Generic name: ribavirin (inhalation) [ RYE-ba-VYE-rin ]
Brand name: Virazole
Dosage form: inhalation powder for reconstitution (6 g)
Drug classes:Inhaled anti-infectives, Purine nucleosides
What is ribavirin inhalation?
Ribavirin inhalation is an antiviral medicine that is used to treat babies and young children with severe lung infections caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Ribavirin inhalation may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Your child may have sudden breathing problems while being treated with ribavirin. Your child's lung function will be tested often.
Before taking this medicine
Your child should not be treated with this medicine if the child is allergic to ribavirin (such as Rebetol, RibaPak, Ribasphere, RibaTab).
This medicine is for use only in young children, but ribavirin can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects.
Ribavirin inhalation should not be used by a woman who is pregnant or may become pregnant, or a man whose sex partner is pregnant.
How is ribavirin inhalation given?
A healthcare provider will give your baby ribavirin in a hospital.
Ribavirin inhalation is given with a machine that releases the medicine as an aerosol into an oxygen hood or tent, or a face mask. This allows your child to gently inhale the medicine over a long period of time.
Ribavirin inhalation is usually given for 12 to 18 hours per day for...
