Amantadine hydrochloride

Abstract

Livedo reticularis and peripheral edema often have been observed in patients receiving amantadine hydrochloride, suggesting alterations in the responsiveness of peripheral vessels. To investigate this possibility, five patients with Parkinson's disease who had either livedo reticularis or peripheral edema while being treated with amantadine (100 mg twice daily) were evaluated before and after the drug was discontinued. Finger and toe temperatures were significantly lower when patients received the drug than when it was discontinued, and plethysmographic studies showed increased flow in the lower limbs in three patients when the drug was stopped. It is concluded that amantadine therapy may be associated with peripheral vasoconstriction in some patients.