Zanamivir
About
Zanamivir belongs to the family of medicines called antivirals, which treat infections caused by viruses such as flu (influenza A and influenza B). Influenza (flu) symptoms include a blocked or runny nose, sore throat, cough, and headache. In most cases, influenza is not severe. However, it can cause severe complications in some cases.
Zanamivir contains Zanamivir, which works by stopping the growth and spread of the flu virus in your body. Thereby, it helps relieve flu symptoms.
Your doctor will advise on how often you take Zanamivir based on your medical condition. The common side effects of Zanamivir include bronchospasm (tightening of the muscles that line the airways), dizziness, nose irritation, and joint pain. These side effects generally do not require medical attention and may fade away with time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you persistently experience any of the side effects.
If you are allergic to any of the substances in Zanamivir, do not take it. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding. Zanamivir may not be suitable if you have a breathing problem (such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) Or have recently taken the Flu vaccine. To avoid potential interactions, inform your doctor about your medical and medication history (including herbal and vitamin supplements) before using this medication. Zanamivir is not recommended for children younger than 07 years old.
Uses of Zanamivir
Medicinal Benefits
Zanamivir contains Zanamivir, an antiviral drug used to treat illnesses caused by viruses such as the flu (influenza A and influenza B). Zanamivir acts by inhibiting the growth and spread of the flu virus in your body. As a result, it helps to minimize the duration of flu symptoms such as nasal congestion, sore throat, cough, muscle pains, weariness, weakness, headache, fever, and chills.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Zanamivir
- Bronchospasm (tightening of the muscles that line the airways)
- Dizziness
- Irritation of the nose
- Joint pain
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Before using the Zanamivir, inform your doctor about your medical conditions (e.g., pregnancy, nursing, any scheduled surgery, etc.), sensitivities (allergic reactions to foods and medicines), and medications you are taking. Other drugs or supplements should not be taken with Zanamivir unless prescribed by a doctor. If you are a nursing mother, do not breastfeed while on medication unless the doctor suggests it. Inform your doctor if you have had vaccinations, especially influenza virus vaccine, h1n1, live and influenza virus vaccine, live.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Zanamivir may interact with live vaccinations (influenza virus vaccine, h1n1, live and influenza virus vaccine, live).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Caution is advised if used Zanamivir in patients with asthma/COPD.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol while using Zanamivir. However, as a precautionary measure, it is advisable not to take or limit alcohol.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorThe safety of Zanamivir in pregnant women is unknown. Therefore, please consult your doctor; your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing this medicine.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorIt is unknown whether Zanamivir is excreted in human milk. So, inform your doctor if you are a nursing mother before taking Zanamivir; your doctor may advise you to stop feeding for a certain time.
Driving
not applicableZanamivir may not affect your ability to drive.
Liver
consult your doctorLimited information is available about using Zanamivir in patients with liver disease. So, inform your doctor before using Zanamivir if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Kidney
consult your doctorLimited information is available about using Zanamivir in patients with kidney disease. So, inform your doctor before using Zanamivir if you have a history of kidney diseases/conditions. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Children
cautionZanamivir is not recommended for children aged below seven years.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- A stress-free lifestyle and nutrient-rich diet can defend against the flu.
- Get enough sleep, exercise, control your stress, drink lots of fluids, and consume nutritional foods.
- Healthy Habits That Can Help You Avoid Flu.
- Certain foods like chicken soup and garlic may aid in flu recovery.
- Some meals, such as dairy and fried foods, may aggravate flu symptoms.
- Avoid close contact with sick persons.
- Avoid going to work, school, or journey when you are sick. This will help avoid the spread of your illness to others.
- Flu viruses are spread mostly by droplets produced when persons with the flu cough, sneeze, or talk. When coughing or sneezing, use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose. It may keep those around you from becoming ill.
- Washing your hands frequently will help keep germs away.
- Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces frequently touched at home, work, and school, especially when someone is sick.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Influenza: Influenza or flu is produced by a virus that causes respiratory disease. It is highly infectious and quickly spreads through the droplets or sneezes and coughs of an infected person. Adults can start circulating the virus two days before the symptoms start showing up. They can spread it for up to 7 days from the day they become sick. This means you can stop spreading the influenza virus route before figuring out that you are ill. Influenza or flu is produced by a virus that causes respiratory disease. Symptoms of influenza include a blocked or runny nose, sore throat, cough, and headache. Other symptoms include high temperature, shivers, cold sweat, nausea, diarrhoea, and vomiting. In most cases, influenza is not severe, while, in some cases, flu can cause severe complications. This condition is primarily seen in older people, young children, and people with long-lasting diseases that can compromise their immune systems.
FAQs
Zanamivir contains Zanamivir, which works by stopping the growth and spread of the flu virus in your body. Thereby, it helps relieve flu symptoms.
Do not take any other medications concomitantly with Zanamivir unless suggested by the doctor.
Germs from coughs and sneezes spread the flu and can live on hands and surfaces for 24 hours. Wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap to decrease the spread of the flu. When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue (if you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into the bend of your elbow, not your hand). Tissues should be disposed of as soon as feasible.
Zanamivir may not be suitable if you have a breathing problem (such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) Or have recently taken the Flu vaccine.
