This medication description is not meant for treatment prescription without the intervention of a specialist.

Common Uses

Adekin is an antiparkinson and antiviral agent. How Adekin works against the flu is not known. It may block reproduction of the virus and decrease the ability of the virus to get into the cells. How Adekin works against Parkinson disease is not known. It may increase a certain chemical in the brain. Usually it is used to treat Parkinson disease and uncontrolled muscle movements caused by some medicines. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How to Take

For the treatment of Parkinson's disease or movement problems: Older adults - 100 milligrams once a day to start. The dose may be increased slowly over time, if needed. Adults- 100 milligrams one or two times a day. Your doctor may increase this dose, if needed. Children - Dose has not been determined.

Warning and Precautions

Adekin may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Adekin with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

Adekin may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.

Limit alcohol intake while you are taking Adekin. Talk with you doctor before you drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Adekin; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.

Do not become overheated in hot weather or while you are being active; heatstroke may occur.

Adekin only works against certain types of the flu; it does not treat other viral infections (eg, the common cold).

If you are taking Adekin for the flu, be sure to use Adekin for the full course of treatment. If you do not, the medicine may not clear up your infection completely. The virus could also become less sensitive to this or other medicines. This could make the infection harder to treat in the future.

You usually should not receive a live nasal flu vaccine within 14 days before or 2 days after you take Adekin. The vaccine may not work as well. Talk with your doctor before you receive any vaccine.

If you are taking Adekin for Parkinson disease, increase physical activity slowly as your symptoms improve.

Do not suddenly stop taking Adekin without first checking with your doctor. Your dose may need to be lowered slowly to avoid side effects.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

Visit your local poison control center if you have such symptoms as: aggression; chest pain; confusion; decreased urination; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever; hallucinations; loss of consciousness; mental or mood changes; seizures; severe drowsiness; severe or persistent headache or dizziness; tremor; trouble breathing; trouble walking. Overdose of Adekin may cause death.

Storage

Store Adekin at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C), in a tightly closed container. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Adekin out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Possible Side Effects

Adekin has been associated with several central nervous system side effects, including nervousness, anxiety, agitation, insomnia, difficulty in concentrating, and exacerbations of pre-existing seizure disorders and psychiatric symptoms in patients with schizophrenia or Parkinson's disease.

More Information

The information given above is a summary. Your pharmacist can provide more information about Adekin. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.