Amantadine (Symmetrel) -|- Pharmacology Mnemonics - Flash Cards

Amantadine (Symmetrel)

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Name: Amantadine (Symmetrel)

Class: Antiviral/Antiparkinsonian Agent

Mech.: Blocks a late stage in assembly of influenza A virus

Absorption: Well absorbed orally.

Distribution:

Metab.:

Excretion, t½: Excreted unchanged in urine.

Toxicity/S.E.s: CNS toxicity (nervousness, confusion, hallucinations, insomnia, depression, confusion). Overdose ® toxic psychosis. Freq. livedo reticularis (skin mottling). Peripheral edema, freq. nausea. C/I w/hist. of seizures or congestive heart failure. Amantadine>rimantadine

Utility: Treat influenza A. Treat Parkinson’s Disease symptoms ® improvement o akinesia, rigidity, tremor, gait disturbances, & total disability in ~ 50% of patients (mech. unknown). Use alone or w/L-Dopa for PD.

Features: Can be used prophylactically for influenza A. For PD, sustained improvement may last up to 30 months, but may also be short lived (1-3 months). For PD, as good as or better than anticholinergics.