Details

Zanamivir is an antiviral medication. It blocks the actions of viruses in your body. Zanamivir is used to treat flu symptoms caused by influenza virus in patients who have had symptoms for less than 2 days. Zanamivir may also be given to prevent influenza in people who may be exposed but do not yet have symptoms. Zanamivir will not treat the common cold. You should not use this medication if you are allergic to zanamivir or to lactose (milk protein). Before using zanamivir, tell your doctor if you have asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or any other chronic lung condition. Serious or life-threatening bronchospasm (difficulty breathing) and other effects on the lungs can occur while using zanamivir. Do not use this medication to treat flu symptoms in a child younger than 7 years old. Children as young as 5 years old may use the medication to prevent flu symptoms.

Typical Uses

Zanamivir is used to treat symptoms caused by the flu virus (influenza) if you have had symptoms for 2 days or less. It helps lessen symptoms (such as stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, fever/chills, headache, body aches, tiredness) and shortens the recovery time by about 1 to 2 days. Zanamivir may also be used to prevent the flu if you have been exposed to someone who already has the flu (such as a sick household member) or if there is a flu outbreak in the community. This medication works by stopping the flu virus from growing. It is not a substitute for the flu vaccine. If you have the flu, zanamivir does not reduce the risk of giving the flu to others.

Side Effects

Common zanamivir side effects may include headache dizziness nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea fever, chills, joint pain ear pain or cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat. Some people using zanamivir have had rare side effects of confusion, delirium and self-injury. These symptoms have occurred most often in children.

Drug Interactions

• Zanamivir+Afrezza- Using insulin inhalation, rapid acting together with other inhaled products such as zanamivir may affect the absorption of insulin into the blood stream. This may alter the effectiveness of the insulin. Consistent timing of dosing of other inhaled products relative to insulin inhalation, rapid acting is recommended, and blood glucose should be closely monitored.
• Zanamivir+Exubera- Using insulin inhalation, rapid acting together with other inhaled products such as zanamivir may affect the absorption of insulin into the blood stream. This may alter the effectiveness of the insulin. Consistent timing of dosing of other inhaled products relative to insulin inhalation, rapid acting is recommended, and blood glucose should be closely monitored.

Mechanism of action

Zanamivir is an antiviral agent, belongs to a class of drugs called neuraminidase inhibitors. It works by blocking the growth and spread of respiratory viruses.

Pregnancy Category : C