

By blocking the M2 channel, the virus is unable to replicate because of impaired replication, protein synthesis, and exocytosis. The M2 protein's function is to allow the intracellular virus to replicate (M2 also functions as a proton channel for hydrogen ions to cross into the vesicle), and exocytose newly formed viral proteins to the extracellular space (viral shedding). Amantadine targets the influenza A M2 ion channel protein. The mechanisms for amantadine's antiviral and antiparkinsonian effects are unrelated. These findings may also extend to the other adamantanes such as adapromine, rimantadine, and bromantane, and could explain the psychostimulant-like effects of this family of compounds. In 2004, it was discovered that amantadine and memantine bind to and act as agonists of the σ 1 receptor (K i = 7.44 μM and 2.60 μM, respectively), and that activation of the σ 1 receptor is involved in the dopaminergic effects of amantadine at therapeutically relevant concentrations. It appears to be an anticholinergic (specifically at alpha-7 nicotinic receptors) like the similar pharmaceutical memantine. Moreover, the drug has many effects in the brain, including release of dopamine and norepinephrine from nerve endings. Amantadine probably does not inhibit monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzyme. Amantadine is a weak antagonist of the NMDA-type glutamate receptor, increases dopamine release, and blocks dopamine reuptake. The mechanism of its antiparkinsonian effect is poorly understood. Rimantadine is a closely related adamantane derivative with similar biological properties both target the M2 proton channel of influenza A virus.

Currently, amantadine is no longer recommended for the treatment of influenza A due to a high level of amantadine resistance among circulating influenza A viruses.

However, amantadine-resistant influenza viruses were first reported during the 1980 influenza A epidemic and resistance frequency continued to rise into the early 2000s. After antiviral properties were initially reported in 1963, amantadine received approval for prophylaxis against the influenza virus A in 1976. Īmantadine was first used for the treatment of influenza A. the release of viral genetic material into the host cytoplasm). The antiviral mechanism of action is antagonism of the influenzavirus A M2 proton channel, which prevents endosomal escape (i.e. It acts as a nicotinic antagonist, dopamine agonist, and noncompetitive NMDA antagonist. Amantadine, sold under the brand name Gocovri among others, is a medication used to treat dyskinesia associated with parkinsonism and influenza caused by type A influenzavirus, though its use for the latter is no longer recommended due to widespread drug resistance.
