Amantadine is available in 100 mg capsules and 100 mg tablets. The active ingredient is Amantadine Hydrochloride. It may take up to a week for the medication to show effects. Do not stop giving Amantadine suddenly, and do not give two doses at once. Amantadine is not for pets that are lactating, pregnant, or breeding.
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Amantadine
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- Description
- Ingredients
- Directions
- FAQ
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Description
Amantadine Hydrochloride is a medicine used to treat pain in dogs and cats caused by arthritis, cancer, chronic conditions, neuropathy, de-claw surgery, etc. It works best when used with other pain relievers. In addition, Amantadine can also be prescribed as an antiviral agent. Amantadine is available in both capsules and tablets and is sold per capsule/tablet. Amantadine requires a prescription from your veterinarian.
Key Benefits
- Relieves pain and increases quality of life
- Can be used as an antiviral agent
- Works best when used with other pain relievers
How It Works
Amantadine Hydrochloride works by inhibiting the NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptor in the nervous system, which is what creates pain. Amantadine blocks the NMDA receptor and alleviates pain. The mechanism by which Amantadine exerts its antiviral activity isn't clearly understood.
Ingredients
| Amantadine Capsules | |
|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | Amount |
| Amantadine Hydrochloride | 100 mg |
Directions
- Amantadine is available as a tablet or a capsule.
- Can be given daily.
- Follow the instructions exactly as directed by your veterinarian.
Tip:
Make sure your pet has fresh water available to drink
| Amantadine Dosage for Cats | |
|---|---|
| Weight | Dosage |
| All weights | The usual dose is approximately 3-5 mg/kg (1.36-2.27 mg/lb) by mouth once daily. |
| Amantadine Dosage for Dogs | |
| Weight | Dosage |
| All weights | The usual dose is approximately 3-5 mg/kg (1.36-2.27 mg/lb) by mouth once daily |
| Amantadine Dosage for Horses | |
| Do not use! | |
Cautions:
Use Amantadine with caution in pets with liver or kidney dysfunction, congestive heart failure, and seizure disorders. Consult with your veterinarian before giving your pet any other prescription or over-the-counter medications.
Storage:
Store Amantadine at room temperature away from heat and moisture.
Possible Side Effects
Possible side effects of amantadine may include flatulence, diarrhea and agitation. Taking this medication with antihistamines may also lead to difficulty urinating, dry mouth and an increased heart rate.
Drug & Food Interactions
Careful observation is required when amantadine is administered concurrently with central nervous system stimulants. Agents with anticholinergic properties may potentiate the anticholinergic-like side effects of amantadine. Coadministration of thioridazine has been reported to worsen the tremor in elderly pets with Parkinson's disease, however, it is not known if other phenothiazines produce a similar response.
Precautions
This medication should not be used in pets with kidney disease, behavioral disorders, seizure disorders, liver disease or congestive heart disease. Pets who are pregnant, nursing or with untreated glaucoma should not take Amantadine. Thiazide diuretics may decrease the excretion of this medication. This prescription medication should not be taken with the antibiotic Trimethoprim-sulfa or the heart medication quinidine.
This drug is FDA-approved for human use. However, it is common practice for veterinarians to prescribe such drugs for use in dogs and cats.
FAQ
Discuss with your veterinarian if your pet has liver or kidney dysfunction, congestive heart failure, seizure disorders. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is lactating, pregnant, or breeding.
Amantadine should be given by mouth and administered exactly as directed by your veterinarian.
Side effects of Amantadine Hydrochloride for dogs and cats include diarrhea, flatulence, and agitation.
Skip the missed dose and take the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not give your pet extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Seek emergency veterinary treatment immediately. An overdose of Amantadine can be fatal. Symptoms of an overdose include agitation, confusion, behavior changes, problems with balance, troubled breathing, increased heart rate, or seizure.
Amantadine Hydrochloride is contraindicated in pets with known hypersensitivity to amantadine hydrochloride or to any other ingredients in it. Avoid giving to lactating, pregnant, or breeding pets.
Trimethoprim/Sulfa (antibiotic), Quinidine (heart medication), and thiazide diuretics may make Amantadine effects stronger. Other anticholinergic drugs like antihistamines may cause dry mouth, difficulty urinating, and increased heart rate when used with Amantadine. Make sure to let your veterinarian know if your pet is taking any medications or supplements.