Zanamivir Inhl

Zanamivir Inhl Uses

Zanamivir is used to treat symptoms caused by the flu virus (influenza) in adults and children 7 and older. It helps make the symptoms (e.g., stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, fever/chills, aches, tiredness) less severe and shortens the recovery time by about 1 day.

This medication works by stopping the flu virus from growing. It is not a substitute for the flu vaccine. (See also Notes section.)

How To Use Zanamivir Inhl

Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist and learn all usage instructions before you start using zanamivir. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Inhale the medication through the mouth, generally 2 inhalations twice daily (about 12 hours apart) for 5 days or as directed by your doctor. When possible, take two doses (2 inhalations each) on the first day of treatment, waiting at least 2 hours between doses.

Remove the cover on the disk inhaler. Before use, check the mouthpiece to be sure it is clean and free of particles. Load the medication disk into the disk inhaler. Puncture one medication blister. Keep disk inhaler level so that the medication will not spill. Breathe out through the mouth, put the mouthpiece into your mouth, and breathe in deeply. Hold your breath for a few seconds so that the medication will stay in your lungs. If you have been directed to inhale a second time, advance to the next medication blister and repeat the process. Once you have taken the number of inhalations prescribed, replace the cover of the disk inhaler.

If a child is using this medication, a parent or other responsible adult should supervise the child to make sure the zanamivir is taken properly.

This medication works best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Take the drug at evenly spaced intervals (e.g., every 12 hours).

Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms improve. Stopping the medication too early may allow the virus to continue to grow, resulting in a relapse of the infection. If your condition persists or worsens, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

It is recommended that this medication be started within 48 hours of the beginning of flu symptoms.

If you have breathing problems (asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD) and are scheduled to use inhaled bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol) at the same time as zanamivir, use the asthma medication before using zanamivir. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

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Dosage and Storage

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