Amantadine: Dosage, Uses, and Side Effects

Amantadine for Dogs, Cats and Horses: Dosage, Uses, and Side Effects Guide

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Overview

Adjunctive analgesic in animals, it provides analgesia through NMDA antagonist action which may potentiate the effects of other analgesics.

Dogs and Cats: Effective as an adjunctive analgesic for animals unresponsive to opioids or needing long-term pain management alongside NSAIDs. It is often used for osteoarthritis and cancer-related pain.
Horses: Can be used to manage chronic pain when other analgesics do not suffice.
Other Species: While less common, amantadine has potential applications in exotic animals for chronic pain, pending species-specific evaluation.

Amantadine Doses For Dogs and Cats:

Species	Condition	Dosage & Notes
Dogs	Chronic Pain/Osteoarthritis	3–5 mg/kg PO q24h. For severe cases, consider dividing the dose q12h. Note: Administer with food to minimize GI upset. Monitor for any signs of GI distress or behavioral changes.
Dogs	Adjunctive Pain Management (Cancer)	3–5 mg/kg PO q24h. Adjust dose based on patient response. Regularly assess for effectiveness and side effects.
Cats	Chronic Pain/Osteoarthritis	1–4 mg/kg PO q24h. Start at the lower end and increase gradually. Note: Monitor for GI side effects and behavioral changes, especially during dose adjustments. Administer with food for better tolerance.
Cats	Adjunctive Pain Management (Cancer)	1–4 mg/kg PO q24h. Adjust based on clinical response and tolerance. Regular check-ups are recommended to evaluate ongoing efficacy and side effects.
Horses	Chronic Pain	2–4 mg/kg PO q24h. Adjust as necessary for optimal pain control. Note: Ensure regular monitoring for signs of GI discomfort or behavioral changes. Gradual dose adjustments may be beneficial for improved tolerance.
Small Mammals	Chronic Pain	Refer to species-specific guidelines; typical range is 1–5 mg/kg PO q24h. Note: Start with lower dosages and adjust based on clinical feedback. Monitor closely for any signs of adverse reactions.

You Should Give:

Dogs: May develop agitation, flatulence, loose stools, or diarrhea, particularly in the initial stages of treatment.
Cats: Common side effects include GI upset (e.g., vomiting, diarrhea) and occasional behavioral changes like restlessness or increased vocalization.
Horses and Other Species: Mild GI effects or behavioral changes may occur, though specific data is limited.

Drug Interactions:
- Anticholinergic Agents (e.g., atropine): May enhance anticholinergic effects, increasing risk for side effects like dry mouth or constipation.
- Tramadol: Combined use may increase the risk of seizures, especially at higher doses.
- Urinary Acidifiers: Drugs like ammonium chloride or methionine can decrease the efficacy of amantadine by enhancing renal excretion.
- Cyclosporine: Potential increase in cyclosporine concentrations, necessitating monitoring.
- Cyclophosphamide: May heighten the risk of bone marrow suppression.
Monitoring:
- Regularly check for GI side effects, signs of CNS disturbance, or behavioral changes.
- Periodic evaluation of renal and liver function is recommended, especially with long-term use.
Overdose Management:
- Signs of overdose include tremors, ataxia, hypersalivation, and seizures.
- Supportive treatment is advised, with consultation from veterinary poison control centers if needed.