Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: zanamivir
BRAND NAME: Relenza
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Zanamivir is a neuraminidase
inhibitor that prevents the spread of influenza A and B viruses, the
viruses responsible for the "flu." Neuraminidase is an enzyme that
is required by the influenza viruses to spread from infected cells to
healthy cells. Zanamivir blocks the action of neuraminidase thereby
reducing the spread of influenza. Since the spread of the viruses is
prevented, the symptoms and duration of infection are reduced. On
average, zanamivir reduces the duration of symptoms by one day if
treatment is started within forty-eight hours after symptoms begin.
GENERIC AVAILABLE: No
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Rotadisk containing 5 mg blisters of
zanamivir. Inhaler device (Diskhaler) is included.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature, 15-30°C (59-86°F)
PRESCRIBED FOR: Zanamivir is used for the treatment of
uncomplicated influenza infection in individuals twelve years or
older who have had symptoms for no longer than two days.
DOSING: Zanamivir is administered by oral inhalation. The
recommended dose is two inhalations (5 mg per inhalation) twice
daily for five days. Two doses (separated by at least two hours)
should be administered on the first day of treatment. For best
results treatment
should begin as soon as symptoms develop.
For individuals with breathing problems, if the time of
administration of zanamivir coincides
with the use of inhaled bronchodilators, the bronchodilator
should be used first.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: There are no known interactions
between zanamivir and other drugs. Zanamivir does not interact
with the flu vaccine. Therefore, vaccinated individuals can use
zanamivir and vice versa.
PREGNANCY: Zanamivir has not been adequately evaluated
in
pregnant women.
NURSING MOTHERS: The use of zanamivir in nursing mothers
has not been evaluated.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most frequent side effects are
headaches, diarrhea, nausea, cough, vomiting and dizziness. Sinusitis, ear, nose and throat infections may occur.
Patients with respiratory diseases may experience
breathing problems when treated with
Zanamivir due to irritation of the breathing tubes by the particles
from the inhaler. If breathing problems occur, zanamivir should be
discontinued. Patients who have
asthma or other breathing problems that make them sensitive to
inhaled particles should have a fast acting, inhaled bronchodilator
available to treat any breathing problem that may occur when
zanamivir is used.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 12/5/1999 10:06:00 PM
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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