Amantadine

This article is a stub.

Amantadine has Weak anti-nmda activity plus weak dopamine agonism. It has a lower affinity for NMDA receptors comparted to memantine.

A notable divergence lies in the use of NMDA antagonists in veterinary medicine compared to human medicine. Veterinary practitioners appear to utilize oral amantadine as an adjunct to other medication (NSAIDs, gabapentin) where secondary central sensitisation is suspected.

Amantadine has received comparatively very little attention in humans, without a clear reason. This suggests a potential human medicine blind spot.

It is fully funded in New Zealand as a weak Parkinson's medication.

Resources

Veterinary medicine use of amantadine

COAST guidelines canine osteoarthritis - 2023.pdf - 465 KB (f)

NMDA receptor antagonists in neurodegenerative disesaes - Olivares 2012.pdf - 1.34 MB (f)