What Are Potential Benefits of Use of Amantadine Hydrochloride in the Treatment of Influenza Type A?
Numerous studies have shown amantadine hydrochloride to have an efficacy of approximately 70 percent in the prevention of influenza caused by type A strains. Consideration of potential benefits must take cognizance of this. The use of amantadine hydrochloride as a prophylactic measure and in the treatment of influenza A has significant potential value in reducing the morbidity associated with this disease and its complications. It is anticipated that this will be of particular value among those with cardiopulmonary disease, especially the elderly who have more severe and life-threatening forms of disease and are more likely to have pneumonic complications. This applies especially to the million and a half aged persons in long-term care institutions. Under epidemic conditions, the prophylactic and therapeutic use of amantadine hydrochloride among those who care for them could help maintain essential services in such institutions. Similar beneficial effects are anticipated from use of th
