About ribavirin
Antiviral nucleoside analogue
Used for
- Used with other antiviral medicines to treat chronic hepatitis C.
- May be used for certain other viral infections under specialist care.
Usual adult dose
For hepatitis C, usually 1,000–1,200 mg daily with food, divided morning and evening; dose varies by weight and treatment regimen.
Usual dose in children
For children aged 3 years and older with hepatitis C, dose is based on body weight and given twice daily with food, alongside other medicines.
Common side effects
- Anemia, tiredness, weakness, or shortness of breath
- Nausea, loss of appetite, or stomach upset
- Headache, insomnia, or irritability
- Rash, cough, or itching
Important warnings
- Can cause severe birth defects; pregnancy must be avoided during treatment and for six months afterward.
- Can cause hemolytic anemia and worsen heart disease.
- Requires blood tests and monitoring during treatment.
- Not effective for hepatitis C when taken alone.
Pregnancy
Do not use during pregnancy. Patients and partners must avoid pregnancy during treatment and for six months afterward; follow required contraception and testing.
Breastfeeding
It is not known whether ribavirin passes into breast milk; breastfeeding is generally avoided during treatment.
Interactions
- Didanosine: increased risk of serious toxicity; combination is contraindicated.
- Azathioprine: increased risk of severe bone-marrow suppression.
- Some HIV medicines may increase anemia or other toxicity.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.