zanamivir

zanamivir

 [zah-nam´€ĭ-vir]

an inhibitor of viral neuraminidase used for the prophylaxis and treatment of influenza A and influenza B; administered by inhalation.

Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition. © 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.

zanamivir

Relenza

Pharmacologic class: Neuraminidase inhibitor

Therapeutic class: Antiviral

Pregnancy risk category C

Action

Inhibits influenza virus neuraminidase, an enzyme essential for viral replication

Availability

Powder for inhalation: 5 mg/blister

Indications and dosages

➣ Prevention of influenza

Adults and children ages 5 and older: Prophylaxis in the household setting, 2 inhalations (10 mg) once daily for 10 days. Prophylaxis during community outbreaks, 2 inhalations (10 mg) once daily for 28 days.

➣ Influenza virus A or B

Adults and children ages 7 and older: Two oral inhalations (5 mg/inhalation) b.i.d. for 5 days

Contraindications

• History of allergic reaction to components of drug, including lactose milk proteins

Precautions

Use cautiously in:

• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, lactose intolerance

• concurrent use of live attenuated intranasal influenza vaccine (Don't administer until 48 hours after cessation of zanamivir and don't administer zanamivir until 2 weeks after administration of live attenuated influenza vaccine, unless medically indicated.)

• pregnant or breastfeeding patients

• children younger than age 7 (safety not established).

Administration

• Give two doses on day 1, spaced at least 2 hours apart. On subsequent days, space doses 12 hours apart, and give at approximately same time each day.

Adverse reactions

CNS: headache, dizziness

EENT: sinusitis, EENT infections

GI: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

Respiratory: bronchitis, cough

Other: allergic reaction

Interactions

None significant

Patient monitoring

• Assess respiratory status. Watch closely for signs and symptoms of declining respiratory function.

Patient teaching

• Explain therapy to patient. Demonstrate how to use Diskhaler device.

• Tell patient to take drug exactly as prescribed for as long as directed, even if symptoms improve.

• If patient is also taking an inhaled bronchodilator, advise him to take bronchodilator before zanamivir.

• Emphasize that drug doesn't prevent spread of influenza to others.

• Instruct patient to immediately report worsening respiratory symptoms.

• As appropriate, review other significant adverse reactions.

McGraw-Hill Nurse's Drug Handbook, 7th Ed. Copyright © 2013 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved

zan·am·i·vir

(zan-am'i-vir),

An agent that inhibits neuraminidase of influenza virus.

Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012

zanamivir

(zə-nä′mə-vîr′)

n.

An antiviral drug, C₁₂H₂₀N₄O₇, that is used in inhalant form for the treatment and prevention of influenza.

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2007, 2004 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

zanamivir

Relenza^® Infectious disease An inhaled viral neuraminidase inhibitor used to treat and prevent influenza A and B infection. See Influenza. Cf Amantadine, Rimantidine.

McGraw-Hill Concise Dictionary of Modern Medicine. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

zanamivir

A neuraminidase inhibitor antiviral drug used for the treatment of influenza A and influenza B. To be effective, the drug must be taken within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. It is liable to cause tightening of the bronchial tubes and this may be dangerous in people with ASTHMA. A brand name is Relenza.

Collins Dictionary of Medicine © Robert M. Youngson 2004, 2005