title: [Efficacy of inhaled zanamivir in the treatment and prevention of influenza].
abstract: The aim of this work is to evaluate the efficacy of zanamivir in the treatment and prevention of influenza. This drug is a neuraminidase inhibitor that is effective against both A and B influenza viruses. Five randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trials have been published, showing a reduction in the duration of flu symptoms between 1 and 2.5 days. A greater benefit is seen in the patients with influenza-confirmed infection, with fever and when the treatment begins in the first 30-36 hours. For the prevention of influenza, two placebo-controlled clinical trials have been published, where flu incidence was reduced by 50-67%. The characteristics of zanamivir (efficacy, safety and lack of resistance) make it an appropriate option for subjects not protected by vaccination and for those with high risk of complications.
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Farmacología Clínica, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Madrid.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Abad-Santos
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gallego Sandín
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Novalbos Reina
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Martínez Sancho
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Gálvez Múgica
mesh_terms: D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006146:Guanidines; D006801:Humans; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011714:Pyrans; D012794:Sialic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology; D053243:Zanamivir
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents; D006146:Guanidines; D011714:Pyrans; D012794:Sialic Acids; D053243:Zanamivir