Zanamivir
About Zanamivir
Zanamivir is a prescription medicine used to treat and prevent influenza (the flu) in adults and children. It works directly in your airways to help shorten the time you are sick and reduce the severity of flu symptoms. For the best results, you should start taking this medicine within 48 hours of your first symptoms.
You must take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, completing the full course even if you start feeling better. Since it is inhaled, food does not affect how it works, so you can take your doses with or without meals. Staying well-hydrated and resting while using this medicine will support your body's recovery.
While using Zanamivir, some people may experience mild side effects like sinus irritation, dizziness, or a runny nose. However, you should contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe side effects, such as sudden breathing difficulties, wheezing, or a serious skin rash.
Talk to your doctor before starting this medicine if you have any history of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other breathing disorders. Do not take this if you have a known allergy to any of the ingredients or lactose (milk proteins), as the inhalation powder contains lactose.
Avoid using live flu nasal spray vaccines within two weeks before or 48 hours after using Zanamivir, because the medicine can stop the vaccine from working. Smoking should also be avoided because it can further irritate your airways during treatment. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or caring for an elderly patient, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting this medicine.
Uses of Zanamivir
Medicinal Benefits
When used as prescribed, Zanamivir may help reduce the impact of influenza or lower the chance of developing flu after exposure.
- May help you recover sooner: When treatment is started early, Zanamivir can shorten the duration of flu symptoms, helping you return to your usual activities sooner.
- May reduce the discomfort caused by flu: By limiting the spread of the influenza virus in the respiratory tract, treatment may help symptoms such as fever, body aches, cough, and tiredness improve as the infection clears.
- Can provide protection after exposure: When prescribed for prevention, Zanamivir can lower your chance of developing influenza after exposure to the virus.
- Acts directly in the respiratory tract: Because zanamivir is inhaled, the medicine is delivered to the airways, where it acts against the influenza virus.
Directions for Use
- It is advised to use Zanamivir twice daily, about 12 hours apart; however, follow the timing and duration prescribed by the doctor based on your medical condition.
- Check the label for directions and use it as advised by the doctor. Load the medicine disk into the device. Exhale fully, then place the mouthpiece in your mouth and inhale deeply.
- After using the inhaler, rinse your mouth with water to prevent any potential side effects, such as oral thrush.
Storage
Side Effects of Zanamivir
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat or sinus irritation
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
Serious Side Effects (Consult your doctor right away):
- Sudden wheezing, chest tightness, or severe breathing difficulties (bronchospasm)
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or trouble swallowing
- Unusual behaviour changes, confusion, agitation, or hallucinations (especially in children and teenagers)
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Check the blister packs: Always inspect the foil blister disk before loading it into the device to ensure it is intact and has not been punctured.
- Do not use with a nebuliser: This dry powder is designed only for use with the specific dry-powder inhaler provided in the pack. Never mix this powder with liquids or use it in a nebuliser machine.
- Wipe the mouthpiece dry: Clean the mouthpiece of the inhaler after each use by wiping it with a dry tissue. Never wash the device with water, as moisture will destroy the medicine powder.
- Monitor paediatric patients: Watch children and teenagers closely for any unusual mood changes, confusion, or behavioural shifts during flu treatment, as viral infections can sometimes trigger rare neuropsychiatric issues.
Drug Interactions
- Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine): Do not receive this vaccine within 2 weeks before or 48 hours after using Zanamivir. The medicine can stop the live vaccine virus from replicating, which makes the vaccine less effective. (Injectable, inactive flu shots are safe to receive).
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
safeZanamivir 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
- Stay well-hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids like warm water, herbal teas, or broths to soothe your throat and help loosen respiratory mucus.
- Prioritise physical rest: Stay home and rest as much as possible to give your immune system the energy it needs to fight off the viral infection.
- Use a cool-mist humidifier: Keep the air in your room moist to help soothe dry, irritated airways and relieve coughing.
- Avoid respiratory irritants: Avoid smoking, secondhand smoke, and strong household chemical vapours, as these can trigger airway spasms and worsen breathing while using this medicine.
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 is used to treat Influenza (flu).
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 for everyone. Tell your doctor before using this medicine if you have asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or any other breathing problems, as it may increase the risk of sudden breathing difficulties (bronchospasm). Also inform your doctor if you have recently received or plan to receive a flu vaccine. The injectable flu shot can generally be given while using this medicine, but the live nasal spray flu vaccine should be avoided within 2 weeks before or 48 hours after using Zanamivir. Always discuss your complete medical history and medications with your doctor or pharmacist before use.
The safety of this medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been fully established. It should only be used if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the baby. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to discuss your options.
No, this medicine is an antiviral drug specifically designed to target influenza A and B viruses. It will not treat the common cold, coronavirus, or other viral or bacterial respiratory infections. Talk to your doctor to get an accurate diagnosis.
Swallowing the powder will not treat your flu symptoms, as the medicine is designed to act directly in your lungs when inhaled. If the powder is swallowed accidentally, it is generally not harmful, but you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist for guidance.
Yes, this medicine can be prescribed to children for treating or preventing the flu, but age limits apply depending on whether it is used for treatment or prevention. Children must be old enough to use the inhalation device correctly. Talk to your doctor to see if this medicine is suitable for your child.
No, you should always complete the entire course of treatment exactly as prescribed by your doctor, even if you feel completely better. Stopping the medicine too early can allow the virus to start multiplying again, which may cause your symptoms to return. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about your treatment.
Author Details
