Rimantadine (patient information)

Why is this medication prescribed
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.

How should this medicine be used
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.

What special precautions should I follow
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.
 * tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking rimantadine, call your doctor.

What special dietary instructions should I follow
Rimantadine may cause an upset stomach. Take rimantadine with food or milk.

What should I do if I forget a dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Mild side effects
''Rimantadine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:''


 * upset stomach
 * nervousness
 * tiredness
 * difficulty sleeping and concentrating
 * lightheadedness

Severe side effects
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:


 * skin rash
 * yellowing of the skin or eyes
 * mood changes
 * mental confusion
 * vision changes

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 http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose
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.

What other information should I know
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to rimantadine.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish the rimantadine, call your doctor.

Brand names

 * Flumadine®
 * Flumadine® Syrup