Patient/Family Teaching

• Advise patient to take medication around the clock as directed and not to skip doses or double up on missed doses. If a dose is missed, do not take within 4 hr of the next dose

» May cause dizziness or blurred vision. Advise patient to avoid driving or other activities that require alertness until response to the drug is known

» Advise patient to make position changes slowly to minimize orthostatic hypotension

» Inform patient that frequent mouth rinses, good oral hygiene, and sugarless gum or candy may decrease dry mouth. Consult health care professional if dry mouth persists for >2 wk

» Advise patient to confer with health care professional before taking OTC medications, especially cold remedies, or drinking alcoholic beverages

» Instruct patient to notify health care professional if confusion, mood changes, difficulty with urination, edema and shortness of breath, or worsening of Parkinson's disease symptoms occurs

• Antiviral: Instruct patient and family to notify health care professional if influenza symptoms occur when amantadine is used as prophylaxis or if symptoms do not improve in a few days when product is used for treatment

• Parkinson's Disease: Advise patient that up to 2 wk of therapy may be needed for full benefit of medication. Notify health care professional if medication gradually loses its effectiveness. Amantadine should be tapered gradually; abrupt withdrawal may precipitate a parkinsonian crisis

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