| Methods |
Randomised in a double‐blind design |
| Participants |
This treatment trial was carried out in February 1978 in University of Rochester, USA on 45 students with laboratory confirmed influenza A/USSR/77 [H1N1] |
| Interventions |
Participants received either amantadine 200 mg daily (n = 14) or rimantadine 200 mg daily (n = 14) or inert placebo capsules (n = 12) and followed up for 5 days |
| Outcomes |
Efficacy: outcomes reported were symptom scores (Figure 1), duration of temperature (Figure 2 and in the text at page 1130). We used the outcome 'number of participants with temperatures more than 37.5 ºC', 48 hours after commencing medication (a dichotomous outcome). Data on mean duration of fever were not given. The study reported data on persistence and shedding of influenza A viruses from the upper airways at day 2. Viral titres were significantly lower in the treatment arm |
| Notes |
The trial is well‐reported and definitely randomised. Allocation concealment is described and appears to be adequate |
| Risk of bias |
| Bias |
Authors' judgement |
Support for judgement |
| Allocation concealment (selection bias) |
Low risk |
A ‐ Adequate |
