Virazide: What is it and what is it used for?

What is virazide?

Virazide® is the trademark of a pharmaceutically manufactured synthetic drug that uses ribavirin as an active ingredient , a chemical compound belonging to the line of broad-spectrum antiviral drugs, with an effect on certain viruses that cause infections in the body.

To be highlighted: This pharmaceutical product is manufactured by the company named LABORATORIOS GROSSMAN, S.A. (1)

What is virazide used for?

• Thanks to the mechanism of action of its active ingredient, virazide® is an antiviral that selectively inhibits the synthesis of viral DNA and RNA in infected host cells and increases the immune response mediated by cytokines against viruses. This action ends up interfering with the ability of the virus to spread to other cells, mitigating the infection and its associated symptoms . 
• It is used to treat: 
  • Patients with viral infections such as herpes labialis, herpetic gingivostomatitis, primary and recurrent genital herpes, herpes Zoster.
  • Varicella in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients.
  • Mumps, acute viral hepatitis A, B and C, as well as chronic B and C. (two)
  • Respiratory infections due to respiratory syncytial virus, parainfluenza and influenza A and B.
  • In the prophylaxis of recurrent genital herpes.

Dosage and routes of administration of virazide

The presentation of virazide® is in the form of capsules containing 400 mg ribavirin, in solution in a 100 m or 120 ml bottle or in a 15 ml dropper bottle containing 100 mg ribavirin for every 5 ml. The administration is orally and the dosage as a reference can be as follows:

• Capsules: In adults, doses of 1,200 mg/day divided into 3 doses (one capsule every 8 hours) are recommended. In children, doses of 15 to 20 mg/kg/day divided into 3 doses (every 8 hours) are recommended.
• Solution: In children doses of 1 ml/kg/day divided into 3 doses (every 8 hours).
• Drop solution: In infants, a dose of 10 drops kg/day divided into 3 doses (every 8 hours).

Virazide Side Effects

Virazide® treatment can cause some of the following adverse effects in a certain patient population :

• Possible allergic reactions due to patient contact with any component of the formula.
• Respiratory depression in infants.
• It can cause inflammation and emphysematous changes in the lungs.
• Cardiac arrest and hypotension.
• Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea .
• Itching, rash and dry skin. 
• Eye irritation and conjunctivitis .  
• Headache , fatigue and insomnia .
• Symptoms similar to the common cold in pediatric patients.
• Vesiculobullous eruptions and Stevens-Johnson syndrome .

Important: If the patient observes the appearance of any of these symptoms or another not described during treatment with virazide®, please discontinue its use and consult your doctor .

Virazide contraindications and warnings

The use of virazide® is contraindicated in the following cases:

• Patient hypersensitivity to any of the components of the formula.
• Patients requiring assisted ventilation.
• During the pregnancy period.
• During breastfeeding .
• Chronic hepatitis C patients with cirrhosis.

You should know: Before starting treatment with this drug, provide your doctor with all the information about your health history .

Avoid if you have:

• History of hypersensitivity to ribavirin.
• Respiratory depression. 
• Anemia.
• Impaired cardiac function.

Warnings:

• Pharmaceutical products such as virazide®, must be administered with a prescription or medical prescription.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions during treatment with this drug.
• Ribavirin should not be used simultaneously with zidovudine.
• Do not exceed recommended dose.
• The duration of treatment with this medication will be indicated by the treating physician.
• Keep this product out of the reach of children.