How does Symmetrel (Amantadine Hydrochloride) work:

Symmetrel (Amantadine Hydrochloride) is used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease which is caused by a disturbance in the balance of dopamine and acetylcholine, that the brain uses to send signals to other parts of the body. Symmetrel helps to fix this imbalance and relieve symptoms such as shaking of the limbs, stiffness and slowness of movement which make it difficult to perform usual tasks. Symmetrel can be used alone or with other medicines to treat this condition.

Symmetrel (Amantadine Hydrochloride) is also used to prevent a type of influenza caused by Type A influenza virus. Symmetrel is usually used for people who could become very ill if they get the flu. Usually these people will have been vaccinated. But if they have not been vaccinated, Symmetrel can also be given. Symmetrel is only used to prevent Type A influenza. It will not help once you have the flu.

Dosage & Administration:

Swallow the capsule with a full glass of water. If your stomach is upset after taking the capsule, take it with food or after a meal.

Parkinson's disease:

Adults - treatment is usually started with 1 capsule a day. If your symptoms do not improve after a week, your physician may increase the dose to 1 capsule twice a day. Other medicines for Parkinson's disease may also be needed to help control your symptoms.
Elderly (aged 65+) - 1 capsule a day.

Type A influenza:

Adults / Children (aged 10+) - the usual dose is 1 capsule twice a day. If you have side effects from the medicine, the dose can be reduced to 1 capsule each day.
Children (aged 5-9) / Elderly (aged 65+) - 1 capsule a day.

People with reduced kidney function:

Symmetrel is removed from your body through your kidneys into the urine. If your kidneys do not work as well as usual, due to increasing age or kidney disease, this medicine may stay in your body longer than usual. Your physician may reduce your dose to 1 capsule every 2 to 7 days to keep the medicine from building up in your body and help prevent side effects.

* Follow all directions given to you by your physician or pharmacist carefully. The instructions may differ from the information listed above. If you do not understand the instructions on the label, ask your physician or pharmacist for help.

Side Effects:

Tell your physician if any of the following side effects worry you:

• dizziness
• lightheadedness
• red blotchy spots on the skin
• blurred vision
• dry mouth
• indigestion
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• vomiting
• constipation
• diarrhoea
• listlessness
• difficulty concentrating
• nervousness
• anxiety
• disturbed sleep
• shakiness or trembling
• excessive sweating
• headache
• hair loss

Tell your physician immediately or go to your nearest hospital if you notice any of the following:

• rash
• itching
• hives
• swelling of the face, lips or tongue
• shortness of breath
• wheezing
• stiff
• rigid muscles
• flu-like symptoms
• irregular heartbeat
• weakness
• seizures
• slurred speech
• unusually high energy
• confusion
• hallucinations
• sudden loss of vision
• difficulty urinating
• yellow colour to the skin or eyes
• symptoms of sunburn

Precautions:

Do not take Symmetrel if you have an allergy to amantadine hydrochloride. Do not take Symmetrel if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. It may affect your unborn baby if you take it while you are pregnant. Tell your physician if you now have, or have ever had kidney disease, liver disease, seizures, a mental disorder, heart disease, stomach ulcers, low blood pressure, glaucoma, prostate trouble or recurring eczema.