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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

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

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

Frequency

SID

Max dose

25 mg

Duration: Long-term; trial period 2–3 weeks

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 →

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

Educational reference only

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.

Educational reference only

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.

Educational reference only

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database