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Amantadine

Prescription
NMDA receptor antagonist / Antiviral (adamantane)
Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
3 available
Interactions
2 documented
Formulations
2

Mechanism of action

Non-competitive antagonist of NMDA receptors, reducing central sensitization (wind-up pain); used as adjunctive analgesic for chronic or neuropathic pain refractory to standard therapy

At a glance

Class
NMDA receptor antagonist / Antiviral (adamantane)
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store below 25°C

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Chronic pain / Neuropathic pain (adjunct to NSAIDs or opioids)
Dose
3–5 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
SID to BID
Max dose
200 mg/dose; 400 mg/day
Duration: Long-term; 2–3 week trial to assess efficacy
🐈

Cat

Chronic pain / Neuropathic pain (adjunct)
Dose
3–5 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
SID
Max dose
25 mg
Duration: Long-term; trial period 2–3 weeks

Formulations

💊

Capsule — 1

Strength
100mg
Available in India
🧴

Syrup — 1

Strength
50mg/5mL
Available in India

Storage

Store below 25°C

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • Severe renal disease
    Renally excreted unchanged

Use with caution

  • Seizure history
    May lower seizure threshold
  • Concurrent anticholinergic drugs
    Additive anticholinergic effects

Adverse effects

Common
Agitation
GI upset
Diarrhoea
Serious
Seizures (rare)
Cardiac arrhythmias (overdose)

Monitoring parameters

Pain scoringBehaviour changesRenal valuesGI tolerance

Interactions

Moderate — 2

Tramadol
moderate
Amantadine (NMDA antagonist with weak dopaminergic activity) + tramadol (serotonin reuptake inhibitor): theoretical serotonin syndrome risk, though clinical reports are rare.
Management: Often used together intentionally for multimodal pain management. Monitor for serotonin syndrome signs (agitation, hyperthermia, tremors). Generally considered safe at standard doses.
Selegiline (L-Deprenyl)
moderate
Both increase CNS catecholamine levels (amantadine: dopamine release; selegiline: MAO-B inhibition). Additive CNS stimulation.
Management: Monitor for CNS excitation (restlessness, agitation). Reduce doses if combining.

Brands

International

Symmetrel
Endo

India

Amantrel
Cipla
Parkitidin
Sun Pharma

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Amantadine?
Amantadine is a nmda receptor antagonist / antiviral (adamantane) used in pets. Non-competitive antagonist of NMDA receptors, reducing central sensitization (wind-up pain); used as adjunctive analgesic for chronic or neuropathic pain refractory to standard therapy
›What is Amantadine used for in pets?
Amantadine is used in veterinary medicine for: Chronic pain / Neuropathic pain (adjunct to NSAIDs or opioids); Chronic pain / Neuropathic pain (adjunct).
›What is the Amantadine dose for dogs?
For dogs, Amantadine is typically dosed as follows — Chronic pain / Neuropathic pain (adjunct to NSAIDs or opioids): 3–5 mg/kg PO SID to BID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Amantadine dose for cats?
For cats, Amantadine is typically dosed as follows — Chronic pain / Neuropathic pain (adjunct): 3–5 mg/kg PO SID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Amantadine?
Common: Agitation, GI upset, Diarrhoea. Serious (call your vet immediately): Seizures (rare), Cardiac arrhythmias (overdose).
›Does Amantadine need a prescription?
Yes. Amantadine is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Amantadine not be used?
Do not use Amantadine if: Severe renal disease.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →