Amantadine, Gocovri
Antiparkinsom Agent, Dopamine Agonist
CSA NA – FDA Approved – REMS (N) – Can Ship
How Does It Work
Amantadine, Gocovri exhibits multiple mechanisms of action that permit it to work as both an antiparkinson agent and antiviral agent. Amantadine, Gocovri appears to prevent the release of infectious viral nucleic acid into the host cell by interfering with a transmembrane M2 protein. Amantadine, Gocovri is no longer recommended as an antiviral by the CDC. The exact mechanism of Amantadine, Gocovri in the treatment of Parkinson disease and drug-induced extrapyramidal symptoms is not known. Amantadine, Gocovri is thought to have direct and indirect effects on dopamine neurons; as well as acting as a non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist.
Indications For Use
Drug-induced extrapyramidal symptoms, Parkinson disease, dyskinesias
Precautions
Before starting Amantadine, Gocovri makes sure your physician is aware of any allergies or medications you currently take. Amantadine, Gocovri has been shown to cause dermatologic toxicity (i.e. Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and erythema multiforme), gastrointestinal toxicity, hyperglycemia, and pulmonary toxicity (i.e. interstitial lung disease).
Usual Dosing
Oral (ER Tablet): 129mg to 322mg daily.
Oral (Immediate Release): 100mg twice daily up to 300mg daily.
Pharmacist Tips On Using
How to Take ER Tablet: Take in the morning without regard to food. Swallow whole; do not crush, chew or divide tablets.
How to Take CR Capsule: Take at bedtime with or without food. Swallow whole; do not crush, chew, or divide capsules. If needed, sprinkle entire contents on a small amount (teaspoonful) of soft food, such as applesauce, and administer immediately without chewing.
Side Effects
Orthostatic hypotension, presyncope, syncope, peripheral edema, dizziness, delusions, hallucination, paranoia, falling, xerostomia, constipation.
Note this is not a complete list of side effects for Amantadine, Gocovri only common ones
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do if side effects are intolerable?
If side effects are causing a lot of distress speak to your physician as soon as possible to discuss options.