Zanamivir Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and more
A guanido-neuraminic acid that is used to inhibit neuraminidase.
Zanamivir, an antiviral agent, is a neuraminidase inhibitor indicated for treatment of uncomplicated acute illness due to influenza A and B virus in adults and pediatric patients 7 years and older who have been symptomatic for no more than 2 days. Zanamivir has also been shown to significantly inhibit the human sialidases NEU3 and NEU2 in the micromolar range (Ki 3.7 +/-0.48 and 12.9+/-0.07 microM, respectively), which could account for some of the rare side effects of zanamivir.
| Trade Name | Zanamivir |
| Availability | Prescription only |
| Generic | Zanamivir |
| Zanamivir Other Names | Zanamivir |
| Related Drugs | amantadine, Tamiflu, oseltamivir, Fluzone, Vicks DayQuil Severe Cold & Flu, Xofluza, Coricidin HBP Cold & Flu, Afluria, Fluad, Relenza |
| Weight | 5mg, |
| Type | Inhalation powder |
| Formula | C12H20N4O7 |
| Weight | Average: 332.3098 Monoisotopic: 332.133199014 |
| Protein binding | Zanamivir has limited plasma protein binding (<10%). |
| Groups | Approved, Investigational |
| Therapeutic Class | |
| Manufacturer | |
| Available Country | United States |
| Last Updated: | January 7, 2025 at 1:49 am |
Uses
Zanamivir is a neuraminidase inhibitor used to treat influenza A and B.
For the prevention and treatment of influenza A and B.
Zanamivir is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Flu caused by Influenza
How Zanamivir works
The proposed mechanism of action of zanamivir is via inhibition of influenza virus neuraminidase with the possibility of alteration of virus particle aggregation and release. By binding and inhibiting the neuraminidase protein, the drug renders the influenza virus unable to escape its host cell and infect others.
Food Interaction
No interactions found.Disease Interaction
Elimination Route
Absolute bioavailability is very low following oral administration (2%). Following oral inhalation, bioavailability is 4% to 17%.
Half Life
2.5-5.1 hours
Clearance
- 2.5 - 10.9 L/h [Following oral inhalation 10 mg]
- 5.3 L/h [Normal renal function receiving IV single dose of 4 mg or 2 mg]
- 2.7 L/h [Patients with mild and moderate renal impairement receiving IV single dose of 4 mg or 2 mg]
- 0.8 L/h [Patients with severe renal impairement receiving IV single dose of 4 mg or 2 mg]
Elimination Route
It is excreted unchanged in the urine with excretion of a single dose completed within 24 hours. Unabsorbed drug is excreted in the feces.Zanamivir is renally excreted as unchanged drug.
