Symmetrel

amantadine

Symmetrel

Indications

Action

Pharmacokinetics

Time/action profile (antiparkinson effect)

Contraindications/Precautions

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

Central nervous system

• ataxia (most frequent)
• dizziness (most frequent)
• insomnia (most frequent)
• anxiety
• confusion
• depression
• drowsiness
• psychosis
• seizures
• urges (gambling, sexual)

Gastrointestinal

• nausea
• vomiting
• anorexia
• constipation

Ear, Eye, Nose, Throat

• blurred vision
• dry mouth

Respiratory

• dyspnea

Cardiovascular

• hypotension (most frequent)
• HF
• edema

Genitourinary

• urinary retention

Dermatologic

• mottling, livedo reticularis (most frequent)
• melanoma
• rashes

Hematologic

• leukopenia
• neutropenia

Interactions

Drug-Drug interaction

Route/Dosage

Availability (generic available)

Nursing implications

Nursing assessment

• Monitor BP periodically. Assess for drug-induced orthostatic hypotension.
  • Monitor vital signs and mental status periodically during first few days of dose adjustment in patients receiving >200 mg daily; side effects are more likely.
  • Assess for HF (peripheral edema, weight gain, dyspnea, rales/crackles, jugular venous distention), especially in patients on chronic therapy or with a history of HF.
  • Assess patient for the appearance of a diffuse red mottling of the skin (livedo reticularis), especially in the lower extremities or on exposure to cold. Disappears with continued therapy but may not completely resolve until 2–12 wk after therapy has been discontinued.
  • Geriatric: Monitor intake and output closely in geriatric patients. May cause urinary retention. Report significant discrepancy or bladder distention.
• Parkinson’s Disease: Assess akinesia, rigidity, tremors, and gait disturbances before and throughout therapy.
• Influenza Prophylaxis or Treatment: Monitor respiratory status (rate, breath sounds, sputum) and temperature periodically. Supportive treatment is indicated if symptoms occur.
Symptoms of toxicity include CNS stimulation (confusion, mood changes, tremors, seizures, arrhythmias, and hypotension). There is no specific antidote, although physostigmine has been used to reverse CNS effects.

Potential Nursing Diagnoses

Implementation

• Do not confuse amantadine with amiodarone.
• Oral: Do not administer last dose of medication near bedtime; may produce insomnia in some patients.
  • Administering amantadine in divided doses may decrease CNS side effects.
  • The contents of capsules may be mixed with food or fluids if the patient has difficulty swallowing.
• Antiviral Prophylaxis: Treatment should be started in anticipation of contact or as soon as possible after exposure and continue for at least 10 days following exposure. Infectious period is just before onset of symptoms to up to 1 wk after. If vaccine is unavailable or contraindicated, may be administered up to 90 days to protect from repeated exposures.
  • May be used with inactivated influenza A virus vaccine until protective antibody response develops. Administer for 2–3 wk after vaccine has been given.
• Antiviral Treatment: Administer as soon as possible after onset of symptoms and continue for 24–48 hr after symptoms disappear.

Patient/Family Teaching

• Advise patient to take medication around the clock as directed and not to skip doses or double up on missed doses. If a dose is missed, do not take within 4 hr of the next dose.
  • May cause dizziness or blurred vision. Advise patient to avoid driving or other activities that require alertness until response to the drug is known.
  • Advise patient to make position changes slowly to minimize orthostatic hypotension.
  • Inform patient that frequent mouth rinses, good oral hygiene, and sugarless gum or candy may decrease dry mouth. Consult health care professional if dry mouth persists for >2 wk.
  • Advise patient to confer with health care professional before taking OTC medications, especially cold remedies, or drinking alcoholic beverages.
  • Instruct patient to notify health care professional if confusion, mood changes, difficulty with urination, edema and shortness of breath, new or increased gambling, sexual, or other intense urges, or worsening of Parkinson’s disease symptoms occurs.
• Antiviral: Instruct patient and family to notify health care professional if influenza symptoms occur when amantadine is used as prophylaxis or if symptoms do not improve in a few days when product is used for treatment.
• Parkinson’s Disease: Advise patient that up to 2 wk of therapy may be needed for full benefit of medication. Notify health care professional if medication gradually loses its effectiveness. Amantadine should be tapered gradually; abrupt withdrawal may precipitate a parkinsonian crisis.

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

• Decrease in akinesia and rigidity. Full therapeutic effects may require 2 wk of therapy.
• Absence or reduction of influenza A symptoms.