Prevention and treatment of influenza A infection in high-risk adults.
Prevention of influenza A infection in high-risk children.
Unlabeled Use:
Treatment of influenza A infection in children.
Action⬆⬇
Diminishes replication of influenza A virus by inhibiting uncoating of the virus.
Therapeutic effects:
When given prophylactically, prevents infection with influenza A virus. When administered within 48 hr of onset of infections, decreases the duration of fever and other associated symptoms.
Pharmacokinetics⬆⬇
Absorption: Well absorbed after oral administration.
Distribution: Unknown.
Metabolism/Excretion: Mostly metabolized by the liver; <25% excreted unchanged in urine.
PO (Adults ): Prevention: 100 mg twice daily (duration range = 11 days-6 wk). Treatment: 100 mg twice daily for 7 days.
PO Geriatric Patients ): Prevention: 100 mg daily.
PO (Children 10–16 yr): Prevention: 100 mg twice daily (duration range = 5–6 wk).
PO (Children 1–9 yr): Prevention: 5 mg/kg/day as a single dose (not to exceed 150 mg/day) (duration range = 5–6 wk).
Renal Impairment
PO (Adults ): Severe renal impairment: Prevention: 100 mg daily.
Hepatic Impairment
PO (Adults ): Severe hepatic impairment: Prevention: 100 mg daily.
Availability⬆⬇
(Generic available)
Tablets: 100 mg
Assessment⬆⬇
Monitor respiratory status (rate, breath sounds, sputum) and temperature periodically. Supportive treatment is indicated if symptoms occur.
Assess for CNS symptoms (dizziness, headache, weakness) and adverse GI effects (nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain).
Assess and monitor for seizure activity. Immediately discontinue therapy if seizures occur.
Implementation⬆⬇
Do not administer within 48 hr before or 2 wk after administration of intranasal influenza virus vaccine.
Consider available information on influenza drug susceptibility patterns and treatment effects before using rimantadine.
PO: Do not administer last dose of medication near bedtime; may produce insomnia in some patients.
Patient/Family Teaching⬆⬇
Explain purpose and side effects of medication to patient. Advise patient to read Patient Information before starting therapy. Advise patient to take as directed at evenly spaced times for full course of therapy, even if feeling well. Take missed doses as soon as possible unless almost time for next dose; do not double up on missed doses.
Advise patient to consult health care professional before taking OTC medications or herbal products, especially aspirin or acetaminophen, or drinking alcoholic beverages.
May cause dizziness. Advise patient to avoid driving or other activities that require alertness until response to the drug is known.
Advise patient to consult health care professional about receiving a flu vaccination.
Inform patient that frequent mouth rinses, good oral hygiene, and sugarless gum or candy may ↓ dry mouth.
Instruct patient and family to notify health care professional if influenza symptoms occur.
Rep: Advise women of reproductive potential to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.
Evaluation/Desired Outcomes⬆⬇
Prophylactically prevents infection with influenza A virus. When administered within 48 hr of onset of infections, decreases the duration of fever and other associated symptoms.
