Amantadine for Dogs: Uses, Doses, and Side Effects
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PetMD’s medications content was written and reviewed by veterinary professionals to answer your most common questions about how medications function, their side effects, and what species they are prescribed for. This content shouldn’t take the place of advice by your vet.
Key Takeaways
- Amantadine is an off-label medication used to help manage chronic pain in dogs, often alongside other pain medications.
- Amantadine works best for nerve-related or long-term pain, such as arthritis or cancer-related pain.
- Amantadine is not FDA-approved for dogs and should only be used under veterinary guidance.
- Pain relief may take several days to weeks to be noticeable, so it’s not meant for immediate pain control.
What Is Amantadine Used for in Dogs?
Amantadine is a prescription medication most commonly used as an add-on treatment for chronic pain in dogs. It’s not typically used on its own but instead combined with other pain medications—such as NSAIDs or gabapentin—when pain is difficult to control.
Veterinarians most often prescribe amantadine for long-term or nerve-related pain, including arthritis, neurologic pain, and pain associated with cancer. Amantadine may be especially helpful when a dog’s pain has become persistent or less responsive to other medications.
Is Amantadine FDA-Approved for Dogs?
Amantadine is not FDA-approved for use in dogs. It’s FDA-approved for use in humans, but veterinarians may legally prescribe certain human medications for animals when appropriate.
Using a medication in this way is called extra-label or off-label use, meaning the use is not listed on the drug’s label. Your veterinarian will determine whether amantadine is appropriate for your dog based on their individual health needs.
Compounded Amantadine
In certain circumstances, your vet may recommend compounded formulation of amantadine.
Compounded medications are prescribed if there’s a specific reason your pet’s health can’t be managed by an FDA-approved drug, such as if your pet has trouble taking pills in capsule form, the dosage strength is not commercially available, or the pet is allergic to an ingredient in the FDA-approved medication.
Compounded medications are not FDA-approved. They’re created by either a veterinarian or a licensed pharmacist on an individual basis to best suit a patient’s particular needs.
How Does Amantadine Work in Dogs?
Amantadine helps manage chronic pain by reducing how strongly the nervous system responds to ongoing pain. Over time, chronic pain can make pain signals feel stronger and harder to control.
By calming these overactive pain signals, amantadine can make other pain medications work better, especially for long-term pain.
How To Give Amantadine to Dogs
Follow the directions on the drug label or as provided by your veterinarian.
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Amantadine is most often administered once or twice daily, but frequency may vary.
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It can be given with or without food.
What Happens If You Miss a Dose of Amantadine?
Speak with your veterinarian about what to do if you forget to give a dose of amantadine.
Generally, your vet may instruct you to give it when you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosing schedule.
Do not give extra or double doses.
What Are the Side Effects of Amantadine in Dogs?
The most common side effects of amantadine in dogs are usually mild and may improve as your dog’s body adjusts to the medication. These can include:
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Restlessness or agitation
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Soft stools or diarrhea
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Gas
Amantadine can also affect certain normal body signals, which may lead to increased thirst, difficulty urinating, or a faster heart rate in some dogs.
If you notice any side effects or changes in your dog’s behavior, contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Human Side Effects
Amantadine is a prescription medication for humans, frequently with dosages different from those prescribed for your dog by a veterinarian.
Due to possible side effects, humans should never use medicine dispensed for their pets and pets should not be given any medicine dispensed for a human’s use.
If you accidentally ingest a pet medication, seek medical attention in person or call Poison Control at 800-222-1222.
Monitoring Your Pet
No specific monitoring is required for this medication, but your veterinarian may recommend routine testing depending on your dog’s individual needs, other medications that may be prescribed, and/or the issue that initially caused your dog to be placed on this medication.
When To Call Your Vet
Call your veterinarian if you see any of the following, or if you have additional questions or concerns about the use of amantadine:
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Severe side effects (above)
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Your pet’s condition worsens or does not improve with treatment
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You see or suspect an overdose
What Happens If a Dog Overdoses on Amantadine?
Symptoms of an overdose of amantadine may include:
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Tremors (shaking)
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Lack of coordination (ataxia)
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Increased salivation (drooling)
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Vomiting
If you suspect an overdose of amantadine, immediately seek emergency veterinary care or contact an animal poison control center. Consultation fees often apply.
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Pet Poison Helpline 855-764-7661
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ASPCA Animal Poison Control 888-426-4435
How To Store Amantadine for Dogs
Keep the following storage tips in mind for this medication:
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Amantadine should be stored at controlled room temperatures between 68–77 F (20–25 C). It can be briefly exposed to temperatures between 59–86 F (15–30 C).
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Compounded medications should be stored according to the compounding pharmacy’s label.
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Keep the container tightly closed when not in use to protect the capsules from moisture and light.
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Keep out of reach of children and pets.
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Always confirm storage requirements by reviewing the label.
Amantadine for Dogs FAQs
Is amantadine safe for dogs?
Yes, amantadine is generally considered safe for most dogs. Speak with your veterinarian about whether amantadine is appropriate for your dog.
How long does it take for amantadine to work in dogs?
It’s expected for dogs to have a noticeable response to amantadine after about a week, but it can take up to three weeks for the medication to become fully effective.
Is gabapentin the same as amantadine?
No, gabapentin is not the same as amantadine. They’re in different medication classes and work to block pain through separate pathways in the body.
Where can I buy amantadine for dogs?
Amantadine is available only by prescription through your veterinarian.
No vet writer or qualified reviewer has received any compensation from the manufacturer of the medication as part of creating this article. All content contained in this article is sourced from public sources or the manufacturer.
