What should be monitored when administering high-dose Amantadine?

Monitoring central nervous system side effects is crucial when administering high-dose Amantadine because this medication can significantly impact neurological function. Amantadine is known to potentially cause side effects such as dizziness, confusion, and agitation, especially at higher doses.

Such effects occur due to the drug's ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and its action on dopaminergic neurotransmission, which can result in both therapeutic effects and adverse reactions in the central nervous system. Elderly patients or those with existing neurological conditions may be particularly susceptible to these side effects.

While other options might also be relevant in different contexts, they do not address the specific risks associated with Amantadine in the way that monitoring central nervous system side effects does. For example, while cardiovascular issues can arise with many medications, they are less specifically associated with Amantadine than CNS effects. Similarly, rash and allergic reactions as well as liver enzyme levels are important to monitor with various medications but do not pertain specifically to the pharmacological action of Amantadine in the context of high doses.