, can cause hyponatremia, possibly by a dopaminergic-induced syndrome of inappropriate anti-diuretic hormone.) (Lammers 1993)

Herbal Considerations:

Theoretically, atropine-like effects may appear when using Thorn apple (Hawthorn) with the antiviral agent amantadine HCl, the dose of either one, or both, should be lowered. (Brinker 1998)

The German Commission E has noted an interaction between amantadine and these herbs: they can cause increased anticholinergic effects.

Belladonna leaf and root Henbane leaf
Pheasant's eye herb
Scopolia root

Jimson Weed may increase the anticholinergic effects of amantadine. (Facts 1999)

References

Alkana RL, Parker ES, Malcolm RD et al: Interaction of apomorphine and amantadine with ethanol in men. Alcohol Clin Exper Res 1982; 6:403-411.

Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.

Brinker, Francis Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions, Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.

Burnham T, ed. Facts and Comparisons Drug Information (loose leaf edition). St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons (updated monthly).

Facts and Comparisons, Clinisphere 2.0, Wolters Kluwer Company, 1999.

Lammers GJ & Roos RAC: Hyponatraemia due to amantadine hydrochloride and L-dopa/carbidopa (letter). Lancet 1993; 342:439.

Product Information: Symmetrel(R), amantadine. DuPont Pharmaceuticals, Wilmington, DE, 1996.

Pronsky, Zaneta. Food Medication Interactions. 11th edition. 1999.