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Brand name: Symmetrel TM

Listen to the Pronunciation:

Active ingredients: amantadine

What it is used for

PARKINSON'S DISEASE: Idiopathic Parkinson's disease; post encephalitic parkinsonism; symptomatic parkinsonism (e.g. following CNS injury from carbon monoxide poisoning); arteriosclerotic parkinsonism; drug-induced extrapyramidal reactions. Symmetrel can be given alone for initial therapy or combined with anticholinergic drugs or L-dopa (see "Dosage and Administration"). Note: Symmetrel is not indicated for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia. TYPE A VIRUS INFLUENZA: Prophylaxis of respiratory tract illness caused by Influenza Type A. Prophylaxis in non-immunized individuals (including children) for whom influenza may have serious consequences (e.g. persons with chronic respiratory disease of diabetes mellitus).

How to take it

The way to take this medicine is: Oral. This medicine is taken by mouth.

  • Store below 30 degrees Celsius
  • Protect from Moisture
  • Shelf lifetime is 3 Years.

You should seek medical advice in relation to medicines and use only as directed by a healthcare professional.

Always read the label. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional.

Visual appearance

Reddish-brown, opaque, shiny, oblong capsule. One side branded "GEIGY", the other "GB", in white.

view of Symmetrel
view of Symmetrel

Images are the copyright of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia

Do I need a prescription?

This medicine is available from a pharmacist and requires a prescription. It is Schedule 4 : Prescription Only Medicine.

Is this medicine subsidised?

This medicine was verified as being available on the PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) on May 1, 2023. To learn more about this subsidy, visit the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) website.

Pregnant or planning a pregnancy?

For the active ingredient amantadine

You should seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist about taking this medicine. They can help you balance the risks and the benefits of this medicine during pregnancy.

Consumer Medicines Information (CMI)

For side effects, taking other medicines and more

Print the CMI.

Listen to the CMI.


Reporting side effects

You can help ensure medicines are safe by reporting the side effects you experience.

You can report side effects to your doctor, or directly at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems

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