Ribavirin inhalation

Generic name: Ribavirin (inhalation)
Brand names: Virazole
Dosage form: inhalation powder for reconstitution (6 g)

Usage of Ribavirin inhalation

Ribavirin inhalation is an antiviral medicine that is used to treat babies and young children with severe lung infections caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Ribavirin inhalation may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Ribavirin inhalation side effects

Get emergency medical help if your baby has signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Your baby will remain under constant supervision during treatment with ribavirin inhalation. Any problems the baby has during this time may require further treatment by healthcare professionals.

Sudden breathing problems may occur. Tell your baby's caregivers at once if the baby has any of these side effects:

  • fever, cough;
  • shallow breathing;
  • limpness or severe weakness;
  • wheezing, gasping for breath;
  • blue-colored lips, cold and clammy skin;
  • cough with mucus; or
  • other worsened breathing problems.

    • Although it may be unlikely, it is possible that ribavirin inhalation could be released into the air in amounts high enough to cause side effects in people who have close contact with the child receiving ribavirin. Tell your doctor if you have any of these side effects while caring for the child:

  • chest pain, shortness of breath;
  • runny nose, sore throat;
  • headache, dizziness;
  • nausea;
  • rash; or
  • eye redness, watery eyes.

    • Some symptoms of exposure to airborne ribavirin in an adult may be similar to the symptoms of infection with RSV. Report any new symptoms to the doctor right away.

    This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

    Before taking Ribavirin inhalation

    Your child should not be treated with ribavirin if the child is allergic to ribavirin (such as Rebetol, RibaPak, Ribasphere, RibaTab).

    This medicine is for use only in young children, but ribavirin can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects.

    Ribavirin inhalation should not be used by a woman who is pregnant or may become pregnant, or a man whose sex partner is pregnant.

    How to use Ribavirin inhalation

    A healthcare provider will give your baby this medicine in a hospital.

    Ribavirin inhalation is given with a machine that releases the medicine as an aerosol into an oxygen hood or tent, or a face mask. This allows your child to gently inhale the medicine over a long period of time.

    Ribavirin inhalation is usually given for 12 to 18 hours per day for 3 to 7 days.

    Small amounts of ribavirin may be released into the nearby air while this medicine is being given to your child. Anyone in close contact with the child may be exposed to ribavirin released into the air.

    Your child's lung function will be tested often. The doctor may prescribe bronchodilator medication to help improve your child's breathing.

    You may need to follow special precautions to avoid exposure to airborne ribavirin while your baby is being treated with this medicine. Carefully follow all directions about handling or being near your child.

    Women who are able to become pregnant should avoid close contact with the child. Otherwise, take all safety precautions needed to reduce your exposure to ribavirin.

    Being near a child who has RSV may increase your risk of becoming infected with the virus. Seek medical attention if you have symptoms such as headache, stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, fever, hoarseness, and wheezing.

    Ribavirin inhalation is for use only in babies and young children and should not be used by an adult.

    Warnings

    Your child may have sudden breathing problems while being treated with this medicine. Your child's lung function will be tested often.

    What other drugs will affect Ribavirin inhalation

    Your child's caregivers will manage and monitor all medications given to the child during treatment with ribavirin.

    Do not give any medications to your child that have not been prescribed by your doctor. This includes vitamins, minerals, or herbal products.

    Disclaimer

    Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

    The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

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