Antiviral Drugs for Influenza

Date: January 13, 2020 Issue #:  1589Summary:  Influenza is generally a self-limited illness, but pneumonia, respiratory failure, and death can occur. FDA-approved antiviral drugs for influenza are listed in Table 2. The neuraminidase inhibitors oseltamivir (Tamiflu, and generics), which is taken orally, and zanamivir(Relenza), which is inhaled, are approved for prophylaxis and treatment of acute uncomplicated influenza. The IV neuraminidase inhibitor peramivir(Rapivab) and the oral polymerase acidic (PA) endonuclease inhibitor baloxavir marboxil(Xofluza) are approved only for treatment. All of these drugs are active against both influenza A and influenza B viruses. Updated information on influenza activity and antiviral resistance is available from the CDC atwww.cdc.gov/flu.
Source: The Medical Letter - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Tags: Antiviral drugs baloxavir marboxil FluMist influenza Influenza vaccine Oseltamivir Peramivir Rapivab Relenza Tamiflu Xofluza Zanamivir Source Type: research