Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: RIMANTADINE - ORAL (rih-MAN-tuh-deen)
BRAND NAME(S): Flumadine
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: This medication is an antiviral used to prevent and treat infections caused by the flu virus.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth as directed. Do not increase your dose or take this more often than prescribed. For preventing the flu, this is usually taken once or twice a day. To treat the flu, this is usually given for 5 days. Take this medication for the full time prescribed. Stopping therapy too soon may result in ineffective treatment.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, stomach upset, nervousness, tiredness, lightheadedness, trouble sleeping and difficulty concentrating may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: skin rash, jaundice (yellowing of the eyes/skin), mood changes, mental confusion, vision changes. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially: liver or kidney disease, seizures, blood disorders, any allergies. Use caution driving or operating machinery if this medication makes you lightheaded. Elderly persons may be more sensitive to the effects of this medication. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this medication is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Flu (Influenza) - Learn influenza symptoms, causes, home remedies, treatment with antiviral drugs and prevention. Read about flu types (swine or H1N1, bird, stomach), when to get flu shots, how long it lasts and how it's spread.
- Drugs: What You Should Know About Your Drugs - Find out what you should know about your drugs such as side effects, warnings and precautions, storage information, and if a generic version is as good as the brand name.
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