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Introduction of
Zanamivir
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.
How should Zanamivir
be used
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.
Follow the
directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your
doctor or pharmacist to explain any part that you do not
understand. Take zanamivir exactly as directed. Do not take
more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by
your doctor.
Continue to take
zanamivir even if you start to feel better. Do not stop taking
zanamivir without talking to your doctor.
Special precautions before taking Zanamivir
-
tell your doctor
and pharmacist if you are allergic to zanamivir or any other
drugs.
-
tell your doctor
what prescription and nonprescription medications and
vitamins or herbal products you are taking.
-
tell your doctor
if you have or have ever had asthma, emphysema, or liver or
kidney disease.
-
if you use an
inhaled medication to treat asthma or emphysema and you are
scheduled to take that medication at the same time as
zanamivir, you should take your regular medication before
taking zanamivir.
-
tell your doctor
if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are
breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking
zanamivir, call your doctor immediately.
-
if you have asthma
or emphysema, you should know that zanamivir may cause
breathing problems. Make sure you have your rescue
medication available in case you have difficulty breathing.
If you have difficulty breathing, use your rescue medication
immediately and then call your doctor. Do not take any more
zanamivir without first talking to your doctor.
side effects of Zanamivir
Zanamivir may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of
these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
-
sinus infection
-
dizziness
-
upset stomach
-
diarrhea
If
you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor
immediately:
-
difficulty breathing
-
wheezing
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.
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