Remantadine

Remantadine is an antiviral medication.

Remantadine hydrochloride is a derivative of the element amidantane; it demonstrates a strong antiviral effect. This component is effective against influenza viruses of the A2 subtype, as well as B.

Remantadine slows down viral replication early in the cycle, possibly preventing the formation of the viral envelope. Genetic testing has shown that a specific gene protein (virion-M2) plays an important role in the antiviral effect of the component against influenza A virus.

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Indications Remantadine

It is used to treat influenza in its early stages, and also to prevent the development of influenza during epidemics and tick-borne encephalitis.

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Release form

The medicinal product is released in capsules of 0.1 g or tablets of 0.05 g.

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Pharmacodynamics

The drug has antiviral activity, slowing down the early phase of viral reproduction (after it enters the cell) and blocking the transfer of viral genetic material into the cell cytoplasm.

It has an effect on the influenza virus subtype A, as well as tick-borne encephalitis (the so-called arbovirus). It is effective when used at the initial stage of infection (within 6-7 hours from the onset of symptoms), thereby reducing the incidence of influenza and weakening the intensity of manifestations.

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Pharmacokinetics

The medicine, although at a low speed, is fully absorbed inside the gastrointestinal tract. Synthesis with blood protein is 40%. The active element levels in nasal secretions are 50% higher than its plasma level. Metabolic processes develop inside the liver.

The half-life of the drug is 24-30 hours. Excretion occurs through the kidneys.

If the dosage is not adjusted for people with renal insufficiency, the drug accumulates, reaching toxic levels.

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Dosing and administration

The medication should be taken orally after eating.

For flu, the following regimen is used: Day 1 – 3 times a day, 0.1 g of the substance; Days 2 and 3 – 0.1 g 2 times a day; Day 4 – 1 time, 0.1 g of the medication. To prevent the development of the disease – 50 mg of the medication daily for a period of 10-15 days.

In case of a tick bite, the drug should be used during the first 72 hours – 2 times a day in a dose of 0.1 g.

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Use Remantadine during pregnancy

It is prohibited to prescribe Remantadine to pregnant women.

Contraindications

Among the contraindications:

• renal or hepatic pathologies;
• hyperthyroidism.

Caution is required when used in epileptics, with elevated blood pressure and atherosclerosis. In elderly people with elevated blood pressure, the likelihood of developing a hemorrhagic form of stroke increases. In the case of a history of epilepsy, an epileptic seizure may develop.

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Side effects Remantadine

Side effects include:

• anorexia, nausea, stomach pain, dry mouth and flatulence;
• feelings of anxiety, excitability or nervousness, headaches, drowsiness or insomnia, and decreased concentration;
• allergy symptoms.

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Overdose

In case of poisoning, nausea with vomiting and a metallic taste in the mouth are observed. In addition, a psychedelic trip develops, during which panic, a feeling of fear, hallucinations and delirium appear, and in addition, the intensity of thought processes increases.

In such situations, it is necessary to administer physostigmine intravenously - 0.5 mg for a child and 1-2 mg for an adult.

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Interactions with other drugs

Enveloping medications and adsorbents weaken the absorption of the active element of the drug.

Substances that acidify urine weaken the effect of rimantadine, while agents that alkalize urine, on the contrary, potentiate it.

Remantadine clearance values are reduced when used with cimetidine.

Remantadine reduces the effectiveness of anticonvulsants.

Blood Cmax values of the drug decrease when combined with aspirin and paracetamol.

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Storage conditions

Remantadine must be stored at temperatures no higher than 25°C.

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Shelf life

Remantadine can be used for a period of 5 years from the date of manufacture of the drug.

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Application for children

Not for use by children under 7 years of age.

Children aged 7-10 years are required to take 50 mg of the substance 2 times a day, and children over 10 years of age are required to take the same dose 3 times a day.

In severe conditions in children aged 3-7 years, the drug can be used, but only at a dosage of 1.5 mg/kg, in 2 doses.

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Analogues

The analogs of the drug are Olvirem, Algirem, Remantadin STI and Tamiflu with Arbidol, as well as Remantadin Aktitab, Kagocel and Polirem.

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Reviews

Remantadine has received good reviews as an effective preventive element that helps prevent flu epidemics within closed groups and communities.

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