Amantadine Uses

Amantadine is used to treat symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and drug-induced extrapyramidal reactions (side effects of anti-Parkinson’s agents). The extended-release amantadine HCl capsule (brand name Gocovri) is used as a combination therapy with Parkinson’s medicines like levodopa and carbidopa to treat off-episodes (movement difficulties when other drugs wear off). Additionally, amantadine is also used to prevent and treat influenza A virus.

There may be other uses of amantadine—your pharmacist or doctor can give you further drug information.

Amantadine Mechanism of Action

Amantadine controls movement problems in Parkinson’s patients by increasing the amount of a chemical called dopamine in the central nervous system. It acts as an antiviral medicine by preventing viral replication and spread of the influenza A virus

Amantadine Doses

To treat Parkinson’s disease:

• Immediate-release amantadine is available as 100 mg in tablet and capsule form as well as a liquid of 50 mg/5 mL. The usual dose is 100 mg twice a day. Your doctor may adjust the dose as needed.
• Amantadine extended-release capsules (Gocovri) come in doses of 68.5 mg and 137 mg. The usual dose is 137 mg once a day at bedtime. Your doctor may increase the dose to 274 mg (two capsules) at bedtime after one week.
• Amantadine ER tablets (Osmolex ER) come in doses of 129 mg, 193 mg, and 258 mg. The usual dose is 129 mg once a day in the morning. Your doctor may increase the dose to 322 mg once a day (one 129 mg and one 193 mg tablet) after one week.

To treat and prevent the flu:

• A single dose of 200 mg in adults.
• 100 mg twice daily in older adults and children 9-12 years of age.
• The dose in children 1-9 years of age is based on the child’s body weight and must be determined by a healthcare provider.