Medication Information Leaflet
What is this medication for?
Amantadine can be used alone or in combination with other medications (e.g. Levodopa preparations) in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects body movement. This medication helps to improve muscle control and allows more normal body movements.
How should I take or use this medication?
- Do not stop taking Amantadine without checking with your healthcare professional.
- You may take Amantadine with food to avoid gastric irritation.
- Amantadine capsule may be dissolved directly in warm water before administration. Do not chew, break, or crush the capsule.
What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.
What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?
Inform your healthcare professional if:
- You are allergic to Amantadine or any of the other ingredients of this medication
- You have glaucoma (high eye pressure), kidney, liver or heart condition
- You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
- You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
What are some common side effects of this medication?
- Low blood pressure resulting in dizziness when getting up from a lying or sitting position
- Get up slowly from a lying or sitting position to reduce chances of dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Suck on sugar free candies or ice cubes to stimulate saliva production
- Constipation
- Dry nose
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Practise good sleep hygiene
- Involuntary movements of the body
- Discuss with your doctor if these involuntary movements persist
What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?
The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:
- Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
- Difficulty in breathing
- Itchy skin rashes over your whole body
Some rare but serious side effects includes
- New or worsening behaviour or agitation
- Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there)
- Strong urge that are hard to control (such as eating, gambling, spending money)
- Swelling in arms and legs
- Net-like pattern rashes
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.
What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?
You should avoid taking alcohol when on Amantadine as it may cause drowsiness, dizziness or confusion.
The following medications may affect the efficacy of Amantadine. Discuss with your healthcare professional regarding alternative medications.
- Metoclopramide, a medication used for vomiting or digestion
- Amisulpride and Sulpiride used in the treatment of mental health conditions
How should I store this medication?
Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.
How do I throw away this medication safely?
Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing it into the rubbish chute or bin.
Disclaimer
Please take note that the above is not a complete list of all possible side effects. If you have any concerns about your medication or if you have other side effects that you think are caused by this medication, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.
If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.
This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.
Last updated on Mar 2023
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