Zanamivir - Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and More

Zanamivir is an antiviral medication used to treat and prevent influenza (flu) caused by certain types of viruses.
Category
Drug
Where to get
Available by prescription at pharmacies.
Applicable for
Prepared by Shruti Sahoo, reviewed by Dr. Eugene Smith

Zanamivir FAQ


Image credit: emedz.net

How does zanamivir help with flu symptoms?

Zanamivir helps shorten the time you have flu symptoms such as nasal congestion, sore throat, cough, muscle aches, tiredness, weakness, headache, fever, and chills. How should this medicine be used? Zanamivir comes as a powder to inhale (breathe in) by mouth.

How does zanamivir affect zaleplon?

Zanamivir may decrease the excretion rate of Zaleplon which could result in a higher serum level. Zonisamide may increase the excretion rate of Zanamivir which could result in a lower serum level and potentially a reduction in efficacy.

How does zanamivir affect choline levels?

Zanamivir may decrease the excretion rate of Choline C 11 which could result in a higher serum level. Choline magnesium trisalicylate may decrease the excretion rate of Zanamivir which could result in a higher serum level. Zanamivir may decrease the excretion rate of Choline salicylate which could result in a higher serum level.

What is Zanamivir used for?

Zanamivir is an antiviral medicine that blocks the actions of viruses in your body. Zanamivir is used to treat flu symptoms caused by influenza virus in people 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.

Does zanamivir work if you have the flu?

Zanamivir may also be used to prevent influenza infection if you have come into close contact with someone who has the flu. This medicine must be started within 2 days of having flu symptoms. Zanamivir will not keep you from spreading the flu virus to other people. It may not work for everybody.

How long does zanamivir take to work?

Zanamivir may reduce flu symptoms (weakness, headache, fever, cough, runny or stuffy nose, and sore throat) by 1 to 1.5 days. Zanamivir may also be used to prevent influenza infection if you have come into close contact with someone who has the flu. This medicine must be started within 2 days of having flu symptoms.

What is the mechanism of action of zanamivir?

The proposed mechanism of action of zanamivir is via inhibition of influenza virus neuraminidase with the possibility of alteration of virus particle aggregation and release. By binding and inhibiting the neuraminidase protein, the drug renders the influenza virus unable to escape its host cell and infect others.

Zanamivir References

If you want to know more about Zanamivir, consider exploring links below:

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