What is Zanamivir?

Zanamivir, is a powder that is inhaled twice a day for five days from a breath-activated plastic device called a Diskhaler. Patients should get instruction from a health-care practitioner in the proper use of the Diskhaler, including a demonstration when possible.  Zanamivir has not been shown to be effective, and may carry risk, in patients with severe asthma or a lung condition called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Some patients with mild or moderate asthma experienced bronchospasm (marked by shortness of breath) after using Zanamivir.

The history of Zanamivir

FDA has approved Zanamivir, an anti-viral drug, for persons aged 7 years and older for the treatment of uncomplicated influenza virus. This product is approved to treat type A and B influenza, the two types most responsible for flu epidemics. Clinical studies showed that for the drug to be effective, patients needed to start treatment within two days of the onset of symptoms. The drug seemed to be less effective in patients whose symptoms weren't severe or didn't include a fever.

What is Zanamivir used for?

Zanamivir is used to treat some types of influenza (flu) in patients 12 years and older who have had symptoms of the flu for 2 days or less. Zanamivir is in a class of drugs called neuraminidase inhibitors. These drugs work by stopping the growth and spread of the flu virus in your body. Zanamivir helps shorten the time you have flu symptoms such as nasal congestion, sore throat, cough, muscle aches, tiredness, headache, fever, and chills.

Zanamivir mode of action

Zanamivir comes as a powder to inhale by mouth. It is usually inhaled twice daily for 5 days. You should take the doses about 12 hours apart and at the same time each day. On the first day of treatment your doctor may tell you to take the doses closer together. Zanamivir comes with a plastic inhaler called a Diskhaler and five circular blister packs called Rotadisks. Each Rotadisk contains four doses of the medication. Your prescription will come with instructions on how to use the Diskhaler. You should read these instructions carefully before using zanamivir. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you how to use the Diskhaler.

Zanamivir side effects

Although side effects from zanamivir are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

Disclaimer:

Information on this page is provided for general information purposes. You should not make a clinical treatment decision based on information contained in this page without consulting other references including the package insert of the drug, textbooks and where relevant, expert opinion. We cannot be held responsible for any errors you make in administering drugs mentioned on this page, nor for use of any erroneous information contained on this page.