The present invention concerns a process for the manufacture of an adamantanamine of formula wherein R, R and X are as defined in the claims, which comprises (i) reacting a compound of formula with thiourea (ii) subjecting the resulting compound of formula to an acid treatment and (iii) isolating the resulting adamantanamine or a hydrohalogenide thereof. According to the process of the invention, valuable pharmaceuticals are obtainable, such as Memantine hydrochloride (R,R = methyl), an uncompetitive NMDA( N -methyl-D-aspartate) receptor antagonist used as a new treatment for Alzheimers disease, or Amantadine hydrochloride (R,R = hydrogen) used as an antiviral or in the treatment of Parkinsons disease.
