Zanamivir medication belong to Antiviral agent class. Zanamivir Interacts with the gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor complex.

How to Take Zanamivir

Take Zanamivir exactly as prescribed by health care provider. Zanamivir is generally available in market in the form Blisters of powder for oral inhalation 5 mg. Follow manufacturer's instructions for loading medicine disks into Diskhaler , puncturing the blisters, and inhaling the medication. Have patient inhale contents from 2 blisters bid for 5 days. Two doses should be taken on the first day, provided there is at least 2 hr between doses. On subsequent days, doses should be approximately 12 hr apart at approximately the same time each day.

Dosage Instructions for Zanamivir Drug

Uncomplicated acute illness caused by influenza A and B virus in adults and pediatric patients at least 7 yr of age who have been symptomatic for no longer than 2 days.

Interactions of Zanamivir with other drugs

Alcohol, other CNS depressants: Additive or potentiation of CNS depressant effects.

Cimetidine: May elevate Zanamivir plasma levels, increasing the therapeutic and adverse effects.

Rifampin: May reduce Zanamivir plasma levels, reducing the effectiveness.

What are the Side Effects of Zanamivir -

Like other medicines, Zanamivir can cause side effects. Some of the more common side effects of Zanamivir include

* Arrhythmias, syncope (postmarketing).

* Headache, dizziness (2%); seizures (postmarketing).

* Urticaria (less than 1.5%); facial edema, rash, serious cutaneous reactions (postmarketing).

* Diarrhea, nausea (3%); vomiting (1%); abdominal pain (less than 1.5%).

* Sinusitis (3%); bronchitis, cough (2%); bronchospasm, dyspnea (postmarketing).

* Malaise, fatigue, fever (less than 1.5%); allergic or allergic-like reactions including oropharyngeal edema (postmarketing).

Warnings and precautions before taking Zanamivir :

* Instruct patient before taking Zanamivir to take the medication exactly as directed. Do not increase or decrease the dose or use longer than as directed by health care provider.

* Instruct patient to take Zanamivir immediately before going to bed or after going to bed if patient has difficulty falling asleep. Avoid taking medication after a high-fat or heavy meal.

* Instruct patient before taking Zanamivir not to take Zanamivir if able to get at least 4 hours of sleep before active again and only for a short period of time (1 or 2 days and generally less than 1 or 2 weeks) to avoid the problems of prolonged use.

* Discuss with primary caregiver and patient the benefits and risks of prolonged use including: memory problems, tolerance, dependence, changes in behavior and thinking, and withdrawal symptoms.

* Instruct patient before taking Zanamivir to inform primary caregiver if taking or planning to take any OTC or prescription medications.

* Warn patient of the dangers of drinking alcohol and taking Zanamivir or any other sleeping pill or CNS depressant.

* Caution patient that Zanamivir may have some residual sedation at first and to not drive an automobile, operate dangerous machinery, or engage in activities that require mental alertness and coordination until knowing how the patient will react to this drug.

* Instruct patient before taking Zanamivir to inform health care provider if experiencing any unusual or disturbing thoughts or if signs of depression occur.

* Inform patient of potential sleeping problems the first few nights after stopping the medication.

* Caution patient before taking Zanamivir to inform the health care provider if pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

What if Overdose of Zanamivir ?

If you think you or anyone else taken overdose of Zanamivir , immediately telephone your doctor or contact your local or regional Poisons Information Centre Seek medical attention immediately. You may need urgent medical attention. Drowsiness, mental confusion, lethargy, ataxia, hypotonia, hypotension, respiratory depression, coma, death are may be the overdose symptoms of Zanamivir .

What if Missed Dose of Zanamivir ?

If you miss a dose of Zanamivir medicine and you remember within an hour or so, take the dose immediately. If you do not remember until later, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage Conditions for Zanamivir :

Store Zanamivir Diskhaler and blister packs at controlled room temperature (59? to 86'F). Do not puncture any blister of Zanamivir until just before inhaling a dose. If patient is scheduled to use an inhaled bronchodilator at the same time as zanamivir, have patient use the inhaled bronchodilator before inhaling zanamivir.