Table of Contents
What is adamantane used for?
Answer. Amantadine and rimantadine are antiviral drugs in a class of medications known as adamantanes that were once prescribed for influenza treatment or prophylaxis. These medications are active against influenza A viruses, but not influenza B viruses.
How does amantadine inhibit replication?
The drug inhibits viral replication by targeting the endonuclease function encoded by the PA subunit of the viral polymerase complex. It has been shown to be effective against human influenza virus and avian subtypes (Noshi et al., 2018). Search for antiviral resistance toward this compound is currently ongoing.
Can viruses become resistant to antivirals?
Reduced susceptibility detected using laboratory tests can be a sign of potential antiviral drug resistance in clinical settings. Typically, flu virus is called resistant after sufficient evidence was gathered to prove a lack of antiviral effect of a particular antiviral medication in patients infected with such virus.
Why was amantadine flu discontinued?
Official answer. Amantadine is no longer recommended for treatment of flu virus in the United States. It was only effective against influenza A viruses, but for several years, these viruses have been resistant to amantadine. This means the drug doesn’t work well against these flu viruses.
Is amantadine an antiviral?
Amantadine is also an antiviral medicine. It is used to prevent or treat certain influenza (flu) infections (type A). It may be given alone or together with flu shots. Amantadine will not work for colds, other types of flu, or other virus infections.
What are the benefits of taking amantadine?
Amantadine is in a class of medications called adamantanes. It is thought to work to control movement problems by increasing the amount of dopamine in certain parts of the body. It works against influenza A virus by stopping the spread of the virus in the body.
Do antivirals lower your immune system?
The inhibitory effects of antivirals on immune cells may contribute to the immune deterioration observed in patients following prolonged use of the drugs.
Why might antivirals not work?
Antivirals drugs work by targeting a specific location or site found on a flu virus. When a flu virus develops changes to the site antiviral drugs use to work, that virus may show reduced or no susceptibility to that antiviral drug. Antiviral drugs may not work as well against viruses with reduced susceptibility.
What are side-effects of antivirals?
Common side effects (tablets and liquid)
- headaches.
- feeling dizzy.
- feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting)
- diarrhoea.
- skin being sensitive to sunlight.
Can your body become resistant to antivirals?
How long can a viral infection last?
A viral infection usually lasts only a week or two. But when you’re feeling rotten, this can seem like a long time! Here are some tips to help ease symptoms and get better faster: Rest.
What are side effects of antivirals?