Symmetrel(Amantadine) hydrochloride is a stable white or nearly white crystalline powder, freely soluble in water and soluble in alcohol and in chloroform.Symmetrel has pharmacological actions as both an anti-Parkinson and an antiviral drug.
Synonyms: Amantadine.

Symmetrel Description
Symmetrel(Amantadine) hydrochloride is a stable white or nearly white crystalline powder, freely soluble in water and soluble in alcohol and in chloroform.Symmetrel has pharmacological actions as both an anti-Parkinson and an antiviral drug.

How to Use Symmetrel
This medication is best taken on an empty stomach, but may be taken with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. This medication works best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by taking the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night. If you are taking amantadine for a viral infection, begin taking it as soon as possible. Continue to take until the full prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a relapse of the infection. In Parkinson's disease, the effects of the medication may not be apparent for several weeks. Do not suddenly stop taking the medication as an increase in symptoms may occur. Your doctor may want to reduce your dose gradually. If after several months, you notice the drug may not be as effective, contact your doctor. Tolerance can develop after long-term use.

Symmetrel Side Effects
This medication may cause stomach upset, nausea, drowsiness, constipation, headache, dizziness, anxiety, or purplish-red blotchy spots on the skin during the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or become severe, inform your doctor promptly. Notify your doctor if you develop: slurred speech, shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles/feet, unusual fatigue, vision disturbances, difficulty urinating, skin rash, mental/mood changes (sometimes severe, including rare thoughts of suicide), muscle stiffness, uncontrolled muscle movements, unusual sweating, fast heartbeat, unexplained fever. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Symmetrel Interaction
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: other drugs used for Parkinson's disease, stimulants (like decongestants commonly found in cough-and-cold products). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Symmetrel Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, slurred speech, blurred vision, drowsiness, memory loss, depression, excessive excitability, increased sensitivity to the sun, loss of consciousness, fast or irregular heartbeat.

Symmetrel Notes
Do not share this product with others.

Symmetrel Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Symmetrel Uses
This medication is used to treat or prevent infections of the respiratory tract caused by a certain virus. It acts by slowing the growth of the virus. Amantadine is also used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease and to treat the side effects caused by certain psychiatric drugs.

Symmetrel Other Uses
Ask your doctor about other uses of this medicine.

Symmetrel Storage
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.

Symmetrel Precautions
Before taking amantadine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: certain eye disease (untreated angle closure glaucoma). Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: swelling of arms/legs (peripheral edema), heart problems (e.g., congestive heart failure), mental/mood conditions (e.g., psychosis), seizures. Because this medication may cause blurred vision or dizziness, use caution when driving or operating machinery while taking this medication. Limit use of alcoholic beverages. To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position. Amantadine should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug. Consult with your doctor before breast-feeding.