Zanamivir is an antiviral drug used to treat and prevent infection with influenza viruses types A and B. This medication will help relieve symptoms of infection, such as fever, cough, sore throat, or muscle aches.
Zanamivir is an antiviral neuraminidase inhibitor class. Neurominase plays an important role in the process of spreading and developing viruses in the body. By inhibiting neurominidase, the spread of the virus will also stop and the infection can be overcome. This drug will be more effective if used early (the first 2 days) symptoms appear.
Merek trade zanamivir: Relenza
What Ithat's Zanamivir
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | neuraminidase inhibitor antiviral drugs |
| Benefit | Prevent and treat influenza |
| Used by | Adults and children aged 5 years and over |
| Zanamivir for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. It is not known whether Zanamivir is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without telling your doctor. |
| Drug form | Oral inhalation powder |
Warning Before MengUse Zanamivir
Before using this drug, you need to pay attention to the following points:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Zanamivir should not be used by patients who are allergic to this drug.
- Some zanamivir products may contain lactose or milk protein. Tell your doctor if you have lactose intolerance or a milk allergy.
- Tell your doctor if you have asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, kidney failure, heart disease, encephalopathy, seizures, or a mental disorder.
- Tell your doctor if you are planning or have recently had your flu shot. Zanamivir can reduce the effectiveness of the vaccine.
- Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness after taking zanamivir, as this medicine can cause dizziness.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after taking zanamivir.
Zanamivir Dosis Dosage and Directions for Use
The dose of zanamivir will be determined by the doctor according to the intended use, age, and condition of the patient. In general, the dosage of zanamivir oral inhaled powder is as follows:
Purpose: Mtreat influenza
- Adults and children >7 years of age: 10 mg (2 inhalations) every 12 hours for 5 days. Especially the first day, use 2 doses with a gap between doses of at least 2 hours. The drug can be used for more than 5 days if the condition is severe.
Purpose: Prevent influenza
- Adults and children >5 years old: 10 mg (2 inhalations), once daily, for 10–28 days. Use within 5 days of the environment where you are exposed to the virus.
How to Use Zanamivir Correctly
Follow the doctor's recommendations and read the information listed on the drug packaging before using zanamivir. Medication needs to be used as soon as flu symptoms appear.
you will get diskhaler (inhalation device through the mouth is oval in shape) and 5 plates of drug packaging. On each plate, there are 4 small spheres containing the medicinal powder zanamivir.
Before using the drug, perform the following steps:
- Open and close diskhaler blue, make sure the mouthpiece is clean. Dust and dirt in the mouthpiece can be harmful if inhaled through the mouth.
- Clamp the side of the body diskhaler while pulling the mouthpiece out. You will find a circular disc with 4 holes.
- Place one drug plate (containing 4 round packages of zanamivir) on the plate, upside down (convex side facing down).
- Reinsert the mouthpiece that has been filled with medication into the mouthpiece diskhaler, in the same position as when you pulled it.
- Hold diskhaler in the transverse position, then lift the protective plastic sheet ( flap ) to the top until stuck, to make a hole in the medicine bubble. After that, return flap to the original position.
If zanamivir is already installed on diskhaler , do the following steps to inhale it:
- Inhale and exhale deeply while holding diskhaler in a flat transverse position in front of the mouth.
- Place the mouthpiece in your mouth and pinch it with the inside of your lips. Make sure the two small holes on the sides of the mouthpiece are not blocked by the mouth area.
- Inhale deeply and slowly through your mouth. The medicinal powder will be inhaled into your respiratory tract.
- Hold your breath while exhaling diskhaler from the mouth. This step aims to ensure that the drug enters perfectly into the airways and lungs, so that it can work effectively.
One dose of use requires 2 bubbles of medicinal powder. To prepare the next bubble, slightly pull the plate of the inhaler out (no need to remove it from the ) diskhaler) and enter it back into diskhaler until sound 'click' sound .
After that, do the movement according to point 5 to make a hole in the medicine bubble. Fill your one dose by repeating the steps for inhalation. After you finish using the medicine, put the blue cap back on diskhaler.
If you also need to take a bronchodilator or other inhaled medicine for breathing problems, then take that medicine first before taking zanamivir.
Zanamivir should be used for the duration recommended by your doctor, even when you are feeling better. Adding or stopping the use of the drug outside of the doctor's advice can trigger an infection or decrease the effectiveness of the drug.
If you forget to take zanamivir, it is recommended to use it immediately if the gap between the next scheduled use is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
Store zanamivir in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
Zanamivir Interactions with Drugs Other
Zanamivir can cause interactions in the form of decreasing the effectiveness of the influenza vaccine when used together. To be safe, always tell your doctor if you want to take any other medicines at the same time as zanamivir.
Side Effects and Dangers of Zanamivir
The use of zanamivir can cause some side effects, such as:
- Dizzy
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Cough, wheezing, or difficulty breathing
- Diarrhea
- Joint pain
- Cold symptoms, such as stuffy nose, sneezing, or sore throat
Check with your doctor if the side effects above do not subside immediately or are getting worse. You need to see a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction or more serious side effects, such as:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Difficult to swallow
- Hoarseness
- Behavioral disorders
