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<Home> <Newsletter> <Third Issue> <Antivirals for H1N1 Infection> <Antiviral Drugs: Summary of Side Effects>
ANTIVIRALS FOR H1N1 INFECTION Antiviral
Drugs: Summary of Side Effects Amantadine and Rimantadine
Among
some healthy adults and children, side effects can include central nervous
system (CNS) side effects such as nervousness, anxiety, difficulty concentrating,
and lightheadedness, and gastrointestinal side effects like nausea and
loss of appetite. CNS side effects happen more often among persons taking
amantadine than among persons taking rimantadine.
Among some other persons with long-term illnesses, more serious side
effects, such as delirium, hallucinations, agitation, and seizures,
can occur. Side effects usually diminish and disappear after 1 week.
Zanamivir
This
drug is inhaled and can cause side effects, especially in those with
asthma or other chronic lung disease. Decreased respiratory function
and bronchospasm have been reported with use
of zanamivir. Zanamivir is generally not recommended for use in persons
with underlying lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease. Other side effects reported by less than 5% of those
who have used this drug are diarrhea, nausea, sinusitis, nasal infections,
bronchitis, cough, headache, and dizziness. Oseltamivir
The
side effects reported most often in those people who took this drug
were gastrointestinal (i.e., nausea and vomiting). Nausea and vomiting
may be less severe if oseltamivir is taken
with food. Note: On November 13, 2006, FDA approved a labeling supplement
for Roche Laboratories’ Tamiflu (Oseltamivir
Phosphate) to include a precaution about neuropsychiatric
events. The revision is based on postmarketing
reports (mostly from Visit http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2006/safety06.htm#tamiflu
for more information.
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