Ribavirin
Administration
- Type: Antiviral- FDA approved for Hepatitis C, severe RSV infection. Off-label use: herpes simplex, influenza, viral hemorrhagic fever
- Dosage Forms: 200 tab, 200 cap
- Routes of Administration: Oral, inhalation
- Common Trade Names: Copegus, Rebetol, Ribasphere
Adult Dosing
- 200-1000mg daily (dose depends on genotype and concurrent treatment with interferon)
Pediatric Dosing
- Hep C: >2 years old: 15mg/kg daily OR 400-1200mg daily
- RSV (severe cases): 20mg/ml aerosolized over 12-18 hours x 3-7 days
Special Populations
- Pregnancy Rating: X
- Lactation risk: Infant risk cannot be ruled out
- Renal dosing: reduced doses for mild-moderate impairment, do not use if CrCl <50
Contraindications
- Allergy to class/drug
- Autoimmune hepatitis
- Coadministration with didanosine
- Hemoglobinopathy (e.g. thalassemia, sickle cell)
- Pregnant or potentially pregnant women, men who may impregnate someone
- Renal impairment (CrCl <50)
Adverse Reactions
Serious
Common
Pharmacology
- Half-life: ~300 hours
- Metabolism:
- Excretion: Mostly renal
Mechanism of Action
- Mechanism not well understood