Amantadine aerosol in humans

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Respiratory Medicine
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Influenza A virus infections pose a significant public health challenge.
• Amantadine is an antiviral medication with activity against Influenza A.
• Delivery of amantadine via small-particle aerosol may offer an alternative administration route.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and tolerability of amantadine delivered via small-particle aerosol.
• To assess the impact of aerosolized amantadine on pulmonary function in healthy volunteers and influenza patients.

Main Methods:

• Seven healthy volunteers and three patients with influenza A/USSR/77 (H1N1)-like infection received amantadine via a modified Collison generator.
• Inhalation exposure durations varied for volunteers, with particle size at 1.2-micrometer mass median diameter.
• Pulmonary function tests were conducted, and amantadine recovery in urine was measured.

Main Results:

• Aerosolized amantadine was generally well-tolerated in both volunteers and influenza patients.
• Pulmonary function remained within normal limits for most volunteers; two experienced transient coughing and wheezing.
• Approximately two-thirds of the inhaled amantadine dose was recovered in urine, suggesting systemic absorption.

Conclusions:

• Small-particle aerosol delivery of amantadine appears to be a safe and tolerable method for influenza A treatment.
• The method shows promise for delivering antiviral medication directly to the respiratory tract.
• Further studies are warranted to confirm efficacy and optimal dosing for aerosolized amantadine therapy.