The best medicine for influenza
The choice of the best medicine for influenza usually depends on the patient’s specific condition, the severity of the illness, and the individual’s medical history. Therefore, consulting a specialist doctor to select the appropriate treatment options is very important. Additionally, considering side effects and the patient’s particular medical circumstances also influences the choice of the suitable medication. Of course, influenza vaccination can prevent the disease to a high percentage.
In 2024, the best medicines for treating influenza still include well-known antiviral drugs such as Oseltamivir (Tamiflu), Baloxavir (Xofluza), and Zanamivir (Relenza). These drugs help reduce the severity and duration of influenza. In special cases, Peramivir (Rapivab) is also used for hospitalized patients.
These medications can shorten the duration of your illness and help prevent serious complications. In the following article, we will review and introduce these drugs:
Introduction to types of medicines for treating influenza
Oseltamivir and Baloxavir are taken orally. Zanamivir is inhaled using a device similar to an asthma inhaler. Zanamivir should not be used by people with certain chronic respiratory problems, such as asthma and lung diseases. Hospitalized patients may receive Peramivir (Rapivab), which is administered intravenously.
Oseltamivir
Oseltamivir is a neuraminidase inhibitor effective against both influenza A and B viruses and is used to treat symptoms caused by influenza viral infection. This medication can help reduce symptoms such as nasal congestion, cough, sore throat, fever and chills, body aches, and fatigue, and can shorten the recovery time by about 1 to 2 days. Moreover, Oseltamivir may also be used for the prevention of influenza. However, Oseltamivir is not a substitute for the influenza vaccine but helps prevent the virus from multiplying in the body.
Oseltamivir can be taken with or without food, but to reduce the likelihood of stomach upset, it is recommended to take it with food or milk. This drug should be started immediately after the onset of influenza symptoms or after exposure to the virus. The best effect is achieved when the medication is taken within 2 days of symptom onset or contact. Usually, it is taken twice daily for 5 days as prescribed by a doctor, and for prevention, it should be used according to the physician’s advice.
Dosage forms of Oseltamivir
Capsules: 30 mg, 45 mg, and 75 mg
Oral suspension powder: 6 mg per milliliter
Indications for Oseltamivir
Prevention of influenza A and B
Treatment of influenza A and B
Prevention of an H1N1influenza (swine flu)
Treatment of an H1N1 influenza (swine flu)
Precautions when using Oseltamivir
Before starting Oseltamivir treatment, it is important to avoid use if you have any allergies to this medication or its components. The drug may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
If you have a medical history of any of the following, be sure to consult your doctor:
Kidney disease (especially if on dialysis)
Heart problems
Gastrointestinal diseases (such as stomach or esophageal bleeding, stomach ulcers)
Respiratory disorders or shortness of breath
Chest pain
Specific allergies or sensitivities
Caution is required in patients with chronic heart diseases, severe liver failure, kidney failure, or respiratory problems.
It is also important to note that in patients treated with Oseltamivir for influenza, reports of delirium and abnormal behaviors have been documented, which may lead to harm and, in some cases, fatal outcomes. Therefore, close monitoring of the patient is essential.
The effective time for Oseltamivir is when it is taken within 24 to 48 hours after symptom onset. The safety and efficacy of this drug for influenza prevention in children under one year old have not been established. Also, its effect in immunocompromised patients is unclear.
Side effects of Oseltamivir
Oseltamivir, prescribed for the treatment of influenza, can cause various side effects. Awareness and monitoring of these effects are important. Some common and serious side effects of this medication include:
Common side effects:
Nausea and vomiting
Dizziness
Abdominal pain
Insomnia
Hearing disturbances
Confusion and delirium
Serious side effects:
Arrhythmia (Cardiac rhythm disorders)
Anemia
Exacerbation of diabetes
Hemorrhagic colitis (inflammatory bowel disease with bleeding)
Hepatitis (liver inflammation)
Fracture of the arm bone
Peritonsillar abscess
Baloxavir Marboxil (Baloxavir marboxil)
Baloxavir, marketed under the brand name Xofluza, is an antiviral medication prescribed for the treatment of influenza in patients whose symptoms have started within the past 48 hours. This drug helps improve symptoms such as nasal congestion, sore throat, fever and chills, pain, and fatigue, and can reduce the recovery time by one to two days. It is important to note that Baloxavir is not a substitute for influenza vaccination and only helps stop the growth of the influenza virus.
Baloxavir is administered orally and, according to the physician’s prescription, can be taken with or without food. It is usually given as a single dose. The specific dose of the drug is determined based on the patient’s weight.
Important points when taking Baloxavir Marboxil
Avoid combining Baloxavir Marboxil with products containing iron, zinc, selenium, calcium, or magnesium, as these substances can reduce the drug’s effectiveness.
To enhance the drug’s efficacy, it is best to take Baloxavir at least 4 hours before or 2 hours after consuming these substances. Examples of such products include antacids, vitamins, mineral supplements, and dairy products.
Side effects of Baloxavir
Baloxavir Marboxil usually does not cause significant side effects, and many individuals tolerate the drug well. However, like any other medication, some people may experience side effects. If you notice any of the following symptoms, be sure to consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Serious allergic reactions to Baloxavir Marboxil are rare, but if any of the following occur, seek medical attention immediately:
Development of red rashes or itching on the body
Swelling of the face, tongue, or throat
Feeling dizzy
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Zanamivir (Relenza)
Zanamivir is an antiviral drug that interferes with the activity of viruses in the body. This medication is used to treat influenza symptoms in individuals who have had symptoms for less than 2 days. Additionally, Zanamivir may be prescribed to prevent influenza in people who may have been exposed to the virus but have not yet developed symptoms.
Some individuals taking this medication may experience sudden changes in mood or behavior; this is more commonly observed in children, although the exact cause is unknown and is not necessarily linked directly to Zanamivir. Even without taking this drug, people with influenza may experience behavioral or neurological changes that can lead to confusion or hallucinations. If a person using Zanamivir experiences unusual symptoms, thoughts, or behaviors, they should contact their doctor immediately.
Important points before using Zanamivir
If you are lactose intolerant, it is advisable to avoid taking Zanamivir.
This drug should not be used to treat influenza symptoms in children under 7 years of age. However, children aged 5 years and older can use Zanamivir for prevention of influenza symptoms.
Also, be sure to inform your doctor if you have:
A history of asthma
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Any other chronic lung disease
How to use Zanamivir
For proper use of Zanamivir, please follow the instructions on the drug label or the doctor’s prescription carefully. Read all instructions on the prescription label and the medication guide thoroughly. Zanamivir comes in foil packages containing 4 capsules, which are loaded into a device called a Diskhaler, used for inhaling the medication.
Start taking Zanamivir as soon as influenza symptoms appear, such as fever, chills, muscle aches, sore throat, or nasal congestion and runny nose. For treatment of influenza symptoms, use Zanamivir for 5 days, twice daily, with two inhalations per dose. On the first day of treatment, ensure at least 2 hours between doses; on subsequent days, maintain a minimum interval of 12 hours between doses.
For prevention of influenza symptoms, inhale the medication twice every 24 hours for a duration of 10 to 28 days.
Important notes before use:
Do not use a nebulizer or ventilator to administer Zanamivir.
Zanamivir inhalation powder should never be mixed with liquid.
If you are going to use bronchodilator medications simultaneously with this drug, use the bronchodilator first.
Take this medication completely and for the prescribed duration, even if your symptoms improve. If your symptoms do not improve or worsen, consult your doctor.
Store Zanamivir at room temperature in a dry place away from heat. After completing the treatment course, dispose of the Diskhaler device.
Drug considerations for Zanamivir
Do not use the nasal influenza vaccine (FluMist) within 48 hours after taking Zanamivir. Zanamivir may interfere with the effectiveness of this vaccine and reduce its efficacy.
Side effects of Zanamivir
If you experience any of the following symptoms, immediately contact emergency services:
– Allergic reaction including hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
If you experience severe breathing problems or feel faint, stop taking Zanamivir and contact your doctor immediately.
Common side effects:
Headache and dizziness
Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
Cough and respiratory difficulties
Ear pain
Cold-like symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, and sore throat
Peramivir (Rapivab)
Rapivab is a prescription medication approved by the FDA for the treatment of influenza in individuals aged 2 years and older. This drug contains the active ingredient Peramivir, an antiviral medication that belongs to a class called neuraminidase inhibitors.
Rapivab should only be used in people with influenza whose symptoms have lasted no more than 2 days. Additionally, this influenza treatment should not be used for severe influenza cases that require hospitalization. Peramivir has mainly been studied in patients with influenza type A, the most common form of influenza, with only a few participants having influenza type B in the studies.
Dosage and administration of Rapivab:
Rapivab is supplied as a colorless liquid solution in vials. Your doctor will administer Rapivab by intravenous (IV) injection.
The recommended dose of Rapivab for treating seasonal influenza is 600 mg, given as a single intravenous injection over 15 to 30 minutes. This dose is recommended for adults and children aged 13 years and older.
Your doctor may prescribe a different dose based on several factors, including the presence or absence of kidney disease. Be sure to discuss any questions about the appropriate Rapivab dose with your physician.
Side effects of Rapivab:
According to studies, mild side effects of Rapivab may include:
Diarrhea
Nausea and vomiting
Serious side effects:
These serious side effects are uncommon but may occur. If you experience serious side effects, contact your doctor immediately.
Allergic reactions
Behavioral changes such as delirium or hallucinations
Obtaining influenza treatment medications through Daroug system
As mentioned, using the influenza vaccine is very important for preventing the disease. However, if you do get influenza, by using the best influenza treatment medications introduced in this blog, you can recover quickly. If you have difficulty obtaining the best medicine for influenza treatment, you can use the Daroug system.
To do so, simply log into the system, click on the “Obtaining Rare Medications” service page, and enter the name of your medication or upload your prescription in the specified field. Then, click “Start Daroug Search.” Within the specified time, Daroug will send you a complete list of pharmacies that have your desired medication available.
If you need further assistance in obtaining the best influenza treatment medication, please contact our experts.
