Amantadine

Amantadine is a synthetic adamantane derivative used to treat Parkinson’s disease and, historically, influenza A. Its antiviral activity was lost against widespread resistant influenza strains.

Dopamine: Dopamine is a neurotransmitter involved in movement, motivation, reward, and several other brain functions. Amantadine can increase dopaminergic signaling, which helps explain its use in Parkinson’s disease.
Parkinson's disease: Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder marked by motor symptoms associated with loss of dopamine-producing neurons. Amantadine is used to ease selected motor symptoms in this disorder.
Adamantane: Adamantane is a cage-shaped hydrocarbon whose rigid structure resembles part of the diamond lattice. Amantadine is an amino-substituted derivative of this distinctive hydrocarbon.
Oseltamivir: Oseltamivir is an antiviral medicine that inhibits influenza neuraminidase and is used to treat or prevent influenza. Unlike amantadine, it targets neuraminidase and remains an influenza treatment option.
N-Methyl-D-aspartate receptor: The N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor is a glutamate-gated ion channel involved in excitatory signaling and synaptic plasticity. Amantadine’s antagonism of this receptor is associated with its effects on movement and dyskinesia.
Levodopa-induced dyskinesia: Levodopa-induced dyskinesia is involuntary movement that can develop during long-term levodopa treatment for Parkinson’s disease. Amantadine is used to reduce this complication of Parkinson’s therapy.
Influenza A virus subtype H2N2: Influenza A virus subtype H2N2 caused the 1957–1958 pandemic and circulated in humans for more than a decade. Amantadine’s antiviral potential was recognized during research prompted by the 1957 influenza pandemic.
Baloxavir marboxil: Baloxavir marboxil is an influenza antiviral that inhibits the viral cap-dependent endonuclease required for RNA transcription. Its different viral target contrasts with amantadine’s obsolete M2-channel strategy.
Influenza A virus: Influenza A viruses are enveloped RNA viruses that cause seasonal epidemics and occasional pandemics. Amantadine once treated influenza A by interfering with a viral ion channel.
Antiviral drug: An antiviral drug is a medicine that inhibits viral replication or limits the effects of viral infection. Amantadine’s former influenza role places it among antiviral medicines, despite its resistance-limited use.

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