Product Details: Symmetrel (Amantadine)

Generic Options

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

This medicine is used to prevent or treat the flu. It may also be used to treat Parkinson disease and uncontrolled muscle movements caused by some medicines. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE of this medicine. Doing so will not improve your condition faster and may increase your risk for serious side effects. THIS MEDICINE ONLY WORKS AGAINST CERTAIN TYPES OF THE FLU. It does not treat other viral infections (such as the common cold). Be sure to use this medicine for the full course of treatment. Do not miss any doses. Not completing the full course of treatment or missing doses may prevent your infection from clearing up completely. It may also make your infection more difficult to treat in the future. IF YOU ARE TAKING THIS MEDICINE FOR PARKINSON'S DISEASE, increase physical activities slowly as your symptoms improve. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor. THIS MEDICINE MAY RARELY CAUSE A SERIOUS AND LIFE-THREATENING SIDE EFFECT CALLED NEUROLEPTIC MALIGNANT SYNDROME. This and other serious side effects may occur if you suddenly stop taking this medicine. Your dose may need to be decreased slowly to avoid serious side effects. Therefore, DO NOT SUDDENLY STOP TAKING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience fever, stiff muscles, confusion, abnormal thinking, fast or irregular heartbeat, and sweating. DO NOT DRINK LARGE AMOUNTS OF ALCOHOL WHILE YOU ARE TAKING THIS MEDICINE. This medicine may add to the effects of alcohol and other depressants. Use depressants or other medicines that may cause drowsiness (such as muscle relaxants or sleep aids) with caution. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness or about how much alcohol you may drink while you are taking this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS, DROWSINESS, OR BLURRED VISION. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. If dizziness occurs, sit up or stand up slowly. DO NOT BECOME OVERHEATED in hot weather or during exercise or other activities since heatstroke may occur. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while you are taking this medicine include blurred vision, dizziness or lightheadedness, drowsiness or trouble sleeping, decreased appetite, diarrhea, dry mouth or nose, headache, constipation, strange dreams, or tiredness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience fainting or difficulty urinating. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience unexplained fever; muscle problems (such as spasms or uncontrollable movements); confusion; hallucinations; mental or mood changes (such as aggression, unusual anxiety, or irritability); memory loss; persistent/severe drowsiness or trouble sleeping; personality changes; seizures; slurred speech; sweating; swelling of hands, legs, feet, or ankles; fast or irregular heartbeat; thoughts of harming yourself; or vision changes. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Amantadine