Rimantadine

Rimantadine is a medication that can be prescribed to treat and prevent certain types of the flu. It works by inhibiting the uncoating of the flu virus, which prevents the virus from replicating after it enters a human cell. Rimantadine is available in tablet and syrup form, and is generally taken once or twice daily. Potential side effects include headaches, insomnia, and nausea.

 

What Is Rimantadine?

Rimantadine hydrochloride (Flumadine®) is a prescription medication used to both treat and prevent certain types of the flu (influenza). When taken at the first signs of the flu, rimantadine shortens the duration of flu symptoms. When taken before a person has the flu (such as during a flu outbreak), rimantadine may not always prevent the flu, but it may help make the flu case more mild.
 
(Click What Is Rimantadine Used For? for more information on rimantadine uses, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Rimantadine Side Effects

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with rimantadine. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects of rimantadine include, but are not limited to:
 
(Click Side Effects of Rimantadine to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;