Final answer:
The student's question concerns the adverse drug reactions of Amantadine, an antiviral also used for Parkinson's disease. ADRs include dizziness, headache, fatigue, and severe neurological effects. Careful monitoring of these reactions is essential.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question pertains to the adverse drug reactions (ADRs) of Amantadine, which is an antiviral medication marketed under the brand name Symmetrel. ADRs can range from mild to severe, with common symptoms including dizziness, fever, chills, headache, myalgia, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and fatigue. In more severe cases, ADRs can escalate to jaundice, rash, mucosal hemorrhaging, seizures, shock, and even death.
Amantadine is believed to bind to a transmembrane protein that hinders the influenza virus's escape from endosomes. This blockade prevents the release of viral RNA into host cells, thereby inhibiting viral replication. However, resistance has become a challenge in its use against influenza A. Besides its antiviral properties, Amantadine affects brain chemicals and has been used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
The neurological side effects of Amantadine can be significant, including vertigo, loss of balance, and potential polyneuropathy. The FDA has even labeled some side effects as potentially irreversible. In summary, while Amantadine has therapeutic uses, it is crucial to monitor for adverse reactions carefully.