Comparison of Central Nervous System Adverse Effects of Amantadine and Rimantadine Used as Sequential Prophylaxis of Influenza A in Elderly Nursing Home Patients

Abstract

INFLUENZA A is a common cause of serious respiratory illness in the elderly population.¹ Among persons aged 65 years and older, rates of hospitalization for influenza range from 200 to more than 1000 per 100,000 population.¹ Immunization with influenza vaccine has been shown to be 50% to 60% effective in preventing hospitalization and pneumonia, 80% effective in preventing death, and 30% to 40% effective in preventing disease in elderly populations. However, because of the limited effectiveness of the vaccine, chemoprophylaxis is often indicated during suspected or confirmed outbreaks.¹