[Serum concentration of amantadine in the treatment of children with influenza type A infection].

Fifteen children with influenza type A (H3N2) virus infection (mean age, 38 months) were treated with amantadine. Amantadine was prescribed as 5 mg/kg/day and the serum concentration was measured in 5-7 days. As a result, the mean serum concentration of amantadine was 164.6 +/- 92.5 ng/ml (range, 67.4-446.9 ng/ml). Adverse reactions were not associated to them. Amantadine therapy against influenza type A infection is probably safe in children because of the low serum concentration shown in this study.