Symmetrel capsules contain amantadine 100mg, a medication primarily used to treat Parkinson’s disease and also to prevent Type A influenza virus for those where a vaccine is contraindicated.
Symmetrel capsules help to increase levels of the neurotransmitter, dopamine in the brain and also to prevent the speed at which dopamine breaks down. Low levels of dopamine are seen in Parkinson’s patients and the restoration of dopamine levels assists in reducing the symptoms of the disease.
The mode of action by which Symmetrel has an effect against Type A influenza is not well understood but it is thought that there is interference with a viral protein necessary to infect the host cell.
The usual dose for Symmetrel is one capsule taken twice daily.