Remantadin appeared on sale in 1965. Then a group of American scientists who tried to find a fairly effective cure for the flu, and identified such a useful substance. The drug is gaining particular popularity right now, because the flu virus is constantly mutating, and new drugs are needed to combat it. Before taking Remantadine, you should always consult with your doctor and read the instructions, which describe the rules for use, possible side effects and recommended dosage.
The active ingredient of the drug Remantadine is a derivative of adamantane – rimantadine hydrochloride. It effectively affects various strains of the influenza virus (especially influenza type A), as well as herpes and tick-borne encephalitis viruses. Immediately after Remantadine enters the body, the effect of the drug on pathogens begins.
The drug affects the viruses themselves in such a way that they lose their ability to reproduce, and the effect on the cells of the human body is minimal. Due to this, not only viral activity decreases, but also the defenses of the human body increase. Due to the ability of the substance to accumulate and linger in tissues, it can be used not only for the treatment of viral diseases, but also for the seasonal prevention of influenza and SARS.
After ingestion, the drug tends to be slowly but almost completely absorbed in the intestine. Remantadine accumulates in the liver and after a while is excreted with the help of the kidneys. It is usually available as a tablet (for adults) or as a sweet syrup (for children).
What helps Remantadin?
It is most appropriate to use the drug for the treatment and prevention of type A influenza.
In the cold season and during epidemics, it is recommended to take medicine to strengthen the body’s immune system and resist colds.
Remantadine in some cases may be prescribed by a doctor as a prophylactic drug against encephalitis of viral etiology.
Dosage and rules of admission
As a prophylaxis during influenza and SARS epidemics, adults and children over 7 years of age should take 1-2 tablets 1 time per day for 4 weeks. To protect yourself from viral encephalitis, the medicine is taken orally 2 tablets, the duration of the course is 5 days.
For the treatment of influenza, you need to take Remantadin three tablets 3 times on the first day of illness, two 2 times on the second and third days. On the fourth or fifth day, the dosage is recommended to be reduced to 2 tablets, which are taken 1 time per day. For children, the dose will be 1 tablet twice a day for 5 days.
special instructions
Patients with hypertension and people suffering from atherosclerosis of the vessels, the medicine should be taken very carefully and only after consulting with your doctor. The drug can cause the disease to worsen, and in older people, the risk of hemorrhagic stroke will increase.
If a person is sick with type B influenza, then taking Remantadine will have an antitoxic effect on the body. In case of direct contact with patients, as well as at the time of the spread of the virus in a team or room, it is recommended to take the medicine to provide a preventive effect. It is best if the course of prevention lasts about 10 days – during this time, antibodies to the virus will be developed in the human body. Before taking, you need to carefully read the instructions to avoid side effects.
It is forbidden to take Remantadin when:
Individual intolerance to the active substance;
Chronic diseases of the kidneys, liver and thyroid gland;
Pregnancy and lactation.
The possibility of prescribing Remantadine to a child under 7 years of age should be discussed with the attending physician. For young children, a syrup with a reduced concentration of the active substance is produced.
Side effects when taking the drug from the gastrointestinal tract can be nausea and vomiting, dry mouth and flatulence, in addition, possible:
Headache and chronic fatigue;
Insomnia;
Difficulty concentrating;
Increased excitability and causeless anxiety.
All these symptoms disappear after stopping the medication and are usually caused by exceeding the allowable dosage. During the period of treatment with Remantadine, it is better to avoid activities that require quick reactions, increased vigilance and long concentration. You have to drive very carefully.
The greatest effectiveness of the drug is observed at the initial stage of infection of the body. To make the fight against the virus in people of different age groups more effective, scientists conduct special studies and improve the properties of Remantadin.
Official instruction
