Amantrel Tablet

Amantrel tablet contains amantadine as the active substance. It is used in the management of Parkinson's disease. It is also used for the treatment of movement disorders caused by certain medicines.

Take Amantrel tablet in the exact dose and duration as prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking this medicine on your own. Before starting Amantrel tablet, inform your doctor if you are pregnant/breastfeeding and about your complete medical history.

Dosage

Overdose

• The symptoms of overdose of Amantrel tablet include sleeplessness, confusion, tremors, lethargy, changes in the pattern of walking and imbalance of speech, balance and coordination.
• If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, contact your doctor immediately or visit the nearest hospital.

Missed a Dose

• If you missed any dose of Amantrel tablet, take it as soon as you remember.
• If it's time for your next dose, then skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.
• Do not take a double dose to compensate for the missed one.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Amantrel tablet increases the levels of certain chemicals that are involved in the transmission of impulses throughout the nervous system, including the brain.

Directions for Use

• Take Amantrel tablet as a whole with sufficient water.
• Always take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
• Do not cut, break or chew the medicine.
• Do not consume more than the prescribed dose.
• Do not discontinue the medicine on your own without consulting your doctor.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take Amantrel tablet during pregnancy?

There is limited information on the effect of Amantrel tablets on pregnancy. This medicine should only be used during pregnancy if recommended by the doctor after assessing the need and the risk.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Amantrel tablet during breastfeeding?

Amantrel tablet passes into the human breast milk. This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Amantrel tablet?

Amantrel tablet may cause blurring of vision or other effects. If you experience any such effects after taking this medicine that may affect your ability to drive safely, it is advised to avoid driving.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Amantrel tablet?

No, alcohol should not be consumed while on treatment with Amantrel tablet as it may increase the signs and symptoms of toxicity.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You have liver or kidney disorder.
• You are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant or are breastfeeding.
• You are elderly (above 65 years of age).
• You have heart failure, swelling in your lower legs or hands or a type of low blood pressure that occurs when standing after sitting or lying down (orthostatic hypotension).
• You have a history of heart and blood vessel disorders.
• You develop feelings to harm yourself or have an abnormal mental state like disorientation, confusion, depression, personality changes, agitation, aggressive behaviour, sleepiness or sleeplessness.
• You have a history of fits/seizures.
• You notice blurring of vision or other visual problems.
• You are taking medicines called neuroleptics to manage mental disorders.
• You develop symptoms like fever, muscle spasms, involuntary movements or altered consciousness after taking this medicine.

Contraindications

If you are allergic to amantadine or to any of the other ingredients of Amantrel tablet.

Side effects

• Headache
• Swelling of ankles
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dry mouth

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• Some medicines can affect the way Amantrel tablet works or this medicine itself can reduce the effectiveness of other medicines taken at the same time.
• Inform your doctor about all the medicines, supplements or herbals you are currently taking or might take to avoid any possible interaction.
• The use of Amantrel tablet with medicines that stimulate the central nervous system (CNS) may cause toxicity to the CNS.
• Symptoms like confusion and gastrointestinal disturbances may occur when this medicine is used with levodopa or anticholinergic agents like procyclidine (used to manage Parkinson's disease).
• Thioridazine (used for management of mental disorders) used along with Amantrel tablet may increase the tremors in the elderly that occur with Parkinson's disease.
• Particular care should be taken if you are taking medicines for treating high blood pressure/fluid accumulation (diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide, potassium-sparing diuretics), malaria (quinine), irregular/abnormal heart rhythm (quinidine).
• Live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) should not be given within 2 weeks before or 48 hours after the use of Amantrel tablets.

Storage and disposal

• Store Amantrel tablet below 30ºC in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Amantrel used for?

Amantrel tablet is used in the management of Parkinson's disease. It is also used to treat movement disorders caused by certain medicines.

Is Amantrel and amantadine the same?

Yes, Amantrel tablet and amantadine are the same. Amantrel tablet contains amantadine as the active substance.