Guide To Common Antiviral Medications

June 2, 2023

Influenza, more commonly known as the flu, is not a pleasant illness to experience. Symptoms include fever and chills, headaches, fatigue, coughing, sore throat, as well as body and muscle aches. Thankfully, most patients recover from influenza, though serious cases can involve a trip to the hospital. In addition, there is also an annual flu vaccine available to help prevent the flu and make symptoms less severe if patients still catch it.

There are also ways to treat influenza. Specifically, many patients will receive antiviral medication for the flu. Many options for antiviral medicine must be taken within the first forty-eight hours of symptoms. Certain anti-flu medicines are suitable to prevent symptoms in asymptomatic patients. However, most influenza medicines cannot be used within two weeks of receiving the nasal flu vaccine. Of course, patients should understand their various choices for antiviral medications and how they work first.

Oseltamivir

Oseltamivir is used in the treatment and prevention of influenza. It can effectively prevent and treat influenza types A and B. Doctors may prescribe this medication to prevent the flu in asymptomatic patients who have been exposed to the virus. Patients need to start taking oseltamivir within forty-eight hours of their first symptoms to treat influenza. Individuals who have received a nasal flu vaccine will need to wait two weeks before taking this medication.

Before prescribing this medicine, patients must review their medical history with their doctor. Their doctor needs to know if they have any history of kidney disease, heart disease, chronic lung disease, hereditary fructose intolerance, or conditions that cause brain swelling. This is vital, as this medication may not be appropriate for individuals with these conditions. During treatment with this drug, some individuals could experience side effects. Examples of the most common are nausea, vomiting, and headaches.

Zanamivir

Zanamivir is a neuraminidase inhibitor. It helps stop the growth of the influenza virus inside an individual's body. It is effective for the treatment of several types of influenza, including H1N1. This medication is inhaled as a powder, and most patients are advised to take two doses each day for five days. Before taking this medication, patients should let their doctor know if they have asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, or any lung disease. Their doctor will also need to know if they have a history of heart, liver, or kidney disease.

Individuals must use the provided inhaler for this medication. In addition, they should not remove the powder from its packaging. Zanamivir can cause dizziness, joint pain, and nasal irritation. Some individuals may develop serious breathing difficulties as well. This is especially common if they have asthma or other conditions that affect their airways. If breathing difficulties occur on this medication, patients should seek emergency medical attention.

Peramivir

Peramivir is used to treat influenza symptoms that have been present for forty-eight hours or less. It is given as an infusion and must be administered by a doctor. The infusion takes fifteen to thirty minutes, and patients only need to receive a single dose. The medication stops an enzyme from releasing influenza from infected cells in the body. It is approved for use in patients who are at least two years old. Of course, before receiving peramivir, patients must review their medical history with their doctor. Points of concern include a history of kidney disease or if they are on dialysis.

In addition, patients should inform their doctor if they have received a nasal flu vaccine in the past forty-eight hours. The most common side effects of this medication are constipation, diarrhea, and insomnia. Patients should let their healthcare team know if they notice a skin rash or new or worsening flu symptoms. Patients or their caregivers will need to alert medical staff if the patient displays any signs of confusion, hallucinations, or unusual behavior.

Baloxavir Marboxil

Baloxavir marboxil is a polymerase acidic endonuclease inhibitor. This medication blocks the spread of influenza in the body. It is intended for use in patients who are at least twelve years old and who weigh at least eighty-eight pounds. Like other influenza medicines, it must be taken within the first forty-eight hours of illness. It can help reduce the duration of illness. This medication may also help prevent influenza symptoms in asymptomatic individuals who have been exposed. Baloxavir marboxil is available as a tablet and as an oral suspension. It is given as a single dose. Before starting this medication, patients should let their doctor know if they are pregnant or breastfeeding.

When using the oral suspension, the patient should take the dose while they are sitting up or standing. The suspension should not be mixed with any other liquid. In addition, it should not be mixed with food. Patients should not take it with dairy products or calcium-fortified drinks either. During treatment with baloxavir marboxil, patients may notice side effects. Common ones include nausea, diarrhea, coughing, chest congestion, headaches, and a runny nose.

Rimantadine

Rimantadine is used in the prevention and treatment of influenza type A. It is available as a tablet and a liquid. Doctors often prescribe it for a period of fourteen days to twelve weeks. Patients may be instructed to take it once or twice each day. Before taking this medication, patients should let their doctor know if they have ever had a seizure. They also need to let their doctor know if they have any history of liver disease, kidney disease, or blood disorders. Patients should inform their doctor if they are pregnant or breastfeeding as well. This medication is not safe for use in individuals who are breastfeeding.

Rimantadine has some potential medication interactions. Thus, patients need to review their current medications and supplements with their doctor first. Interactions exist with acetaminophen, cimetidine, acetylsalicylic acid, and some vitamins. This medication can cause various side effects, such as tiredness, upset stomach, nervousness, lightheadedness, sleep disturbances, and concentration difficulties. Patients should let their doctor know if these side effects are severe or persistent. Immediate medical attention is necessary if patients develop mood or vision changes, confusion, skin rashes, or jaundice.

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