Virazole (inhalation)
Generic name:ribavirin (inhalation) [ RYE-ba-VYE-rin ]
Drug classes:Inhaled anti-infectives, Purine nucleosides
What is Virazole?
Virazole is an antiviral medicine that is used to treat babies and young children with severe lung infections caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Virazole may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Your child may have sudden breathing problems while being treated with Virazole. 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 Virazole (such as Rebetol, RibaPak, Ribasphere, RibaTab).
This medicine is for use only in young children, but Virazole can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects.
Virazole should not be used by a woman who is pregnant or may become pregnant, or a man whose sex partner is pregnant.
How is Virazole given?
A healthcare provider will give your baby Virazole in a hospital.
Virazole 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.
Virazole is usually given for 12 to 18 hours per day for 3 to 7 days.
Small amounts of ribavirin may be released into the nearby air while this medicine is being given to your child. Anyone in close contact with the child may be exposed to Virazole released into the air.
Your child's lung function will be tested often. The doctor may prescribe bronchodilator medication to help improve your child's breathing.
You may need to follow special precautions to avoid exposure to airborne Virazole while your baby is being treated with this medicine. Carefully follow all directions about handling or being near your child.
Women who are able to become pregnant should avoid close contact with the child. Otherwise, take all safety precautions needed to reduce your exposure to Virazole.
Being near a child who has RSV may increase your risk of becoming infected with the virus. Seek medical attention if you have symptoms such as headache, stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, fever, hoarseness, and wheezing.
Virazole is for use only in babies and young children and should not be used by an adult.