Rimantadine
Rimantadine
Rimantadine (pronounced: ri-man-ta-deen) is an antiviral drug used in the treatment and prevention of influenza virus A. It was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1993.
Etymology
The term "Rimantadine" is derived from the chemical name alpha-methyl-1-adamantanemethylamine. The prefix "Rima-" is a reference to the drug's ability to inhibit the replication of the influenza virus by blocking the function of the viral protein, M2 (an ion channel), hence "Rimantadine".
Usage
Rimantadine is primarily used to treat and prevent influenza A virus infections. It is not effective against influenza B virus infections. The drug is often administered orally, in the form of tablets or liquid.
Mechanism of Action
Rimantadine works by inhibiting the replication of the influenza A virus. It does this by blocking the function of the viral protein, M2, an ion channel which is critical for the viral life cycle.
Related Terms
- Amantadine: A similar antiviral drug that also works by blocking the M2 ion channel.
- Influenza A virus: The type of influenza virus that Rimantadine is effective against.
- Antiviral drug: A type of medication used to treat viral infections.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Rimantadine include nausea, dizziness, insomnia and headache. In rare cases, it can cause serious side effects such as hallucinations or seizures.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Rimantadine
- Wikipedia's article - Rimantadine
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