[Efficacy of inhaled zanamivir in the treatment and prevention of influenza].
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.
Abad-Santos
F
F
Servicio de Farmacología Clínica, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Madrid.
Gallego Sandín
S
S
Novalbos Reina
J
J
Martínez Sancho
E
E
Gálvez Múgica
M A
MA
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
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D006146:Guanidines; D011714:Pyrans; D012794:Sialic Acids; D053243:Zanamivir