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Name: Rimantadine HCl

Pregnancy Category C

Drug classes

• Antiviral drug

Therapeutic actions

Synthetic antiviral agent that inhibits viral replication, possibly by preventing the uncoating of the virus.

Indications

Prophylaxis and treatment of illness caused by influenza A virus in adults
Prophylaxis against influenza A virus in children

Contraindications/cautions

Allergy to amantadine, rimantadine; lactation.

Use caution in the presence of seizures, liver or renal disease, pregnancy.

Adverse effects

• CNS: Lightheadedness, dizziness, insomnia, confusion, irritability, ataxia, psychosis, depression, hallucinations
• GI: Nausea, anorexia, constipation, dry mouth
• CV: CHF, orthostatic hypotension, dyspnea
• GU: Urinary retention

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