AMANTADINE: Amantadine is a synthetic antiviral compound. It has antiparkinsonial effect.
Mechanism of action: Amantadin is a phase 1 and 2 inhibitor. It inhibits penetration of the virus to host cell and impairs the ability of the virus to uncoat its RNA in host cell.
Therapeutic uses: Amantadine is useful in the prevention and treatment of diseases caused by type A2 (Asian) influenza virus. It is used prophylactically during epidemics for high risk patients such as elderly or those with other underlying disease. Also, it is used for treatment of an already established influenza-A2 infection to reduce severity of the disease.