The crossroads of Amantadine from antiviral to neurotherapeutic: Bibliometric mapping of six decades of therapeutic evolution

To analyze six decades of global research on amantadine, identifying trends, thematic clusters, key contributors, and the drug’s evolving role from antiviral to neurotherapeutic agent. A bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Scopus database, covering publications from 1964 to April 2025. A total of 1,540 English-language research articles were analyzed. Data were processed using R (Bibliometrix package) and VOSviewer to assess publication trends, thematic evolution, citation impact, collaboration networks, and keyword co-occurrence. The research output on amantadine has grown steadily, with significant increases in the 2000s and a peak in 2022. Four major thematic clusters emerged: (1) molecular and preclinical studies, (2) neurological symptoms and mechanisms, (3) antiviral research, and (4) clinical trials and drug effects. Amantadine’s use in Parkinson’s disease and its repurposing for viral infections, including COVID-19, were key themes. Highly cited studies emphasized both antiviral mechanisms and neurological applications. Classical themes in amantadine research include its antiviral activity against influenza A and its established use in managing Parkinson’s disease symptoms. Emerging themes focus on its neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its potential repurposing for conditions such as COVID-19 and traumatic brain injury. Amantadine has transitioned from a narrow antiviral application to a multifaceted therapeutic agent with growing importance in neurology and drug repurposing. Continued exploration in pharmacogenomics, molecular mechanisms, and clinical trials is essential to unlock its full therapeutic potential in emerging viral and neuroinflammatory diseases.