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The Lancet. Neurology Jan 2021Methylphenidate, modafinil, and amantadine are commonly prescribed medications for alleviating fatigue in multiple sclerosis; however, the evidence supporting their...
BACKGROUND
Methylphenidate, modafinil, and amantadine are commonly prescribed medications for alleviating fatigue in multiple sclerosis; however, the evidence supporting their efficacy is sparse and conflicting. Our goal was to compare the efficacy of these three medications with each other and placebo in patients with multiple sclerosis fatigue.
METHODS
In this randomised, placebo-controlled, four-sequence, four-period, crossover, double-blind trial, patients with multiple sclerosis who reported fatigue and had a Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) score of more than 33 were recruited at two academic multiple sclerosis centres in the USA. Participants received oral amantadine (up to 100 mg twice daily), modafinil (up to 100 mg twice daily), methylphenidate (up to 10 mg twice daily), or placebo, each given for up to 6 weeks. All patients were intended to receive all four study medications, in turn, in one of four different sequences with 2-week washout periods between medications. A biostatistician prepared a concealed allocation schedule, stratified by site, randomly assigning a sequence of medications in approximately a 1:1:1:1 ratio, in blocks of eight, to a consecutive series of numbers. The statistician and pharmacists had no role in assessing the participants or collecting data, and the participants, caregivers, and assessors were masked to allocation. The primary outcome measure was the MFIS measured while taking the highest tolerated dose at week 5 of each medication period, analysed by use of a linear mixed-effect regression model. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03185065 and is closed.
FINDINGS
Between Oct 4, 2017, and Feb 27, 2019, of 169 patients screened, 141 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to one of four medication administration sequences: 35 (25%) patients to the amantadine, placebo, modafinil, and methylphenidate sequence; 34 (24%) patients to the placebo, methylphenidate, amantadine, and modafinil sequence; 35 (25%) patients to the modafinil, amantadine, methylphenidate, and placebo sequence; and 37 (26%) patients to the methylphenidate, modafinil, placebo, and amantadine sequence. Data from 136 participants were available for the intention-to-treat analysis of the primary outcome. The estimated mean values of MFIS total scores at baseline and the maximal tolerated dose were as follows: 51·3 (95% CI 49·0-53·6) at baseline, 40·6 (38·2-43·1) with placebo, 41·3 (38·8-43·7) with amantadine, 39·0 (36·6-41·4) with modafinil, and 38·6 (36·2-41·0) with methylphenidate (p=0·20 for the overall medication effect in the linear mixed-effect regression model). As compared with placebo (38 [31%] of 124 patients), higher proportions of participants reported adverse events while taking amantadine (49 [39%] of 127 patients), modafinil (50 [40%] of 125 patients), and methylphenidate (51 [40%] of 129 patients). Three serious adverse events occurred during the study (pulmonary embolism and myocarditis while taking amantadine, and a multiple sclerosis exacerbation requiring hospital admission while taking modafinil).
INTERPRETATION
Amantadine, modafinil, and methylphenidate were not superior to placebo in improving multiple sclerosis fatigue and caused more frequent adverse events. The results of this study do not support an indiscriminate use of amantadine, modafinil, or methylphenidate for the treatment of fatigue in multiple sclerosis.
FUNDING
Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute.
Topics: Adult; Amantadine; Central Nervous System Stimulants; Cross-Over Studies; Double-Blind Method; Drug Administration Schedule; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; Fatigue; Female; Humans; Male; Methylphenidate; Middle Aged; Modafinil; Multiple Sclerosis; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Severity of Illness Index
PubMed: 33242419
DOI: 10.1016/S1474-4422(20)30354-9 -
The New England Journal of Medicine Mar 2012Amantadine hydrochloride is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness after traumatic brain injury.... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Amantadine hydrochloride is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness after traumatic brain injury. Preliminary studies have suggested that amantadine may promote functional recovery.
METHODS
We enrolled 184 patients who were in a vegetative or minimally conscious state 4 to 16 weeks after traumatic brain injury and who were receiving inpatient rehabilitation. Patients were randomly assigned to receive amantadine or placebo for 4 weeks and were followed for 2 weeks after the treatment was discontinued. The rate of functional recovery on the Disability Rating Scale (DRS; range, 0 to 29, with higher scores indicating greater disability) was compared over the 4 weeks of treatment (primary outcome) and during the 2-week washout period with the use of mixed-effects regression models.
RESULTS
During the 4-week treatment period, recovery was significantly faster in the amantadine group than in the placebo group, as measured by the DRS score (difference in slope, 0.24 points per week; P=0.007), indicating a benefit with respect to the primary outcome measure. In a prespecified subgroup analysis, the treatment effect was similar for patients in a vegetative state and those in a minimally conscious state. The rate of improvement in the amantadine group slowed during the 2 weeks after treatment (weeks 5 and 6) and was significantly slower than the rate in the placebo group (difference in slope, 0.30 points per week; P=0.02). The overall improvement in DRS scores between baseline and week 6 (2 weeks after treatment was discontinued) was similar in the two groups. There were no significant differences in the incidence of serious adverse events.
CONCLUSIONS
Amantadine accelerated the pace of functional recovery during active treatment in patients with post-traumatic disorders of consciousness. (Funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00970944.).
Topics: Adult; Amantadine; Brain Injuries; Coma, Post-Head Injury; Disability Evaluation; Dopamine Agents; Female; Glasgow Coma Scale; Humans; Male; Persistent Vegetative State; Recovery of Function
PubMed: 22375973
DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1102609 -
Canadian Medical Association Journal Nov 1983To document an interaction between amantadine hydrochloride and Dyazide that had apparently produced amantadine toxicity, a patient was given amantadine alone for 1...
To document an interaction between amantadine hydrochloride and Dyazide that had apparently produced amantadine toxicity, a patient was given amantadine alone for 1 week, followed by amantadine plus Dyazide for another week, under controlled conditions. A diuretic effect was observed after Dyazide was added to the regimen, but the urine amantadine excretion fell, and the drug's plasma concentration increased. It was concluded that one or both of the components of Dyazide (hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene) reduce the clearance of amantadine and can produce higher plasma concentrations and toxic effects.
Topics: Amantadine; Ataxia; Creatine; Diuresis; Drug Combinations; Drug Synergism; Edema; Humans; Hydrochlorothiazide; Male; Middle Aged; Parkinson Disease; Time Factors; Triamterene
PubMed: 6671185
DOI: No ID Found -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Nov 2014Influenza is an acute respiratory illness caused by influenza A and B viruses. Complications may occur, especially among children and the elderly. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Influenza is an acute respiratory illness caused by influenza A and B viruses. Complications may occur, especially among children and the elderly.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effectiveness and safety of amantadine and rimantadine in preventing, treating and shortening the duration of influenza A in children and the elderly.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched CENTRAL (2014, Issue 9), MEDLINE (1966 to September week 4, 2014) and EMBASE (1980 to October 2014).
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs comparing amantadine and/or rimantadine with no intervention, placebo, other antivirals or different doses or schedules of amantadine or rimantadine in children and the elderly with influenza A.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently assessed the search results. We extracted and analysed data using the standard Cochrane methodology.
MAIN RESULTS
We identified 12 studies (2494 participants: 1586 children and 908 elderly) comparing amantadine and rimantadine with placebo, paracetamol (one trial: 69 children) or zanamivir (two trials: 545 elderly) to treat influenza A.Amantadine was effective in preventing influenza A in children (773 participants, risk ratio (RR) 0.11; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.04 to 0.30). The assumed risk of influenza A in the control group was 10 per 100. The corresponding risk in the rimantadine group was one per 100 (95% CI 0 to 3). Nevertheless, the quality of the evidence was low and the safety of the drug was not well established.For treatment, rimantadine was beneficial in abating fever on day three of treatment in children: one selected study with low risk of bias, moderate evidence quality and 69 participants (RR 0.36; 95% CI 0.14 to 0.91). The assumed risk was 38 per 100. The corresponding risk in the rimantadine group was 14 per 100 (95% CI 5 to 34).Rimantadine did not show any prophylactic effect in the elderly. The quality of evidence was very low: 103 participants (RR 0.45; 95% CI 0.14 to 1.41). The assumed risk was 17 per 100. The corresponding risk in the rimantadine group was 7 per 100 (95% CI 2 to 23).There was no evidence of adverse effects caused by treatment with amantadine or rimantadine.We found no studies assessing amantadine in the elderly.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
The quality of the evidence combined with a lack of knowledge about the safety of amantadine and the limited benefits of rimantadine, do not indicate that amantadine and rimantadine compared to control (placebo or paracetamol) could be useful in preventing, treating and shortening the duration of influenza A in children and the elderly.
Topics: Adolescent; Aged; Amantadine; Antiviral Agents; Child; Humans; Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype; Influenza A virus; Influenza, Human; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Rimantadine; Sex Factors; Young Adult
PubMed: 25415374
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD002745.pub4 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... 2003Although levodopa is the most common drug prescribed to relieve the symptoms of Parkinson's disease it is associated with motor and psychiatric side-effects.... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Although levodopa is the most common drug prescribed to relieve the symptoms of Parkinson's disease it is associated with motor and psychiatric side-effects. Consequently, interest has turned to alternative drugs with improved side-effect profiles to replace or augment levodopa. Amantadine, originally used as an antiviral drug, has been shown to improve the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
OBJECTIVES
To compare the efficacy and safety of amantadine therapy (monotherapy or adjuvant therapy) versus placebo in treating people with Parkinson's disease.
SEARCH STRATEGY
Electronic searches of The Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (The Cochrane Library Issue 3, 2001), MEDLINE (1966-2001), EMBASE (1974-2001), SCISEARCH (1974-2001), BIOSIS (1993-2001), GEROLIT (1979-2001), OLDMEDLINE (1957-1965), LILACS (1982-2001), MedCarib (17th Century - 2001), PASCAL (1973-2001), JICST-EPLUS (1985-2001), RUSSMED (1973-2001), DISSERTATION ABSTRACTS (2000-2001), SIGLE (1980-2001), ISI-ISTP (1990-2001), Aslib Index to Theses (2001), Clinicaltrials.gov (2001), metaRegister of Controlled Trials (2001), NIDRR (2001) and NRR (2001) were conducted. Grey literature was hand searched and the reference lists of identified studies and reviews examined. The manufacturers of amantadine were contacted.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials comparing amantadine with placebo in the treatment of patients with a clinical diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson's disease.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Data was abstracted independently by NC and KD onto standardised forms and disagreements were resolved by discussion.
MAIN RESULTS
Six randomised controlled trials were found comparing amantadine monotherapy or adjuvant therapy with placebo in the treatment of idiopathic Parkinson's disease. Five examined amantadine as adjuvant therapy with optimal levels of levodopa or anticholinergics and one examined amantadine as an adjuvant therapy with minimum tolerated levels of anticholinergics or as a monotherapy. Five were double-blind cross-over studies and one was a double-blind parallel group study. In total they examined 215 patients. The parallel group study allowed the randomisation codes to be broken and allowed patients in the placebo group to then receive amantadine. This could have led to bias. One study did not present the results of the placebo arm of the trial, hence we could not determine the difference between the two treatment groups. Two cross-over studies presented the results of the combined data from both treatment and placebo arms. The risk of carry-over effect into the second arm meant that these results could not be analysed. The final two studies presented at least some of their data from the end of the first arm of the trials. However only means were given, without standard deviations, so we could not determine the statistical significance of any difference between the amantadine and placebo groups. Although the authors did report on the side-effects from amantadine (such as livido recticularis, dry mouth and blurred vision), they state that none of them were severe.
REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS
A considerable amount of evidence on the effectiveness of amantadine has accrued from non-controlled trials, often in patients with Parkinsonian conditions other than idiopathic Parkinson's disease. However, rigorous analysis of the six randomised controlled trials of amantadine reveals insufficient evidence of its efficacy and safety in the treatment of idiopathic Parkinson's disease.
Topics: Amantadine; Antiparkinson Agents; Humans; Levodopa; Parkinson Disease; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 12535476
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003468 -
Ugeskrift For Laeger Jun 2022Viroporins are ion channels found in many viruses, where they contribute to virus life cycle and thereby pathogenesis. Viroporin targeting is a known, yet largely... (Review)
Review
Viroporins are ion channels found in many viruses, where they contribute to virus life cycle and thereby pathogenesis. Viroporin targeting is a known, yet largely unexplored, therapeutic strategy so far only used in Influenza A with the drugs amantadine and rimantadine. In this review, we seek to utilize the inhibition by amantadine of the viroporin Protein E in SARS-CoV-2 in an attempt to treat COVID-19 in its early stages. We are executing a double-blinded placebo-controlled trial based on promising in vivo and in vitro work as a stepping-stone for establishing a therapeutic antiviral regime: blocking of viroporins.
Topics: Amantadine; Antiviral Agents; Humans; SARS-CoV-2; Viroporin Proteins; COVID-19 Drug Treatment
PubMed: 35703076
DOI: No ID Found -
Clinical Microbiology and Infection :... Oct 2023The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed a severe need for effective antiviral treatment. The objectives of this study were to assess if pre-emptive treatment with amantadine... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVES
The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed a severe need for effective antiviral treatment. The objectives of this study were to assess if pre-emptive treatment with amantadine for COVID-19 in non-hospitalized persons ≥40 years or adults with comorbidities was able to prevent disease progression and hospitalization. Primary outcomes were clinical status on day 14.
METHODS
Between 9 June 2021 and 27 January 2022, this randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, single-centre clinical trial included 242 subjects with a follow-up period of 90 days. Subjects were randomly assigned 1:1 to either amantadine 100 mg or placebo twice daily for 5 days. The inclusion criteria were confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and at least one of (a) age ≥40 years, age ≥18 years and (b) at least one comorbidity, or (c) body mass index ≥30. The study protocol was published at www.
CLINICALTRIALS
gov (unique protocol #02032021) and at www.clinicaltrialregister.eu (EudraCT-number 2021-001177-22).
RESULTS
With 121 participants in each arm, we found no difference in the primary endpoint with 82 participants in the amantadine arm, and 92 participants in the placebo arm with no limitations to activities, respectively, and 25 and 37 with limitations to activities in the amantadine arm and the placebo arm, respectively. No participants in either group were admitted to hospital or died. The OR of having state severity increased by 1 in the amantadine group versus placebo was 1.8 (CI 1.0-3.3, [p 0.051]). On day 7, one participant was hospitalized in each group; throughout the study, this increased to five and three participants for amantadine versus placebo treatment (p 0.72). Similarly, on day 7, there was no difference in the status of oropharyngeal swabs. Most participants (108 in each group) were SARS-CoV-2 RNA positive (p 0.84).
CONCLUSION
We found no effect of amantadine on disease progression of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Adolescent; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; Pandemics; COVID-19 Drug Treatment; RNA, Viral; Amantadine; Treatment Outcome; Double-Blind Method
PubMed: 37353078
DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2023.06.023 -
Respiratory Medicine Jun 2023Amantadine has been proposed as a treatment for COVID-19 because it shows anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity in vitro. However, to date, no controlled study has assessed the... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Amantadine has been proposed as a treatment for COVID-19 because it shows anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity in vitro. However, to date, no controlled study has assessed the safety and efficacy of amantadine in COVID-19.
RESEARCH QUESTION
Whether amantadine is effective and safe among patients with different COVID-19 severity classifications.
STUDY DESIGN
and Methods: This was multi-centre, randomised, placebo-controlled study.Patients with oxygen saturation ≤94% and no need for high-flow oxygen or ventilatory support were randomly allocated to receive oral amantadine or placebo (1:1) for 10 days in addition to standard care. The primary endpoint was time to recovery assessed over 28 days since randomisation, defined as discharge from hospital or no need for supplemental oxygen.
RESULTS
The study was terminated early due to a lack of efficacy after an interim analysis. Final data from 95 patients who received amantadine (mean age, 60.2 years; 65% male; 66% with comorbidities) and 91 patients who received placebo (mean age, 55.8 years; 60% male; 68% with comorbidities) were obtained. The median (95% CI) time to recovery was 10 days both in the amantadine (9-11) and placebo arms (8-11; subhazard ratio = 0.94 [95%CI 0.7-1.3]). The percentage of deaths and percentage of patients who required intensive care at 14 and 28 days did not significantly differ between the amantadine and placebo groups.
INTERPRETATION
Adding amantadine to standard care in patients hospitalised with COVID-19 did not increase the likelihood of recovery.
CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT04952519; www.
CLINICALTRIALS
gov.
Topics: Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Female; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; Double-Blind Method; Patients; Amantadine; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 36931576
DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2023.107198 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... May 2012Fatigue is reported to occur in up to 92% of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and has been described as the most debilitating of all MS symptoms by 28% to 40% of MS... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Fatigue is reported to occur in up to 92% of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and has been described as the most debilitating of all MS symptoms by 28% to 40% of MS patients.
OBJECTIVES
To assess whether carnitine (enteral or intravenous) supplementation can improve the quality of life and reduce the symptoms of fatigue in patients with MS-related fatigue and to identify any adverse effects of carnitine when used for this purpose.
SEARCH METHODS
A literature search was performed using Cochrane MS Group Trials Register (09 September 2011), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) "The Cochrane Library 2011, issue 3", MEDLINE (PubMed) (1966-09 September 2011), EMBASE (1974-09 September 2011), and www.clinicaltrials.gov for ongoing trials retrieval. Reference lists of review articles and primary studies were also screened. A hand search of the abstract book of recent relevant conference symposia was also conducted. Personal contact with MS experts and a manufacturer (Source Naturals, United States) of carnitine formulation was contacted to determine if they knew of other clinical trials. No language restrictions were applied.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Full reports of published and unpublished randomized controlled trials and quasi-randomized trials of any carnitine intervention in adults affected by multiple sclerosis with a clinical diagnosis of fatigue associated with multiple sclerosis were included.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Data from the eligible trials was extracted and coded using a standardized data extraction form and entered into RevMan 5. Discrepancies were to be resolved by discussion with a third reviewer, however this was not necessary.The quality items to be assessed were method of randomization, allocation concealment, blinding (participants, investigators, outcome assessors and data analysis), intention-to-treat analysis and completeness of follow up.
MAIN RESULTS
The search identified one ongoing randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial (expected completion 2013) and one completed randomized, active-comparator, cross-over trial. In the completed study, adult patients with relapsing-remitting and secondary progressive MS were exposed to both acetyl L-carnitine 2 grams daily and amantadine 200 mg daily The effects of carnitine on fatigue are unclear. There was no difference between carnitine and amantadine for the number of patients withdrawing from the study due to an adverse event (relative risk ratio 0.20; 95% confidence interval 0.03 to 1.55) and no patients experienced a serious adverse event in either treatment group. Mortality and quality of life were not reported.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There is insufficient evidence that carnitine for the treatment of MS-related fatigue offers a therapeutic advantage over placebo or active comparators. Results of the ongoing trial are eagerly anticipated in order to provide clarity.
Topics: Acetylcarnitine; Adult; Amantadine; Fatigue; Humans; Multiple Sclerosis; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Vitamin B Complex
PubMed: 22592719
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007280.pub3 -
Current Pharmaceutical Design 2014Survivors of severe brain injuries may end up in a state of 'wakeful unresponsiveness' or in a minimally conscious state. Pharmacological treatments of patients with... (Review)
Review
Survivors of severe brain injuries may end up in a state of 'wakeful unresponsiveness' or in a minimally conscious state. Pharmacological treatments of patients with disorders of consciousness aim to improve arousal levels and recovery of consciousness. We here provide a systematic overview of the therapeutic effects of amantadine, apomorphine and zolpidem in patients recovering from coma. Evidence from clinical trials using these commonly prescribed pharmacological agents suggests positive changes of the patients' neurological status, leading sometimes to dramatic improvements. These findings are discussed in the context of current hypotheses of these agents' therapeutic mechanisms on cerebral function. In order to improve our understanding of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of these drugs, we suggest combining sensitive and specific behavioral tools with neuroimaging and electrophysiological measures in large randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled experimental designs. We conclude that the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of amantadine, apomorphine and zolpidem need further exploration to determine which treatment would provide a better neurological outcome regarding the patient's etiology, diagnosis, time since injury and overall condition.
Topics: Amantadine; Apomorphine; Consciousness Disorders; Humans; Pyridines; Zolpidem
PubMed: 24025057
DOI: No ID Found