Uses

What is rimantadine used for?

Rimantadine is commonly used for the treatment of the flu (influenza A), usually within the first two days of having flu symptoms. Rimantadine is also used for the prevention of flu. The flu, short for influenza, is caused by influenza viruses that infect parts of the body, leading to symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue.

Rimantadine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does rimantadine work (mechanism of action)?

Rimantadine is thought to block the creation of new flu virus particles, which helps your body’s immune system fight the infection.

How is rimantadine supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Flumadine

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 100 mg oral tablets 

How should I store rimantadine?

Rimantadine should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of rimantadine?

The most common side effects of rimantadine are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Trouble sleeping
  • Nervousness
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of appetite 
  • Dry mouth
  • Feeling unusually weak or tired
  • Headache
  • Dizziness

There may be other side effects of rimantadine that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of rimantadine?

While less common, the most serious side effects of rimantadine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Rimantadine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking rimantadine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use rimantadine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take rimantadine.

  • Flumadine
  • Rimantadine
  • Any other medicine in the adamantane class, including amantadine
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific rimantadine products they stock.

What should I know about rimantadine before using it?

Do not take rimantadine unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share rimantadine with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Rimantadine only works against the flu virus. Talk to your healthcare provider if your symptoms get worse or do not improve. This may be a sign of another type of infection.

Rimantadine can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how rimantadine affects you.

People who are 65 and older can be at greater risk for some side effects from rimantadine. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

Keep rimantadine out of the reach of children.

Your pharmacist can make a liquid form of this medicine. If you take this form, keep it at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C), for up to 14 days. Before each use, shake the liquid medicine. Use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist to recommend an appropriate measuring device.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using rimantadine?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if rimantadine is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • History of seizures or epilepsy
  • Kidney problems
  • Liver problems

Vaccines. Talk with your healthcare provider about any vaccines that you may need. You should not receive certain vaccines right before or while using rimantadine. Tell your healthcare provider about any vaccines you have recently received or have scheduled.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Rimantadine may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using rimantadine, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how rimantadine could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if rimantadine passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should stop breastfeeding or stop rimantadine.

Interactions

Does rimantadine interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between rimantadine and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect rimantadine, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infection.

Does rimantadine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you have recently received or plan to receive a live flu vaccine or if you are using any of the following before taking rimantadine.

  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol), which is a medicine used for pain or fever
  • Aspirin, which is in many prescription and OTC products, including those for pain, swelling, and fever

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with rimantadine. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does Rimantadine interact with other drugs you are taking?
Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much rimantadine?

If you or someone else has used too much rimantadine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of rimantadine?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Drug Survey

Are you currently using Rimantadine?

This survey is being conducted by the WebMD marketing sciences department.