What is ribavirin?
Ribavirin is a synthetically manufactured drug listed as an active ingredient , which belongs to the line of drugs called antivirals or nucleoside analogs, which attack certain pathogenic microorganisms that cause viral infections in the body.
- Ribavirin, thanks to its mechanism of action, acts as an inhibitor of the genetic information of viruses , preventing them from reproducing in the human body, alleviating various viral infections .
- It is used to treat:
- Viral infections such as cold sores, herpetic gingivostomatitis.
- Primary and recurrent genital herpes, herpes zoster, and chickenpox in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients.
- Mumps, hepatitis A, B and acute hepatitis C viruses, as well as chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
- Respiratory infections due to respiratory syncytial virus.
- Parainfluenza and influenza A and B.
- Recurrent genital herpes (prophylaxis).
Dosage and routes of administration of ribavirin
Ribavirin is sold in several presentations, which are usually 400 mg tablets or capsules , oral solution in a 120-ml bottle, injectable solution in a 12-ml vial, and drop solution for pediatric use in a 12-ml dropper bottle.
The administration is done according to the presentation used, being orally, intramuscularly or intravenously, and the informative dosage may be as follows:
- Tablets: Adults up to 1,200 mg/day, every 8 hours. Children 15-20 mg/kg/day every 8 hours.
- Injectable solution: Adults 12 ml daily divided into 2 or 3 intramuscular or direct intravenous applications. Children 0.2 ml/kg/day divided into 2 or 3 intramuscular or intravenous doses.
What products contain ribavirin?
Some of the medicines that contain ribavirin are:
- Virona®
- Virazide®
- Rebetol®
- Copegus®
Food®
- Vilona® is a drug whose active component is ribavirin with antiviral effect, which comes in 400 mg capsules.
- It is indicated for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in adults.
Virazide®
- Virazide® is an antiviral medication that uses ribavirin as an active ingredient in various presentations.
- It is used to treat viral infections such as cold sores, herpetic gingivostomatitis, primary and recurrent genital herpes.
Rebetol®
- Rebetol® is a synthetically manufactured medicine that uses ribavirin as an active ingredient, which comes in the form of an oral solution.
- It is indicated to stop the multiplication of many types of viruses, including the hepatitis virus in several of its variants.
Copegus®
- Copegus® is a direct-acting antiviral that uses ribavirin as its active ingredient, in various presentations.
- It is used to treat the hepatitis C virus, in combination with other medicines.
Ribavirin Side Effects
Clinical data indicate that the use of ribavirin may cause some of the following adverse reactions in certain patient populations :
- Possible allergic reactions due to patient contact with any component of the formula.
- Difficulty to sleep.
- Memory loss .
- Muscle or bone pain.
- Hair loss .
- Constipation , upset stomach, heartburn, vomiting , and diarrhea .
- Viral infection, pharyngitis, bacterial infection, fungal infection, influenza among others.
- Loss of appetite and weight loss.
- In children and adolescents, possible growth inhibition.
- Changes in the perception of food flavors.
- Alterations of the central nervous system (CNS) such as depression and suicidal feelings.
Important: If any of these symptoms or any other symptoms not listed appear during treatment with this drug, please discontinue use and consult your doctor .
Ribavirin Contraindications and Warnings
Ribavirin treatment is contraindicated in the following cases:
- Patient hypersensitivity to any component of the formula.
- In patients with cardiovascular risk.
- During the pregnancy period.
- During breastfeeding .
- In patients with kidney failure or liver damage.
To emphasize: Provide all the information related to your health history to your doctor, before starting treatment with this drug.
Avoid it if you have:
- History of hypersensitivity to ribavirin.
- Medication or history of medication for serious CNS diseases.
- History of serious heart disease .
Warnings:
- Pharmaceutical products such as ribavirin, must be administered with a prescription or medical prescription.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions during administration of ribavirin.
- Do not leave this product within the reach of children.
- Avoid mixing ribavirin treatment with alcoholic beverages.
- Avoid consuming this product in combination with other medications for other pathologies, without medical authorization.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.