Category

• Antiviral, systemic

Description

Ribavirin (rye-ba-VYE-rin) is used to treat severe virus pneumonia in infants and young children. It is given by oral inhalation (breathing in the medicine as a fine mist through the mouth), using a special nebulizer (sprayer) attached to an oxygen hood or tent or face mask.

Ribavirin taken by mouth (oral) treats a viral liver infection known as hepatitis C. It is used in combination with injectable interferon alfa-2b (in-ter-FEER-on AL-fa-2b) or with injectable peginterferon alfa-2b (peg-in-ter-FEER-on AL-fa-2b). Ribavirin is used to treat virus infections. Interferons are substances naturally produced by cells in the body to help fight infections and tumors. Interferon alfa-2b and peginterferon alfa-2b are synthetic (man-made) versions of these substances. Interferon alfa-2b and peginterferon alfa-2b are used to treat a variety of tumors and viruses including the hepatitis C virus.

Ribavirin is available in the following dosage forms:

Inhalation
• For inhalation solution (U.S. and Canada)

Oral
• Capsules (U.S.)
• Oral solution (U.S.)
• Tablets (U.S.)

Brand Names

Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S.—

• Copegus
• Rebetol
• Virazole

In Canada—

• Virazole

Another commonly used name is tribavirin .