Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 26, 2022.
Use of aerosolized ribavirin in patients requiring mechanical ventilator assistance should be undertaken only by physicians and support staff familiar with the specific ventilator being used and this mode of administration of the drug. Strict attention must be paid to procedures that have been shown to minimize the accumulation of drug precipitate, which can result in mechanical ventilator dysfunction and associated increased pulmonary pressures.Sudden deterioration of respiratory function has been associated with initiation of aerosolized ribavirin use in infants. Respiratory function should be carefully monitored during treatment. If initiation of aerosolized ribavirin treatment appears to produce sudden deterioration of respiratory function, treatment should be stopped and reinstituted only with extreme caution, continuous monitoring and consideration of concomitant administration of bronchodilators.Aerosolized ribavirin is not indicated for use in adults. Physicians and patients should be aware that ribavirin has been shown to produce testicular lesions in rodents and to be teratogenic in all animal species in which adequate studies have been conducted (rodents and rabbits) .
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Virazole
Available Dosage Forms:
- Powder for Solution
Therapeutic Class: Antiviral
Pharmacologic Class: Viral RNA Polymerase Inhibitor
Chemical Class: Guanosine Nucleoside Analog
Uses for ribavirin
Ribavirin for inhalation is used to treat severe pneumonia in infants and young children that is caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It is given by oral inhalation, which means breathing the medicine as a fine mist through the mouth. Your child will use a special nebulizer (sprayer) that is attached to an oxygen hood, oxygen tent, or face mask .
Ribavirin is available only with your doctor's prescription .
Before using ribavirin
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For ribavirin, the following should be considere..
