Ribavin
Drug Name: Ribavirin 50mg Solution
Details
Ribavirin 50mg Solution is an Antiviral drug. This is a synthetic nucleoside analog. This drug is known by the name of Rebetol internationally. And in India, it is available by the name Ribavin in the medical market.
Purpose:
- Ribavirin 50mg Solution is indicated for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in adults.
- Other viral infections prevented by this drug are a viral infection of the liver, liver cancer, and cirrhosis (scarring).
Mechanism:
The hepatitis C virus is stopped from being multiplied by Rebetol, which in turn inhibits the growth and production of new viruses and clears up the infection.
Dosage:
- Strictly as prescribed by your doctor.
- The patient needs to read about the patient information leaflet present in the pharmacy.
- Ribavirin 50mg Solution for infusion depends upon the condition of the patient that is why take it according to the doctor’s prescription.
- The recommended dose of the drug is 5mg per 100ml given as a single dose.
- This drug is given through an intravenous route of administration for about 15 minutes.
- Before taking the infusion the patient needs to be hydrated fully especially older people and renal impairment patients.
- Do not self-administer until necessary.
Side effects:
- Common side effects of Ribavin solution are cough, lightheadedness, dizziness, sleepiness, nausea, diarrhea, blurred vision, weight gain or loss, low appetite, dry skin, and changes in hearing or taste.
- Serious side effects are yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, chest pain, jaw pain, bloody stools, lower back pain, irregular heartbeat, and easy bleeding.
- Skin allergic reactions to this drug are rare.
Precautions and measures:
- If you have had a medical history of liver disease, kidney problems, heart disease, pancreatitis, diabetes, autoimmune hepatitis, low hemoglobin, sickle cell anemia, or thalassemia, inform your doctor before starting with this solution.
- Limit your intake of alcohol and marijuana, as it can lead to extreme dizziness and sleepiness.
- Do not consume Ribavin during pregnancy.
- Lactating mothers should take this drug under the strict guidance of their doctor.
- Do not consume expired medication.
- Keep a regular check on your blood sugar levels.
- Include enough fluids in your diet.
- HIV-positive patients are advised to take this drug only if prescribed by their doctor.
- Do not increase or decrease the dosage at your own ease.
- To avoid an upset stomach, take it with food.
- Elderly people are at a greater risk of developing anemia while undergoing the medication of Ribavin, hence should be given enough iron.
- Eat green vegetables rich in iron.
Interaction:
Certain drugs that can react with Ribavirin 50mg Solution and produce negative effects, or result in complete removal of this medicine, such as Zidovudine, Didanosine, and Antacids