Rimantadine for influenza should be used only if susceptibility is reliable.

Rimantadine for influenza should be used only if susceptibility is reliable.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only for adults
• D. Not effective against influenza

Answer: (A)

Rimantadine’s effect depends on the virus being susceptible. It targets influenza A by blocking the M2 ion channel, but many circulating influenza A strains have mutations that confer resistance, making the drug ineffective unless the infecting strain is known to be susceptible. Because resistance is so common, you would only consider rimantadine if there is reliable evidence that the circulating virus is susceptible. It’s also important to note that rimantadine does not work against influenza B, and nowadays neuraminidase inhibitors are usually preferred due to their broader activity and lower resistance rates. So using rimantadine only when susceptibility is confirmed reflects ensuring real benefit from the treatment.

Rimantadine’s effect depends on the virus being susceptible. It targets influenza A by blocking the M2 ion channel, but many circulating influenza A strains have mutations that confer resistance, making the drug ineffective unless the infecting strain is known to be susceptible. Because resistance is so common, you would only consider rimantadine if there is reliable evidence that the circulating virus is susceptible. It’s also important to note that rimantadine does not work against influenza B, and nowadays neuraminidase inhibitors are usually preferred due to their broader activity and lower resistance rates. So using rimantadine only when susceptibility is confirmed reflects ensuring real benefit from the treatment.