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
Reasons for prescribing:
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
What dogs/cats should not take this medication?
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
Directions:
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
Storage and Warnings:
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
Can this drug be given with other drugs?
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 sometime seen with amantadine
Overdosing?
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.
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