Rimantadine (Systemic)

Brand Names : Flumadine

Proper Use of This Medicine

Talk to your doctor about the possibility of getting a flu shot if you have not had one yet.

This medicine is best taken before exposure, or as soon as possible after exposure , to people who have the flu.

To help keep yourself from getting the flu, keep taking this medicine for the full time of treatment .

If you already have the flu, continue taking this medicine for the full time of treatment even if you begin to feel better after a few days . This will help to clear up your infection completely. If you stop taking this medicine too soon, your symptoms may return. This medicine should be taken for at least 5 to 7 days.

This medicine works best when there is a constant amount in the blood. To help keep the amount constant, do not miss any doses. Also, it is best to take the doses at evenly spaced times day and night .

If you are using the oral liquid form of rimantadine, use a specially marked measuring spoon or other device to measure each dose accurately. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.

Dosing - The dose of rimantadine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of rimantadine. Your dose may be different if you have kidney disease or liver disease. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• For oral dosage forms (syrup, tablets):
  • For the prevention or treatment of flu:
    • Elderly adults - 100 milligrams (mg) once a day.
    • Adults and children 10 years of age and older - 100 mg two times a day.
    • Children up to 10 years of age - 5 mg per kilogram (2.3 mg per pound) of body weight once a day. Children in this age group should not receive more than 150 mg a day.

Missed dose - If you do miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. This will help to keep a constant amount of medicine in the blood. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Keep the syrup form of this medicine from freezing.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.