3.1.3g Interferon and Amantadine

Amantadine, although it has no effect by itself on viral load, can, when combined with interferon, produce an improved virological and biochemical response compared to interferon alone (29.3% compared to 16.8% for IFN monotherapy) (Hepatology. 2001;33:989-993). It is now being used in triple therapy trials with IFN and ribavirin, with good results, but worse side effects. [See “Triple Therapy”, III.1.3n, below.]