Amantadine
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Amantadine for pets in Perth during a consultation by Dr Noor.”
Key Information
Note: This handout is meant to address common questions. It is not a complete guide to this medicine and does not replace guidance from your veterinary care team.
- This medicine is used to help control long-lasting (chronic) pain in dogs and cats.
- It can take a number of weeks before the full benefit is seen.
- It may be given either with food or on an empty stomach. If your pet’s stomach seems upset, giving it with food may help.
- The side effects seen most often are loose stools/diarrhea and gas.
- Restlessness can happen, especially at the start of treatment. Your pet may seem worried, on edge, upset, or unable to settle. If these signs are severe or do not go away, contact your veterinarian.
Description
- This medicine is used as an add-on pain medicine.
- It comes as tablets, capsules, and a liquid taken by mouth.
Other common names
- Symmetrel
Uses
This medicine is not specifically approved for animals, but it is approved for people. Your veterinarian may choose to prescribe it in a way not listed on the label for:
- Extra pain control for dogs and cats that are already receiving other pain medicines.
Before this medication is given
No medicine is completely safe for every patient. Talk with your veterinarian about:
- Any medicines or supplements your pet is taking.
- Any health problems your pet has now, or has had before.
- Any unwanted reactions your pet has had from medicines in the past.
- The possible risks of using this medicine if your pet is pregnant or nursing.
Warnings for animals
Do not use this medicine in pets that:
- Have an allergy to it.
- Have very serious kidney disease.
Use extra care if your pet has:
- Kidney, liver, or heart problems.
- Certain skin problems that involve inflammation (redness/irritation).
- A history of seizures.
- Certain forms of glaucoma (an eye condition).
Some animal competitions do not allow certain medicines. If your animal competes, check the rules while your animal is taking any medicine.
Warnings for humans
- After you handle any medicine, wash your hands.
How do I give this Amantadine for pets medication?
Give this medicine exactly the way your veterinarian prescribed it. Always follow the directions printed on the prescription label.
- You may give it with food or without food. If your pet gets an upset stomach, giving it with food may help.
- If you are giving the liquid form, use an oral dosing syringe, a medicine cup, or a dosing spoon to measure it. Do not use kitchen spoons or other household measuring tools.
Side effects
Common — contact your veterinarian if any of the following are severe, keep happening, or get worse over time:
- Restlessness (your pet may seem anxious, nervous, upset, or unable to relax)
- Gas
- Soft stools or diarrhea
- Vomiting
How will I know it's working?
If your pet’s signs get worse or do not get better, contact your veterinary clinic.
How long will the medication effects last?
After the final dose, this medicine stops having an effect within 24 hours.
If your pet’s kidneys do not work as well, the effects may continue longer.
How long do I give it for?
Pets may need this medicine for different lengths of time. Give it for the full time your veterinarian instructs. You may need to get more refills.
Overdose
An overdose may cause signs such as shaking (tremors), trouble walking normally (uncoordinated movement), drooling (salivation), vomiting, changes in behavior, seizures, or difficulty breathing.
If you see or think an overdose has happened, contact your veterinarian right away.
If possible, have the medicine container or label with you.
Missed dose
In most situations, if you forget a dose:
- Give it as soon as you remember, and then go back to the usual schedule.
If it is almost time for the next dose:
- Do not give the missed dose.
- Give the next dose at the regular time.
- Continue with the normal schedule.
If you are not sure what to do, call your veterinary clinic. Do not give two doses at once and do not give extra doses.
Storage
- Keep the medicine in its original container at room temperature.
- Keep it away from light.
- Store it where children and animals cannot reach it.
Disposal
Do not flush this medicine down a toilet and do not pour it into a sink.
Ways to get rid of unused or expired medicine include:
- Drug take-back locations: This is the best option when available. To find a nearby site, contact your local police department or your local waste management office.
- At-home disposal: Mix the medicine with used coffee grounds or kitty litter, place it in a sealed plastic bag, and put it in the trash.
Do not keep leftover medicine for later use and do not give it to anyone else.
Questions?
Speak with your veterinarian.
“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”