Rimantadine

Indications

Rimantadine is used for: Influenza A virus

Adult Dose

Oral Influenza A Adult: 100 mg twice daily. Prophylaxis of influenza A Adult: 100 mg twice daily.

Child Dose

Oral Prophylaxis of influenza A Child: 1-9 yr: 5 mg/kg (max: 150 mg) once daily; >10 yr and <40 kg: 5 mg/kg/day in 2 divided doses; >10 yr and >40 kg : 100 mg twice daily.

Renal Dose

Renal impairment: CrCl (ml/min) Dosage Recommendation <10 mL/min 100 mg daily

Administration

Contra Indications

Hypersensitivity to drugs of the adamantane class, such as rimantadine and amantadine.

Precautions

Renal or hepatic impairment. Elderly. Monitor for GI and CNS adverse reactions. May increase risk of seizures in patients with a history of epilepsy, discontinue treatment if seizure occurs. History of eczema or psychosis. Pregnancy.

Pregnancy-Lactation

Pregnancy Category: C Lactation: enters breast milk

Interactions

Adverse Effects

Side effects of Rimantadine : 1-10% Dizziness (2%) Nervousness (1-2%) Fatigue (1%) Headache (1%) Insomnia (2%) Difficulty in concentrating (<2%) Anxiety (1%) Anorexia (2%) Weakness (1%) Nausea (3%) Vomiting (2%) Xerostomia (2%) Abdominal pain (1%) Anorexia (2%) < 1% Dyspnea Agitation Ataxia Tachycardia Tremor Convulsions Heart block Hyperkinesias Bronchospasm Gait abnormality

Mechanism of Action

Inhibits viral replication of three subtypes of influenza A (H1N1, H2N2, H3N2) early in the viral replicative cycle. Has no activity against influenza B virus.