Remantadin - instructions for use
Remantadine appeared on sale back in 1965. Then a group of American scientists, who were trying to find a sufficiently effective cure for influenza, and identified such a useful substance. The drug is gaining special popularity right now, because the flu virus is constantly mutating, and new drugs are needed to fight it. Before taking Remantadine, it is imperative that you consult your doctor and read the instructions, which describe the rules for use, possible side effects and the recommended dosage.
The active ingredient of the drug Remantadine is an adamantane derivative - 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 the ingestion of Remantadine into the body, the effect of the drug on the pathogens begins.
The drug affects the viruses themselves in such a way that they lose their ability to reproduce, and affects the cells of the human body minimally. Thanks to this, not only the 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 seasonal prevention of influenza and ARVI.
The drug after oral administration tends to be slowly but almost completely absorbed in the intestines. Remantadine accumulates in the liver and after a while is excreted by the kidneys. Usually comes in tablet form (for adults) or sweet syrup (for children).
What helps Remantadin?
- It is most advisable to use the drug for the treatment and prevention of influenza type A.
- In the cold season and during epidemics, it is recommended to take medicine to strengthen the body's immune system and resist colds.
- In some cases, remantadine can be prescribed by a doctor as a preventive drug against encephalitis of viral etiology.
Dosage and rules of admission
As a prophylaxis during periods of influenza and ARVI 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 in 2 tablets, the duration of the course is 5 days.
For the treatment of influenza, you need to take Remantadine three tablets 3 times on the first day of illness, twice 2 times - on the second and third days. On the fourth to fifth day, it is recommended to reduce the dosage 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 vascular atherosclerosis, the medicine should be taken very carefully and only after consultation with the attending physician. The drug can cause the disease to worsen, and in older people, the risk of hemorrhagic stroke increases.
If a person is sick with influenza type B, 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 action. It is best if the prophylaxis course lasts about 10 days - during this time, antibodies to the virus will develop in the human body. Before taking, you need to carefully read the instructions to avoid side effects.
It is prohibited to take Remantadine 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 old 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, the following are 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 permissible dosage. During the period of treatment with Remantadine, it is better to avoid activities that require quick reactions, increased vigilance and long concentration. Be very careful when driving.
The greatest effectiveness of the drug is observed at the initial stage of infection of the body. To fight the virus in people of different age groups more effective, scientists are conducting special studies and improving the properties of Remantadine.
Official instruction
Author of the article: Alekseeva Maria Yurievna | Therapist
Education: From 2010 to 2016 Practitioner of the therapeutic hospital of the central medical-sanitary unit No. 21, city of elektrostal. Since 2016 she has been working in the diagnostic center No. 3.
