Amantadine
Amantadine is an antiviral and antiparkinsonian agent used primarily to treat Parkinson's disease symptoms and to prevent/treat influenza A virus infections. It works by increasing dopamine levels in the brain and blocking viral replication.
Amantadine is used to treat Parkinson's disease symptoms and prevent influenza A infections.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N04BB01
- RxNorm
- 620
- Generic
- Amantadine
- Class
- atc-n04
- Brands
- Gocovri, Osmolex
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet, capsule, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 200mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 200mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 100mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during first trimester unless benefits outweigh risks; limited human data available
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
use only if clearly needed; consider alternative treatments
regular prenatal check-ups
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
avoid close to delivery; may cause neonatal irritability
fetal monitoring; monitor for neonatal withdrawal symptoms
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue breastfeeding
amantadine is excreted in breast milk; avoid breastfeeding during treatment and for 2 days after last dose
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderly over 65reduce dose; start at lower end of dosing range
use with caution due to age-related renal decline; monitor renal function closely
regular renal function monitoring; monitor for CNS effects and falls
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children 1 to 12 yearsweight-based dosing required
FDA approved for influenza A treatment/prophylaxis in children 1 year and older; not recommended for Parkinson's disease in children
monitor for neurological side effects and behavioral changes
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild renal impairmentdose reduction recommended
adjust dose based on creatinine clearance; typical adjustment for CrCl 30-50 mL/min is 100mg daily
regular renal function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentsignificant dose reduction required
for CrCl less than 30 mL/min, reduce dose to 100mg every 7 days; use with extreme caution
frequent renal function monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderate hepatic impairmentno specific adjustment needed
use with caution; limited data available; monitor for efficacy and side effects
monitor liver function tests periodically
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Amantadine is classified as both an antiviral (for influenza) and antiparkinson agent
FDA approval year
Original FDA approval for influenza A treatment
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indications
Mechanism of action
Primary pharmacodynamic action
Treatment of Parkinson's disease (including drug-induced extrapyramidal symptoms) and prophylaxis/treatment of influenza A virus infections.
Increases dopamine release in the brain and blocks NMDA receptors; for influenza, inhibits viral M2 protein function preventing viral replication.
May cause dizziness, insomnia, or orthostatic hypotension. Avoid abrupt discontinuation. Use with caution in patients with renal impairment, seizure disorders, or history of heart failure. Effectiveness against influenza has decreased due to widespread resistance.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy