NCIt definition : The hydrochloride salt of amantadine, a synthetic tricyclic amine with antiviral,
antiparkinsonian, and antihyperalgesic activities. Amantadine appears to exert its
antiviral effect against the influenza A virus by interfering with the function of
the transmembrane domain of the viral M2 protein, thereby preventing the release of
infectious viral nucleic acids into host cells; furthermore, this agent prevents virus
assembly during virus replication. Amantadine exerts its antiparkinsonian effects
by stimulating the release of dopamine from striatal dopaminergic nerve terminals
and inhibiting its pre-synaptic reuptake. This agent may also exert some anticholinergic
effect through inhibition of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor-mediated stimulation
of acetylcholine, resulting in antihyperalgesia.;
Alternative definition : NCI-GLOSS: A drug used to treat infections caused by the influenza A virus. It blocks
the ability of the virus to infect cells and to make more virus particles. It is also
used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson disease. Amantidine hydrochloride is a type
of antiviral agent.;