Amantadine (Symmetrel);
Antiviral; Cap: 100 mg
Syr: 50 mg/5 mL
Tab: 100 mg;
Influenza A prophylaxis and treatment:
1-9 yrs: 5 mg/kg/day PO qd-bid (max 150 mg/day)
10-12 yrs: 5 mg/kg/day PO qd-bid (max 200 mg/day)
>12 yrs: 100 mg PO bid or 200 mg/day PO qd
Dividing the daily dose bid may decrease the
incidence of
CNS side effects.
For
prophylaxis, duration of therapy is 10 days following exposure. For treatment of
influenza A, start therapy within 24-48 hrs of symptom onset and
continue for 24-48 hrs after patient is
asymptomatic (usual duration of therapy 2-5 days).
Side effects are common and include dizziness, confusion, and headache.