Agents for Influenza & Respiratory Virus

Question 1

Types of Agents

Answer 1

• Amantadine
• Rimanatadine
• Ribavirin

Question 2

Use

Answer 2

Used in prophylactic and symptomatic treatment

Question 3

MOA

Answer 3

• Interferes with the release of infectious viral nuvleic acid into the host cell via transmembrane of the M2 protein of the virus
• Prevents shedding of viral protein coat and entry of virus into cell
• Prevents viral replication leading to viral deat

Question 4

Pharmacokinetics

Answer 4

• Amatadine is slowly absorbed from GIT; excreted unchanged in urine
• Ramatadine is absorbed from GIT; metabolized in the liver and excreted in urine

Question 5

Adverse Effects

Answer 5

• Lightheadedness
• Orthostatic hypotension
• nausea and dizziness
• Insomnia
• Urinary retention

Question 6

Drug Interactions

Answer 6

• Loss of effectiveness of aspirin and acetaminophen with rimatadine
• Antacids reduce ribavirin levels
• Risk for nephrotoxicity of aminoglycoside antibiotics
• Increased atropine-like effects if amantadine or rimatadine given with anticholinergic drugs