Rimantadine

Rimantadine is used to prevent and treat infections caused by influenza A virus. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Rimantadine comes as a tablet and a liquid to take by mouth. It usually is taken once or twice a day for 2-12 weeks. A flu vaccine also will be given. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take rimantadine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

<p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Rimantadine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

<ul>
<li>
upset stomach</li>
<li>
nervousness</li>
<li>
tiredness</li>
<li>
difficulty sleeping and concentrating</li>
<li>
lightheadedness</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p>If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

<ul>
<li>
skin rash</li>
<li>
yellowing of the skin or eyes</li>
<li>
mood changes</li>
<li>
mental confusion</li>
<li>
vision changes</li></ul>If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at <a href='http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch'>http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch</a>] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].</p>

Before taking rimantadine, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to rimantadine or any other drugs. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially acetaminophen, aspirin, cimetidine (Tagamet), and vitamins. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease, seizures, or blood disorders.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.