About ribavirin
Antiviral nucleoside analogue
Used for
- Used with peginterferon alfa to treat chronic hepatitis C in selected patients.
Usual adult dose
Usually 1,000–1,200 mg daily by mouth in two divided doses with food, alongside peginterferon; dosing depends on weight and regimen.
Usual dose in children
For selected children aged 3 years or older, usually 15 mg/kg daily in two divided doses with food, alongside peginterferon.
Common side effects
- Hemolytic anemia
- Fatigue and weakness
- Nausea, itching, or rash
- Cough or shortness of breath
Important warnings
- Can cause severe birth defects; pregnancy must be avoided during treatment and for six months afterward by patients and partners.
- Causes anemia that may worsen heart disease; blood tests and monitoring are needed.
- Not effective alone for hepatitis C; use only with the prescribed accompanying medicine.
- Avoid in severe kidney disease or certain blood disorders; specialist assessment is required.
Pregnancy
Contraindicated during pregnancy. Patients and partners must use effective contraception during treatment and for six months afterward; pregnancy testing is required.
Breastfeeding
Whether ribavirin passes into breast milk is uncertain; use requires clinician assessment, and breastfeeding is generally avoided during treatment.
Interactions
- Didanosine: risk of serious or fatal toxicity; do not combine.
- Azathioprine: increased risk of severe blood disorders.
- 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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.