About zanamivir
Neuraminidase inhibitor antiviral
Used for
- Treats influenza A and B
- Prevents influenza A and B after exposure
Usual adult dose
Treatment: 10 mg inhaled twice daily for 5 days. Prevention: 10 mg once daily for 10 days after household exposure, or 28 days during community outbreaks.
Usual dose in children
Treatment: 10 mg inhaled twice daily for 5 days, from age 7. Prevention: 10 mg once daily for 10 days after household exposure, from age 5.
Common side effects
- Headache
- Nasal symptoms
- Cough
- Rarely, serious breathing difficulty
Important warnings
- May cause bronchospasm, especially with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
- Not recommended for people with milk-protein allergy; the powder contains lactose.
- Use the supplied inhaler; it is not for nebulizers or ventilators.
- Treatment works best when started within 48 hours of symptoms.
Pregnancy
Human pregnancy data are limited; use when expected benefit justifies potential risk.
Breastfeeding
Human data are limited; systemic absorption is low, but effects on infants are uncertain.
Interactions
- Live attenuated intranasal influenza vaccine: avoid close timing; antiviral treatment may reduce vaccine effectiveness.
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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.