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Compare Rimantadine vs. Symmetrel

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Rimantadine (generic, formerly branded as Flumadine) and amantadine (generic, formerly branded as Symmetrel) are both oral medications, but they serve different purposes and belong to different drug classes. Rimantadine is an antiviral used to treat and prevent influenza type A, while amantadine is an NMDA antagonist used to manage symptoms of Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders. Rimantadine works by preventing the influenza virus from replicating, whereas amantadine increases dopamine levels to help with movement coordination. Rimantadine is typically taken twice a day, while amantadine can be taken once or twice daily. Common side effects for both include nausea, dizziness, and trouble sleeping, but amantadine also carries risks of mood changes and hallucinations. Additionally, rimantadine is not recommended for use due to resistance in flu strains, whereas amantadine is still commonly used for its indications.

  • Rimantadine
    Amantadine
  • Rimantadine
    Amantadine

  • Summary of Rimantadine vs. Symmetrel

    Summary for Antiviral
    Prescription only

    Rimantadine is an antiviral used to treat influenza A in adults, and prevent influenza A in children and adults. But rimantadine hasn't been a recommended option in recent years because many strains of flu virus have become resistant to this medication. Rimantadine is taken by mouth, typically twice a day. Side effects aren't common, but can include nausea, trouble sleeping, and dizziness. The brand name Flumadine has been discontinued so it's only available as a generic.

    Summary for NMDA antagonist
    Prescription only

    Amantadine is an NMDA antagonist. It's used to treat symptoms of movement disorders in adults, including Parkinson’s disease (PD). It works by raising the levels of dopamine in your body, which helps coordinate movements. Amantadine is taken by mouth, typically once or twice daily. Some side effects of this medication include nausea, dizziness, and trouble sleeping.

  • Indications of Rimantadine vs. Symmetrel

    Indications for
    •Treatment of influenza type A - adults ages 17 and older
    •Prevention of influenza type A - people ages 1 year and older
    Indications for
    •Parkinsonism, including Parkinson's disease (PD)
    •Extrapyramidal symptoms (uncontrolled body movements)

  • Pros and Cons of Rimantadine vs. Symmetrel

    Pros and Const for Antiviral
    Pros
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Tablets can be made into an oral suspension for people who have a hard time swallowing tablets
    •Can be used for prevention of the flu in children as young as 1 year old
    •Not many known interactions with other medications
    Cons
    •Works best if taken within 48 hours of the onset of flu symptoms
    •Not recommended as the first-choice option to treat influenza since some virus strains are resistant to it
    •Doesn't work for the influenza type B virus
    •Not a good option for people with serious kidney problems
    Pros and Const for NMDA antagonist
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Might need to take only once daily
    •Available as a solution for people who've trouble swallowing pills
    Cons
    •Might not be a safe option during pregnancy
    •Not recommended to take with alcohol because can lead to dizziness and confusion
    •Can cause unusual urges or changes in mood

  • Common Side Effects of Rimantadine vs. Symmetrel

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (3%)
    •Vomiting (2%)
    •Trouble sleeping (2%)
    •Dizziness (2%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (5-10%)
    •Dizziness (5-10%)
    •Trouble sleeping (5-10%)

  • Warnings of Rimantadine vs. Symmetrel

    Common Side Effects for
    •Higher risk of seizures
    •Higher risk of side effects in people with liver and kidney problems
    Common Side Effects for
    •Falling asleep during daily activities
    •Suicidal thoughts or behavior
    •Problems with mood and hallucinations
    •Low blood pressure and dizziness
    •High fever and confusion from withdrawal
    •Unusual urges and impulsive behaviors
    •Risk of death from overdose
    •Seizures
    •Heart failure
    •Kidney problems
    •Liver problems
    •Possible risk of skin cancer

  • Prices with our coupons for Rimantadine vs. Symmetrel

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