Amantadine Capsules are for use as an antiviral agent or to relieve pain in dogs and cats.
Amantadine Generic Capsules for Pets
Why has my veterinarian prescribed this medicine?
Amantadine is an antiviral agent. It also may be useful to treat chronic pain when administered in combination with other drugs.
How do I give this medication?
- Give this medication to your pet as directed by your veterinarian. Read the label carefully.
- If the medicine is a liquid, measure the dose with reasonable care.
- Try to give this medication at about the same time(s) each day.
- DO NOT give the pet more medicine than directed.
- DO NOT give the medicine more often than directed.
- This medication may take a week or so to be effective.
- Try not to miss giving any doses.
What do I do if I miss giving a dose?
Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.
How do I store this medicine?
- Keep this medicine out of reach of children and other pets.
- Avoid freezing the liquid.
- Store this medicine in a cool, dry place at room temperature (15o to 30oC) Store away from heat and direct sunlight.
- Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture.
What are the potential side effects?
- The side effect profile for this medication is not well described.
- Your pet may experience some stomach upset, such as loose stools, diarrhea and gas or some agitation. If these symptoms persist, contact your veterinarian.
- Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.
Are there any possible drug interactions?
- Make sure to tell your veterinarian what other medication you are giving your pet.
- Quite often, your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, and sometimes a drug interaction may occur. In this case, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.
- The following drugs can potentially interact with amantadine: trimethoprim/sulfa, quinidine, quinine, thiazide diuretics, triamterene, anticholinergic drugs, and CNS stimulants.
- Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.
Amantadine (Generic) Capsules for Pets
Trade Names:
Symmetrel® General Description:
Amantadine has been prescribed for your pet as an antiviral agent or to relieve pain (ex. arthritis, post-declaw surgery, cancer pain, chronic pain). It may be used in combination with other pain relievers for optimum benefit. Amantadine is available as 100 mg tablets and as an oral solution.
What is this drug?- Originally used as an antiviral medication against influenza (the flu). Now, it is mainly used in combination with pain relievers to improve their effects.
- Given by mouth
- Treat arthritis pain
- Treat chronic pain associated with declaw surgery
- Treat neuropathic pain (chronic pain due to nerve injury)
- Treat cancer pain, especially osteosarcoma (bone cancer)
- As an antiviral agent
- Since this drug is newer to veterinary medicine, cautions used in human medicine should be exercised. Therefore, extra care should be used in pets with kidney disease, seizure disorders, behavioral disorders, liver disease or congestive heart disease.
- Pets with untreated glaucoma
- Pregnant or nursing animals
The actual dose to be given should be prescribed by the veterinarian.
Give medication as directed by your veterinarian. Read and follow the label carefully.
Give the exact amount prescribed and only as often as directed.
Give this medication for as long as your veterinarian directs. Call ahead for refills.
Ideally, give the medication at the same time daily.
For liquids, shake well before accurately measuring the dose.
Give this medication with or without food.
What if a dose is missed?If a dose is missed, give it as soon as you can. If it is time already for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the normal schedule. Do not give two doses at the same time.
What to tell/ask veterinarian before giving medication?Talk to your veterinarian about:
- When will your pet need to be rechecked
- What tests may need to be performed prior to and during treatment with this drug
- Risks and benefits of using this drug
Tell your veterinarian about:
- If your pet has experienced side-effects on other drugs/products
- If your pet has experienced digestive upset now or ever
- If your pet has experienced liver or kidney disease now or ever
- If your pet has experienced any other medical problems or allergies now or ever
- All medicines and supplements that you are giving your pet or plan to give your pet, including those you can get without a prescription. Your veterinarian may want to check that all of your pet's medicines can be given together.
- If your pet is pregnant or nursing or if you plan to breed your pet
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep in an airtight container.
Keep this and all medication out of reach of children and pets. Call your physician immediately if you accidentally take this product.
Potential side effects:- Gastrointestinal effects: nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, flatulence, diarrhea
- Agitation (most likely to occur in first few days)
- Humans report various mental side effects, for example, hallucinations and dizziness
- If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian
- The following drugs can potentially increase the effect of amantadine: some diuretics ('water pills'), quinidine (heart medication) and trimethoprim sulfa (antibiotic)
- Antihistamines and similar drugs can together with amantadine cause difficulty urinating, a 'dry mouth' and an increased heart rate
- Drugs that increase activity or stimulation levels may increase the agitation side effect sometimes seen with amantadine
Irregular heart rhythm, high blood pressure, seizures and breathing problems are reported in humans who have overdosed. Contact your veterinarian immediately if pet eats more than the prescribed amount.
What else should I know?This is just a summary of information about amantadine. If you have any questions or concerns about amantadine or the condition it was prescribed for, contact your veterinarian.
As with all prescribed medicines, amantadine should only be given to the dog/cat for which it was prescribed. It should be given only for the condition for which it was prescribed. It is important to periodically discuss your pet's response to amantadine at regular check ups. Your veterinarian will best determine if your pet is responding as expected and if your pet should continue receiving amantadine.