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Symmetrel Dosage

The recommended Symmetrel dosage will be based on several factors, such as your age, weight (for children), the condition being treated, your kidney and liver function, and other medications you are taking. Symmetrel comes in the form of a tablet and syrup (generic Symmetrel is also available as a capsule). It is usually taken by mouth once or twice a day.

 

Symmetrel Dosage: An Introduction

The dose of Symmetrel® (amantadine hydrochloride) that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • The condition being treated
  • Your age
  • Your weight (for children)
  • Your kidney and liver function
  • Other medications you are taking.
     
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 

Symmetrel Dosage for the Flu

The recommended dose of Symmetrel for treating or preventing the flu in adults is Symmetrel 100 mg twice daily or 200 mg once daily (taking it twice a day may decrease the chance of Symmetrel side effects). A lower dose (Symmetrel 100 mg once daily) is recommended for people age 65 years or older.
 
For children age nine and older, the recommended dose is Symmetrel 100 mg twice daily. For children ages one to eight, the recommended dose is based on weight -- Symmetrel 2 mg to 4 mg per pound per day, not to exceed 150 mg per day.
 
For flu treatment, Symmetrel should be started as soon as possible within 24 to 48 hours of the start of flu symptoms, and it should be continued for 24 to 48 hours after the symptoms go away. For flu prevention, Symmetrel is usually given along with a flu shot (it should not be used in this way with the intranasal flu vaccine). In this case, Symmetrel should be continued for two to four weeks after the vaccine, as it takes time for the vaccine to start working. If a flu shot is not available or cannot be taken for various reasons, Symmetrel should be continued as long as the flu virus is still in your community. In all cases, Symmetrel should be taken for at least 10 days after any known exposure to the flu virus.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;