Ribavirin (inhalant)
Synonyms
Approved Treatment Indication:
Human Adenovirus Infections, Chronic Hepatitis C, Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections, West Nile Fever
Summary
What conditions ribavirin is used for
Ribavirin is used to treat viral infections like hepatitis C, which is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which is a common respiratory virus that causes mild, cold-like symptoms.
How ribavirin works in the body
Ribavirin works by interfering with the replication of viruses, which means it stops viruses from making more copies of themselves. It belongs to a class of medications called nucleoside analogs, which mimic the building blocks of viral RNA, disrupting the virus's ability to replicate.
Directions for Use
Ribavirin is usually taken orally, which means by mouth, in tablet form. The typical dose for adults is based on body weight, ranging from 800 mg to 1200 mg per day, divided into two doses taken in the morning and evening with food.
The most commonly observed adverse effects of ribavirin
Common side effects of ribavirin include fatigue, which is a feeling of tiredness, headache, which is pain in the head, and nausea, which is an upset stomach. These effects are usually mild to moderate and affect more than 10% of users.
Warnings and Precautions
Ribavirin can cause birth defects, so it's crucial to avoid pregnancy during treatment and for six months after. It can also cause hemolytic anemia, which is a condition where red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be made, leading to fatigue and weakness.
Drug Status
Government Approvals
WHO Essential Medicine
Known Teratogen
Pharmaceutical Class
