Amantadine Hydrochloride: Chemical Structure, Mechanism of Action, Uses & Side Effects

Chemical Formula:

• C10H17N•HCl

Structure of Amantadine Hydrochloride

Mechanism of Action:

• Amantadine is an antiviral agent and an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist.

• Its antiviral mechanism of action is primarily against the influenza A virus.

• Amantadine inhibits the viral M2 ion channel, which is necessary for the virus's uncoating process within the host cell.

• By blocking this channel, amantadine prevents the release of viral RNA and halts the viral replication process.

Uses:

• Amantadine is used to treat and prevent infections caused by the influenza A virus.

• It is also used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease and drug-induced extrapyramidal symptoms.

Side Effects:

• Some common side effects of amantadine hydrochloride include:

• Nausea

• Dizziness

• Insomnia

• Headache

• Dry mouth

• Constipation

• Serious side effects may include:

• Hallucinations

• Seizures

• Orthostatic hypotension

• Congestive heart failure

• Peripheral edema