Monograph Details

Infections & Infestations > Viral infections
RELENZA
Manufacturer
GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals
Legal Classification
Rx
Pharmacological Class
Neuraminidase inhibitor.
Generic Name
Zanamivir 5mg/blister; dry pwd for oral inhalation; contains lactose.
Indications
Treatment of uncomplicated acute illness due to influenza A and B virus in patients ≥7 years of age who have been symptomatic for no more than two days. Prophylaxis of influenza in patients ≥5 years of age.
Adults and Children
Use supplied Diskhaler inhalation device. Complete course of treatment. Treatment: <7yrs: not recommended. ≥7yrs: 2 inh (10mg total) twice daily (at least 2 hrs apart) on 1st day; then 2 inh (10mg total) twice daily at 12-hr intervals for the next 4 days (5 days total). Prophylaxis: <5yrs: not recommended. ≥5yrs: 2 inh (10mg total) once daily. Household: use for 10 days. Community: use for 28 days.
Precautions
Underlying airway disease (eg, asthma, COPD): not recommended; if used, patient must have a fast-acting bronchodilator available. Discontinue if bronchospasm or decline in respiratory function occurs or worsens. Monitor for signs of abnormal behavior (esp. in children). Pregnancy (Cat.C). Nursing mothers (unknown if drug excreted in milk).
Interactions
If an inhaled bronchodilator is scheduled for dosing at the same time, use the bronchodilator first. Caution with influenza virus vaccine live, intranasal (eg, FluMist); separate dosing by at least 48hrs before or 2 weeks after FluMist. May maintain normal influenza virus vaccine schedule.
Adverse Reactions
GI upset, sinusitis, dizziness, headache, bronchitis, cough, nasal symptoms, respiratory function decline (eg, bronchospasm, dyspnea), allergic reactions (eg, oropharyngeal edema), possible neuropsychiatric events (eg, seizures, confusion, abnormal behavior).
How Supplied
4 blisters/Rotadisk—5 Rotadisks/box (w. 1 Diskhaler)
Additional Resources
Related Prescribing Note