CONTRIBUTOR(S): Vetstream Ltd, Jo Murrell,
Medication: Amantadine
Medication: Amantadine
Your cat has been prescribed amantadine to help with the alleviation of chronic pain.
Key points:
• There are no licensed veterinary products containing amantadine. Your veterinarian may have to prescribe a human drug to your pet which contains amantadine. Your veterinarian will explain off-license prescribing to you.
• The safety of amantadine in pregnant and lactating queens has not been established. Birth deformities have been reported in other species and so use in pregnant or lactating queens is not recommended.
• Dosage: varies between preparations. Follow your veterinarian’s directions.
This information sheet is designed to help answer commonly asked questions and help you give the medication safely and effectively to your pet. It does not contain all available information for this medication. If you have other questions or need more information, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist.Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian.
Name, Brand names, Class of medication and Storage
Name
- Amantadine (am-an-tah-deen).
Brand name
- There are no licensed veterinary products containing amantadine.
- A human licensed product of amantadine is Symmetrel.
Class of medication
- NMDA-receptor antagonist. Central nervous system sensitization in chronic pain is thought to involve stimulation of NMDA receptors. This sensitization triggers a cascade of events that contribute to changes in the central nervous system. Amantadine blocks the NMDA receptor and in this way can help control chronic pain.
- Amantadine is probably not a great pain killer on its own but works best in combination with other analgesics (pain killers).
Storage
- Store at room temperature.
Why has my cat been prescribed amantadine?
Your veterinarian has prescribed amantadine as part of a regime to reduce chronic pain.
How is the medication given?
Amantadine is given by mouth and may be given with or without food once to twice daily. Administering with food may reduce side-effects. Preparations vary and dosing frequency will be advised by your veterinarian. Tablets, capsules and oral solutions may be available depending on your locality.
Are there any side-effects or drug interactions?
The adverse effects of amantadine in dogs and cats are not well studied. Possible side-effects include tremors, anxiety, loss of balance (ataxia), hypersalivation (excessive drooling), and/or vomiting. Other reported reactions include: agitation, flatulence and diarrhea. Contact your veterinarian if you have any concerns.
Amantadine should be used with caution in patients with kidney or liver disease.
Amantadine should not be used in animals that have previously had an allergic reaction to amantadine.
Drug interactions
Certain medications must be avoided or used with caution in a patients receiving amantadine, these include: atropine, glycopyrrolate, oxybutynin, antihistamines, acepromazine, tricyclic antidepressants drugs (eg amitriptyline, clomipramine), acetazolamide, quinidine, quinine, thiazide diuretics, tramadol and ketamine.
How long will my cat need to receive this medication?
Amantadine should be administered according to your veterinarian’s instructions. Treatment with amantadine is often long-term and this medication may be required as a life-long treatment.
How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?
Dispose of any unused amantadine safely – do not flush down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not save amantadine for future use or give to other pets.
What if I miss a dose or give an extra dose?
If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible but do not give a double dose. Make sure the dose given does not exceed the total recommended dose in any 24-hour period.
My cat is unwell, should I still give the drug?
If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian for advice.
What should I do if this medication is accidentally given to another pet or taken by a human?
Amantadine should only be given to the cat that it has been prescribed for. If accidentally given to other pets, contact your veterinarian for advice.
If accidentally consumed by a human, speak to your primary care physician or poison control center.
Will my cat need to be monitored while on amantadine?
Your veterinarian may need to regularly check your pet during treatment to ensure that their pain is being adequately managed and that side-effects are minimal. Your veterinarian may wish to perform regular blood testing to check your pet’s liver and kidney function.
Further information
If you have any concerns, further information on amantadine can be found on the package inserts.
Europe & UK
- There are no licensed veterinary products containing amantadine available in the UK and Europe.
US
- There are no licensed veterinary products containing amantadine available in the US.
Always follow the recommended dosage and contact your veterinary team or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your cat’s medication.