ABSTRACT
Amantadine, a drug developed in 1960. It is a synthetic antiviral agent that specifically used in the prevention of Influenza A virus infection Amantadine was shown to result in a sustained virological response in chronic hepatitis C patients who were unresponsive to interferon therapy. The present study was carried out to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this antiviral drug in pediatric patients with chronic hepatitis B and/or C. the study included 19 children with chronic viral hepatitis: 9 had HCV, 7 had HBV and 3 had both. Their ages ranged between 2-15 years. Eleven were males and 8 were females. They were treated with amantadine in a dose of 5-1 0 mg/kg daily orally for 6 months. Serum aminotransferase values decreased in 13 patients [68.4%], seven of whom showed normalization of ALT [P<0.001]. Two patients with chronic hepatitis C who were HCV RNA + ve became - ve by the end of therapy. Mild neurological symptoms in the form of insomnia and irritability were reported in 4 of our patients, however this did not necessitate stopping therapy.Amantadine appeared quite safe and effective in pediatric patients with chronic hepatitis B and / or C