Amantadine: A Supportive Therapy for Your Dog’s Pain Relief

Reducing your pet’s pain.

Amantadine antagonizes N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the nervous system, which work by transmitting pain signals. By inactivating the receptors, pain signals are temporarily prevented from reaching the brain and thus not perceived. This can be great adjunctive therapy in cases of chronic, persistent pain such as osteoarthritis. Repeated stimulation of these pathways can lead to overstimulation or hypersensitivity to stimuli that is not normally painful. It is best when used with other modalities since not addressing pain such as opiates or anti-inflammatory agents.
Lascelles et al compared nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory meloxicam alone with meloxicam combined with amantadine in dogs with osteoarthritis. Assessments found the treatment arm including amantadine were significantly more active according to client-specific outcome measures (CSOM) by the end date of 42 days (Lascelles, 2008).

Adverse effects reported include diarrhea, flatulence and agitation seem higher particularly early in therapy. It is important to note that in 2006 the FDA banned use of amantadine and other influenza antivirals in birds including chickens, turkeys and ducks so there are limitation as to its use in certain animals (Plumb, 2008). Looking at multimodal treatment approaches, this could be great opportunity for research growth since not much veterinary literature present currently.

Dosing as adjunctive therapy for chronic pain: 1.25-4mg/kg by mouth every 12-24 hours. Usually 3mg/kg by mouth once daily with NSAID (Plumb, 2008)

Lascelles, B.D., Gaynor, J.S., Smith, E.S., Roe, S.C., Marcellin-Little, D.J., Davidson, G., Boland, E. & Carr, J. (2008) Amantadine in a multimodal analgesic regimen for alleviation of refractory osteoarthritis pain in dogs. J Vet Intern Med. 22(1):53-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2007.0014.x
Plumb, D.C. (2008) Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook. Stockholm, Pharmavet.