Rimantadine

Rimantadine is an antiviral medicine that is used to treat or prevent influenza A in people who are at least 17 years old. Rimantadine is also used to prevent influenza A in children ages 1 to 16 years old.

Rimantadine may not work every flu season because some strains of the virus may resist rimantadine. Rimantadine should not be used instead of getting a yearly flu shot. The Centers for Disease Control recommends getting an annual flu shot to help protect you each year against new strains of the influenza virus.

Rimantadine may also be used for other purposes that are not listed in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Start taking rimantadine within 24 to 48 hours after flu symptoms begin. Keep taking rimantadine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared.

Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Tell your doctor if the person taking this medicine has trouble swallowing the rimantadine tablet.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Do not get a nasal flu vaccine while you are taking rimantadine, and for at least 48 hours after your last dose.

You should not use rimantadine if you are allergic to rimantadine or a similar medicine called amantadine.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• a seizure; or
• liver or kidney disease.

It is not known if this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

You should not breastfeed while using this medicine.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Rimantadine may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• extreme drowsiness, or if you fall asleep suddenly even after feeling alert;
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• depression, agitation, aggression, behavior changes, hallucinations, thoughts of hurting yourself; or
• a seizure.

Side effects such as headache, dizziness, feeling weak or tired, anxiety, vomiting, and stomach pain may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects of rimantadine may include:

• nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain;
• dry mouth;
• sleep problems (insomnia); or
• dizziness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses at once.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose can be fatal.

Overdose symptoms may include agitation, hallucinations, or uneven heart rate.

Do not receive a nasal flu vaccine while using rimantadine, and for at least 48 hours after your last dose. The vaccine may not work as well during this time, and may not fully protect you from disease.

Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects could occur.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how rimantadine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Using rimantadine with other drugs that make you drowsy can make you feel even more tired. Ask your doctor before taking opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Other drugs may change how rimantadine works, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about all the medicines you are currently taking and any new medicine you start or stop using.