Amantadine and influenza
Amantadine Hydrochloride Medication

:: Health Conditions - Influenza FLU - Amantadine Hydrochloride

Amantadine Hydrochloride Medication

Amantadine and Rimantadine
Treatment of influenza is largely symptomatic and supportive. Amantadine and rimantadine have both been shown to reduce the duration of influenza A symptoms when given within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms and may be given to high-risk patients. Treatment and prophylaxis failures may be due to the rapid emergence of drug-resistant viruses. Oseltamivir and zanamivir, which inhibit viral neuraminidase, are active against both influenza A and B viruses. Response to ribavirin has generally been disappointing. The most effective means of preventing influenza is with influenza vaccine adjusted to take account of current antigenic drifts and shifts and to provide protection against both influenza A and B. Amantadine and rimantadine are also effective at preventing influenza A but are not a substitute for vaccination unless the vaccine is contra-indicated. Prophylaxis with amantadine or rimantadine should be considered in addition to vaccination in individuals such as the immunocompromised whose antibody response to the vaccine is likely to be incomplete, in persons vaccinated after an influenza outbreak has begun, and in residents and carers in institutions to prevent or abort outbreaks of influenza. To be fully effective chemoprophylaxis must be started as early as possible and be taken each day for the duration of influenza activity or until an adequate antibody response to vaccination has occurred. Neuraminidase inhibitors may also be useful for prophylaxis.

Other ways to take care.
• Rest.
It will help you get better and keep you from spreading the flu virus. Flu is contagious for 3 or 4 days after symptoms appear.

• Liquids.
You should drink plenty of fluids, which your body needs to avoid dehydration.

• Temporary Relief.
For soothing symptoms, hot liquids may relieve the feeling of congestion. Taking a pain reliever, such as acetaminophen, may lessen aches and fever. Other "over the counter" therapies–while not treating the virus that causes flu—may also temporarily relieve flu symptoms.

Of course, never give aspirin to a child under 12 who has the flu, or any fever-causing illness, due to the risk of a serious adverse effect known as Reye's syndrome.

Can the flu be cured with antibiotics?
No. Antibiotics are only useful for treating bacterial infections. Because the flu is a viral infection, it cannot be treated with antibiotics. Antivirals such as Tamiflu are the only prescription medications that can treat the flu.