Rimantadine

Rimantadine prevents and treats influenza A virus (flu). It works best when this medication is started within 48 hours of when you notice your first flu symptoms.

Rimantadine Overview

Reviewed: October 1, 2013
Updated: 

Rimantadine is a prescription medication used to prevent and treat certain influenza (flu) infections. This medication belongs to a group of drugs called antivirals. It is thought to work by stopping the virus from relicating by inhibiting a certain viral protein.

Rimantadine comes in tablet and syrup forms. It is usually taken once or twice daily for 2 to 12 weeks. This medication can be taken with or without food.

Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, headaches and insomnia. Rimantadine can cause dizziness. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.

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Uses of Rimantadine

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Rimantadine is a prescription medication used to prevent and treat influenza A (flu) virus in adults. It is also used to prevent influenza A virus in children.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Rimantadine Brand Names

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Rimantadine may be found in some form under the following brand names:

Rimantadine Drug Class

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Rimantadine is part of the drug class:

Side Effects of Rimantadine

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Common side effects include:

  • insomnia
  • dizziness
  • headache
  • nervousness
  • fatigue
  • nausea
  • vomiting

Tell your doctor about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

These are not all of the possible side effects with rimantadine. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.