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Influenza Drugs

Influenza Drugs

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Dugs used to treat Influenza infections:
Amantadine and Rimantadine
  • Orally administered
  • Active against Influenza A
– High resistance in the United States
  • Be aware that these drugs may also be used to treat Parkinson’s disease
  • They prevent viral uncoating
  • Associated with anxiety and confusion
– Particularly in the elderly, who appear more likely to experience these effects when given Amantadine
  • Dry mouth and urine retention are also reported, due to anticholinergic effects
  • Do not give these drugs to pregnant women, as they are teratogenic
Oseltamivir
  • Orally administered
Treats Influenza A and Influenza B* – May be given as prophylaxis
  • Inhibits neuraminidase, which blocks release of the virus from host cells
  • Associated with nausea and vomiting
Zanamivir
  • Administered as a powder that is orally inhaled
Treats Influenza A and B* – H1N1 “Swine Flu”
  • Inhibits neuraminidase
  • Associated with neutropenia, gastrointestinal upset, nasal congestion/runny nose, cough, and other effects that are similar to symptoms of the flu.
– Be aware that some authors express concerns about administering a powder drug to patients with pulmonary disease. Peravimir
  • An intravenously administered drug
  • Treats both Influenza A and B
  • Inhibits neuraminidase
  • Associated with diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and neutropenia
Review Influenza

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