Rimantadine indications and usage
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Indications And Usage
Flumadine is indicated for the prophylaxis and treatment of illness caused by various strains of influenza A virus in adults.
Flumadine is indicated for prophylaxis against influenza A virus in children.
PROPHYLAXIS: In controlled studies of children over the age of 1 year, healthy adults and elderly patients, Flumadine has been shown to be safe and effective in preventing signs and symptoms of infection caused by various strains of influenza A virus. Early vaccination on an annual basis as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control's Immunization Practices Advisory Committee is the method of choice in the prophylaxis of influenza unless vaccination is contraindicated, not available or not feasible. Since Flumadine does not completely prevent the host immune response to influenza A infection, individuals who take this drug may still develop immune responses to natural disease or vaccination and may be protected when later exposed to antigenically-related viruses. Following vaccination during an influenza outbreak, Flumadine prophylaxis should be considered for the 2 to 4 week time period required to develop an antibody response. However, the safety and effectiveness of Flumadine prophylaxis have not been demonstrated for longer than 6 weeks.
TREATMENT: Flumadine therapy should be considered for adults who develop an influenza-like illness during known or suspected influenza A infection in the community. When administered within 48 hours after onset of signs and symptoms of infection caused by influenza A virus strains, Flumadine has been shown to reduce the duration of fever and systemic symptoms.[1]
References
Adapted from the FDA Package Insert.