Rimantadine Side Effects

Brand Names: Flumadine

Please note - some side effects for Rimantadine may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.

Side Effects of Rimantadine - for the Consumer

Rimantadine

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Rimantadine:

Dizziness; dry mouth; headache; loss of appetite; nausea; nervousness; stomach pain; tiredness; trouble sleeping; vomiting; weakness.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); confusion; depression; fast or irregular heartbeat; hallucinations; seizures; swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet; tremor; trouble walking.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

Rimantadine Syrup

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Rimantadine Syrup:

Dizziness; dry mouth; headache; loss of appetite; nausea; nervousness; stomach pain; tiredness; trouble sleeping; vomiting; weakness.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); confusion; depression; fast or irregular heartbeat; hallucinations; seizures; swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet; tremor; trouble walking.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

Side Effects by Body System - for Healthcare Professionals

General

Gastrointestinal and nervous system side effects are most frequently reported. In a prophylaxis trial, 6.9% of subjects discontinued treatment due to adverse reactions. In geriatric patients, gastrointestinal and nervous system adverse effects occurred twice as often with rimantadine than with placebo.

Nervous system

Seizures were reported in a few patients during clinical trials with rimantadine. In two patients, seizure activity had been absent for greater than 10 years. However, their anticonvulsant medications had been withdrawn in the previous few months.

Nervous system side effects have included insomnia (up to 3.4%), dizziness (up to 1.9%), headache (1.4%), and jitteriness. Ataxia, somnolence, agitation, and tinnitus have been reported in 0.3% to 1% of patients. Gait abnormality, hyperkinesia, tremor, hallucination, confusion, syncope, taste loss/change, parosmia, and convulsions have been reported in less than 0.3% of patients. Agitation and hypesthesia have occurred with higher than recommended doses of rimantadine. Dizziness and headache were reported up to two times more often in geriatric patients receiving rimantadine than in those receiving placebo.

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects have included nausea (2.8%), vomiting (1.7%), anorexia (1.6%), dry mouth (1.5%), and abdominal pain (1.4%). Diarrhea and dyspepsia have been reported in 0.3% to 1% of patients. Constipation, dysphagia, and stomatitis have occurred with higher than recommended doses of rimantadine. Gastrointestinal symptoms (particularly nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain) were reported at least twice as often in geriatric patients receiving rimantadine than in those receiving placebo. Tolerance may be improved by giving the drug in two divided daily doses.

Psychiatric

Psychiatric side effects have included impaired concentration (up to 2.1%), nervousness (up to 2.1%), depression (up to 1%), and euphoria (less than 0.3%). Anxiety was reported up to two times more often in geriatric patients receiving rimantadine than in those receiving placebo.

Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular side effects have included cardiac failure, cerebrovascular disorder, heart block, hypertension, palpitation, pedal edema, and tachycardia in less than 0.3% of patients.

Respiratory

Respiratory side effects have included dyspnea (0.3% to 0.1%), bronchospasm (less than 0.3%), and cough (less than 0.3%).

Other

Other side effects have included asthenia (1.4%), fatigue (1%), and pallor (less than 0.3%). Fever and rigors have occurred with higher than recommended doses of rimantadine. Asthenia and fatigue were reported up to two times more often in geriatric patients receiving rimantadine than in those receiving placebo.

Dermatologic

Dermatologic side effects have included rash (0.3% to less than 1%). Diaphoresis has occurred with higher than recommended doses of rimantadine.

Genitourinary

Genitourinary side effects have included nonpuerperal lactation in less than 0.3% of patients. Increased micturition frequency has occurred with higher than recommended doses of rimantadine.

Ocular

Ocular side effects have included increased lacrimation and eye pain with higher than recommended doses of rimantadine.

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