The Basics
What is Amantadine?
Antiviral medicine used to prevent or treat certain influenza infections (type A).
Brand names for Amantadine
Symmetrel
How Amantadine is classified
Antiparkinson Agents, Antiviral Agents, Dopamine Agents
Amantadine During Pregnancy
Amantadine pregnancy category
Category CNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Amantadine while pregnant
N/A
Taking Amantadine While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Amantadine?
It is probably best to avoid amantadine during breastfeeding because of its potential negative effect on lactation.
Maternal / infant drug levels
It is probably best to avoid amantadine during breastfeeding because of its potential negative effect on lactation.
Possible effects of Amantadine on milk supply
Amantadine is a dopamine agonist. Clinical studies using amantadine dosages of 100 mg 2 or 3 times daily have demonstrated a decrease in serum prolactin and decreased galactorrhea in patients taking dopaminergic neuroleptic drugs such as phenothiazines, haloperidol and loxapine.[1][2] No studies have been reported on the effects of amantadine on the milk supply in nursing mothers. The maternal prolactin level in a mother with established lactation may not affect her ability to breastfeed.
Possible alternatives to Amantadine
None listed
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Correa N, Opler LA, Kay SR et al. Amantadine in the treatment of neuroendocrine side effects of neuroleptics. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 1987;7(2):91-5. PMID: 2884239
2. Siever LJ. The effect of amantadine on prolactin levels and galactorrhea on neuroleptic-treated patients. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 1981;1(1):2-7. PMID: 6117579
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
