How Effectual can Relenza be for Influenza?
Relenza (zanamivir) is an FDA approved anti-viral drug, for persons aged 7 years and older for the treatment of uncomplicated influenza virus . Relenza is used to treat type A and B influenza, the two most responsible for flu epidemics. Patients needed to start treatment within two days of the onset of symptoms for the drug to be effective.
Relenza is a powder that is inhaled twice a day for five days from a breath-activated plastic device called a Diskhaler. Patients should get instruction from a health-care practitioner in the proper use of the Diskhaler, including a demonstration if required. Relenza has not been shown to be effective, and may carry risk, in patients with severe asthma or a lung condition called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Some patients with mild or moderate asthma experienced shortness of breath after using Relenza.
Relenza is a neuraminidase inhibitor that prevents the spread of influenza A and B viruses, the viruses responsible for the "flu." Neuraminidase is an enzyme that is required by the influenza viruses to spread from infected cells to healthy cells. Zanamivir blocks the action of neuraminidase thereby reducing the spread of influenza. Since the spread of the viruses is prevented, the symptoms and duration of infection are reduced. On average, zanamivir reduces the duration of symptoms by one day if treatment is started within forty-eight hours after symptoms begin.
The most frequent side effects are headaches, diarrhea, nausea, cough, vomiting and dizziness. Ear, nose and throat infections may occur.
Some patients have had wheezing or serious breathing problems when they used Relenza. Relenza is not effective for treating influenza in people with history of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Relenza is thus not generally recommended for people with chronic respiratory disease. Anyone who develops bronchospasm worsening respiratory symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath should stop taking the drug and call their health-care provider.
About the Author:
Shane Julian is an associated editor to the website www.checkflu.com, an Roche Tamiflu Online site, is committed to provide visitors with complete information on Roche Tamiflu, Treatment of Influenza, Tamiflu, Influenza, Avian Influenza, H5N1 Virus, Human Transmission, Bird Flu, Mutating Virus, Neuraminidase Inhibitors, Oseltamivir Phosphate, Treatment of Flu, Types of Influenza virus and other related topics. Your feedback & comments will be highly appreciated at shane.julian@gmail.com