Rimantadine

DESCRIPTION

Flumadine (rimantadine hydrochloride) is a synthetic antiviral drug available as a 100 mg film-coated tablet and as syrup for oral administration. Each film-coated tablet contains 100 mg of rimantadine hydrochloride plus hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate, FD&C Yellow No. 6 Lake and FD&C Yellow No. 6. The film coat contains hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and polyethylene glycol. Each teaspoonful (5 ml) of the syrup contains 50 mg of rimantadine hydrochloride in an aqueous solution containing citric acid, parabens (methyl and propyl), saccharin sodium, sorbitol, D&C Red No. 33 and flavors.

Rimantadine hydrochloride is a white to off-white crystalline powder which is freely soluble in water (50 mg/ml at 20°C). Chemically, rimantadine hydrochloride is alpha-methytricyclo-(3.3.1.1/.7)decane-1-methanamine hydrochloride, with an empirical formula C₁₂H₂₁N•HCl, and a molecular weight of 215.7.

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

Mechanism of Action

The mechanism of action of rimantadine is not fully understood. Rimantadine appears to exert its inhibitory effect early in the viral replicative cycle, possibly inhibiting the uncoating of the virus. Genetic studies suggest that a virus protein specified by the virion M₂ gene plays an important role in the susceptibility of influenza A virus to inhibition by rimantadine.

Microbiology

Rimantadine is inhibitory to the in vitroreplication of influenza A virus isolates from each of the three antigenic subtypes, i.e., H1N1, H2H2 and H3N2., that have been isolated from man. Rimantadine has little or no activity against influenza B virus (Ref 1,2,). Rimantadine does not appear to interfere with the immunogenicity of inactivated influenza A vaccine.

A quantitative relationship between the in vitro susceptibility of influenza A virus to rimantadine and clinical response to therapy has not been established.

Susceptibility test results, expressed as the concentration of the drug required to inhibit virus replication by 50%, or more in a cell culture system, vary greatly (from 4 ng/ml to 20 mcg/ml) depending upon the assay protocol used, size of the virus inoculum, isolates of the influenza A virus strains tested, and the cell types used (Ref. 2).

Rimantadine-resistant strains of influenza A virus have emerged among freshly isolated epidemic strains in closed settings where rimantadine hs been used. Resistant viruses have been shown to be transmissible and to cause typical influenza illness (Ref. 3).

Pharmacokinetics

Although the pharmacokinetic profile of rimantadine HCl has been described, no pharmacodynamic data establishing a correlation between plasma concentration and its antiviral effect are available.

The tablet and syrup formulations of rimantadine HCl are equally absorbed after oral administration. The mean ± SD peal plasma concentration after a single 100 mg dose of rimantadine HCl was 74 ± 22 ng/ml (range: 45 to 138 ng/ml). The time to peak concentration was 6 ± 1 hours in healthy adults (age 20 to 44 years.) The single dose elimination half-life in this population was 25.4 ± 6.3 hours (range: 13 to 65 hours). The single dose elimination half-life in a group of healthy 71 to 79 year- old subjects was 32 ± 16 hours (range: 20 to 65 hours).

After the administration of rimantadine 1000 mg twice daily to healthy volunteers (age 18 to 70 years) for 10 days, area under the curve (AUC) values were approximately 30% greater than predicted from a single dose. Plasma trough levels at steady state ranged between 188 and 468 ng/ml. In these patients no age-related differences in pharmacokinetics were detected. However, in a comparison of three groups of healthy older subjects (age 50-60), 61-70, 71-79 years), the 71 to 79 year-old group had average AUC values, peak concentrations and elimination half-life values at steady-state that were 20 to 30% higher than the outer two groups. Steady-state concentrations in elderly nursing home patients (age 68 to 102 years) were 2- to 4-fold higher than those seen in healthy young and elderly adults.

The pharmacokinetic profile of rimantadine in children has not been established. In a group (n=10) of children 4 to 8 years old who were given a single dose (6.6 mg/kg) of rimantadine HCl syrup, plasma concentrations of rimantadine ranged from 446 to 988 ng/ml at 5 to 6 hours and from 170 to 424 ng/ml at 24 hours. In some children drug was detected in plasma 72 hours after the last dose.

Following oral administration, rimantadine is extensively metabolized in the liver with less than 25% of the dose excreted in the urine as unchanged drug. Three hydroxylated metabolites have been found in plasma. These metabolites, an additional conjugated metabolites and parent drug account for 74 ± 10% (n=4) of a single 200 mg dose of rimantadine excreted in urine over 72 hours.

In a group (n=14) of patients with chronic liver disease, the majority of whom were stabilized cirrhotics, the pharmacokinetics of rimantadine were not appreciably altered following a single 200 mg oral dose compared to 6 healthy subjects who were sex, age and weight matched to 6 of the patients with liver disease. After administration of a single 200 mg dose to patients (n=10) with severe hepatic dysfunction, AUC was approximately 3-fold larger, elimination half-life was approximately 2-fold longer and apparent clearance was about 50% lower when compared to historic data from healthy subjects.

Studies of the effects of renal insufficiency on the pharmacokinetics of rimantadine have given inconsistent results. Following administration of a single 200 mg oral dose of rimantadine to 8 patients with a creatinine clearance (CLcr) of 31-50 ml/min and 6 patients with a CLcr of 11-30 ml/min, the apparent clearance was 37% and 16% lower, respectively, and plasma metabolite concentrations were higher when compared to weight-, age-, and 16% lower, respectively, and plasma metabolite concentrations were higher when compared to weight-, age-, and sex-matched healthy subjects (n=9, CLcr > 50 ml/min). After a single 200 mg oral dose of rimantadine was given to 8 hemodialysis patients (CLcr 0-10 ml/min); there was a 1.6-fold increase in the elimination half-life and a 40% decrease in apparent clearance compared to age-matched healthy subjects. Hemodialysis did not contribute to the clearance of rimantadine.

The in vitro human plasma protein binding of rimantadine is about 40% over typical plasma concentrations. Albumin is the major binding protein.

INDICATIONS

Rimantadine HCl is indicated for the prophylaxis and treatment of illness caused by various strains of influenza A virus in adults.

Rimantadine HCl is indicated for prophylaxis against influenza A virus in children.

Prophylaxis

In controlled studies of children over the age of 1 year, healthy adults and elderly patients, Rimantadine HCl has been shown to be safe and effective in preventing signs and symptoms of infection caused by various strains of influenza A virus. Early vaccination on an annual basis as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control's Immunization Practices Advisory Committee is the method of choice in the prophylaxis of influenza unless vaccination is contraindicated, not available or not feasible. Since rimantadine HCl does not completely prevent the host immune response to influenza A infection, individuals who take this drug mat still develop immune responses to natural disease or vaccination and may be protected when later exposed to antigenically-related viruses. Following vaccination during an influenza outbreak, rimantadine HCl prophylaxis should be considered for the 2 to 4 week time period required to develop an antibody response. However, the safety and effectiveness of rimantadine HCl prophylaxis have not been demonstrated for longer than 6 weeks.

Treatment

Rimantadine HCl therapy should be considered for adults who develop an influenza-like illness during known or suspected influenza A infection in the community. When administered within 48 hours after onset of signs and symptoms of infection caused by influenza A virus strains, rimantadine HCl has been shown to reduce the duration of fever and systemic symptoms.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

For Prophylaxis In Adults And Children

Adults: The recommended adult dose of rimantadine HCl is 100 mg twice a day. In patients with severe hepatic dysfunction, renal failure (CrCl £ 10 ml/min.) and elderly nursing home patients, a dose reduction to 100 mg daily is recommended. There are currently no data available regarding the safety of rimantadine during multiple dosing in subjects with renal or hepatic impairment. Because of the potential for accumulation of rimantadine metabolites during multiple dosing, patients with any degree of renal insufficiency should be monitored for adverse effects, with dosage adjustments being made as necessary.

Children: In children less than 10 years of age, rimantadine HCl should be administered once a day, at a dose of 5 mg/kg but not exceeding 150 mg. For children 10 years of age or older, use the adult dose.

For Treatment In Adults

The recommended adult dose of rimantadine HCl is 100 mg twice a day. In patients with severe hepatic dysfunction, renal failure (CrCl £ 10 ml/min) and elderly nursing home patients, a dose reduction to 100 mg daily is recommended. There are currently no data available regarding the safety of rimantadine during multiple dosing in subjects with renal or hepatic impairment. Because of the potential for accumulation of rimantadine metabolites during multiple dosing, patients with any degree of renal insufficiency should be monitored for adverse effect, with dosage adjustments being made as necessary. rimantadine HCl therapy should be initiated as soon as possible, preferably within 48 hours after onset of signs and symptoms of influenza A infection. Therapy should be continued for approximately seven days from the initial onset of symptoms.

HOW SUPPLIED

Storage

Tablets and syrup should be stored at 15-30°C (59-86°F).

REFERENCES

1. Belshe, R.B., Burk, B., Newman, F., Cerruti, R.L. and Sim, I.S. (1989) J. Infect. Dis. 159, 430-435.

2. Sim, I.S., Cerruti, R.L. and Connell, E.V., (1989) J. Resp. Dis. (Suppl.), S46-S51.

3. Hayden, F.G., Belshe, R.B., Clover, R.D. et al (1989) N. Engl. J. Med. 321 (25), 1696-1702.

4. Hall, C.B., Dolin, R., Gaja, C.L., eta l (1987) Pediatrics 80, 275-282.

5. Thompson, J., Fleet, W., Lawrence, E., et al (1987) J. Med. Vir. 21, 249-255.

6. Belshe, R.B., Smith, M.H., Hall, C.B., et al (1988) J. Virol. 62, 1508-1512.

7. Casey, D.F. N. Engl. J. Med. 1978:298:516.8. Berkowitz, C.D. J. Pediatrics 1979:95:144.

SIDE EFFECTS

In 1,027 patients treated with rimantadine HCl in controlled clinical trials at the recommended dose of 200 mg daily, the most frequently reported adverse events involved the gastrointestinal and nervous systems.

Incidence > 1%: Adverse events reported most frequently (1-3%) at the recommended dose in controlled clinical trials are shown in the table below (TABLE 1).

TABLE 1

Less frequent adverse events (0.3 to 1%) at the recommended dose in controlled clinical trials were:

Additional adverse events (less than 0.3%) reported at recommended doses in controlled clinical trials were:

Rates of adverse events, particularly those involving the gastrointestinal and nervous systems, increased significantly in controlled studies using higher than recommended dose of rimantadine HCl. In most cases, symptoms resolved rapidly with discontinuation of treatment. In addition to the adverse events reported above, the following were also reported at higher than recommended doses: increased lacrimation, increased micturition frequency, fever, rigors, agitation, constipation, diaphoresis, dysphagia, stomatitis, hypesthesia and eye pain.

Adverse Reactions in Trials of Rimantadine and Amantadine: In a six-week prophylaxis study of 436 healthy adults comparing rimantadine with amantadine and placebo, the following adverse reactions were reported with an incidence > 1% (TABLE 2).

TABLE 2

Usage In The Elderly

In general, the incidence of adverse events in controlled clinical trials in the elderly was higher in both the rimantadine HCl and placebo-treated groups compared to younger adults and children. Most of these patients had other chronic illnesses. In a placebo-controlled study of 83 nursing home patients with influenza, 10.6% of those treated with rimantadine HCl compared with 8.3% in the placebo group experienced events related to the central nervous system. The profile of these events was similar to that for the most frequent adverse events reported in other controlled trials (see TABLE 2).

Pooled data from controlled studies of prophylaxis and treatment of influenza with rimantadine HCl in persons over 65 years of age showed an increase in adverse clinical events associated with the recommended dose of rimantadine HCl (100 mg twice a day) compared to controls as follows: central and peripheral nervous systems, 12.5% for rimantadine HCl versus 8.7% for control patients; gastrointestinal systems, 17.0% for rimantadine HCl versus 11.3% for controls.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Cimetidine: The effects of chronic cimetidine use on the metabolism of rimantadine are not known. When a single 100 mg dose of rimantadine HCl was administered one hour after the initiation of Cimetidine (300 mg four times a day), the apparent total rimantadine clearance of this single dose in normal healthy adults was reduced by 18% (compared to the apparent total rimantadine clearance in the same subjects in the absence of cimetidine).

Acetaminophen: Rimantadine HCl, 100 mg, was given twice daily for 13 days to 12 healthy volunteers. On day 11, acetaminophen (650 mg four times daily) was started and continued for 8 days. The pharmacokinetics of rimantadine were assessed on days 11 and 13. Coadministration with acetaminophen reduced the peak concentration and AUC values for rimantadine by approximately 11%.

Aspirin: Rimantadine HCl, 100 mg, was given twice daily fro 13 days to 12 healthy volunteers. On day 11, aspirin (650 mg, four times daily) was started and continued for 8 days. The pharmacokinetics of rimantadine were assessed on days 11 and 13. Peak plasma concentrations and AUC of rimantadine were reduced approximately 10% in the presence of aspirin.

WARNINGS

No information provided.

PRECAUTIONS

General

An increased incidence of seizures has been reported in patients with a history of epilepsy who received the related drug amantadine. In clinical trials of rimantadine HCl, the occurrence of seizure-like activity was observed in a small number of patients with a history of seizures who were not receiving anticonvulsant medication while taking rimantadine HCl. If seizures develop, rimantadine HCl should be discontinued.

The safety and pharmacokinetics of rimantadine in renal and hepatic insufficiency have only been evaluated after single dose administration. In a single dose study of patients with anuric renal failure, the apparent clearance of rimantadine was approximately 40% lower and the elimination half-life was 1.6-fold greater than that in healthy age-matched controls. In a study of 14 persons with chronic liver disease (mostly stabilized cirrhotics), no alterations in the pharmacokinetics were observed after the administration of a single dose of rimantadine. However, the apparent clearance of rimantadine following a single dose to 10 patients with severe liver dysfunction was 50% lower than reported for healthy subjects. Because of the potential for accumulation of rimantadine and its metabolites in plasma, caution should be exercised when patients with renal or hepatic insufficiency are treated with rimantadine.

Transmission of rimantadine resistant virus should be considered when treating patients whose contacts are at high risk for influenza A illness. Influenza A virus strains resistant to rimantadine can emerge during treatment and such resistant strains have been shown to be transmissible and to cause typical influenza illness (Ref. 3). Although the frequency, rapidity, and clinical significance of the mergence of drug-resistant virus are not yet established, several small studies have demonstrated that 10% to 30% of patients with initially sensitive virus, upon treatment with rimantadine, shed rimantadine resistant virus (Ref. 3,4,5,6).

Clinical response to rimantadine, although slower in those patients who subsequently shed resistant virus, was not significantly different from those who did not shed resistant virus (Ref. 3) No Data are available in humans that address the activity or effectiveness of rimantadine therapy in subjects infected with resistant virus.

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, and Impairment of Fertility

Carcinogenesis: Carcinogenicity studies in animals have not been performed.

Mutagenesis: No mutagenic effects were seen when rimantadine was evaluated in several standard assays for mutagenicity.

Impairment of Fertility: A reproduction study in male and female rats did not show detectable impairment of fertility at dosages up to 60 mg/kg/day (3 times the maximum human dose based on body surface area comparisons).

Pregnancy

Pregnancy Category C. Teratogenic Effects: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Rimantadine is reported to cross the placenta in mice. Rimantadine has been shown to be embryotoxic in rats when given at a dose of 200 mg/kg/day (11 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area comparisons). At this dose the embryotoxic effect consisted of increased fetal absorption in rats; this dose also produced a variety of maternal effects including ataxia, tremors, convulsions and significantly reduced weight gain. No embryotoxicity was observed when rabbits were given doses up to 50 mg/kg/day (5 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area comparisons). However, there was evidence of a developmental abnormality in the form of a change in the ratio of fetuses with 12 or 12 ribs. This ratio is normally about 50:500 in a liter but was 80:20 after rimantadine treatment.

Nonteratogenic Effects: Rimantadine was administered to pregnant rats in a peri- and postnatal reproduction toxicity study at doses of 30, 60 and 120 mg/kg/day (1.7, 3.4 and 6.8 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area comparisons). Maternal toxicity during gestation was noted at the two higher doses of rimantadine, and at the highest dose, 120 mg/kg/day, there was an increase in pup mortality during the first 2 to 4 days postpartum. Decreased fertility of the F1 generation was also noted for the two higher doses.

For these reasons, rimantadine HCl should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the risk to the fetus.

Nursing Mothers

Rimantadine HCl should not be administered to nursing mothers because of the adverse effects noted in offspring of rats treated with rimantadine during the nursing period. Rimantadine is concentrated in rat milk in a dose-related manner: 2 to 3 hours folling administration of rimantadine, rat breast milk levels were approximately twice those observed in the serum.

Pediatric Use

In children, rimantadine HCl is recommended for the prophylaxis of influenza A. The safety and effectiveness of rimantadine HCl in the treatment of symptomatic influenza infection in children have not been established. Prophylaxis studies with rimantadine HCl have not been performed in children below the age of 1 year.