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These antivirals interfere with replication of influenza A virus. They are
about 70-90% effective in preventing illness caused by naturally occurring
strains of influenza A virus. One important advantage of amantadine and
rimantadine is that they are effective against all known strains of influenza A.
These drugs cause side effects in some persons, with CNS symptoms being most
important. Amantadine has been associated with more frequent CNS adverse
reactions than rimantadine. Both drugs are excreted in the kidney. Therefore,
special precautions should be taken in giving these drugs to persons with
decreased renal function.
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