Relenza
The following drug information is obtained from various newswires, published
medical journal articles, and medical conference presentations.
Immunology/Infectious Diseases
General Information
Relenza (Zanamivir for Inhalation) has been approved for the
treatment of uncomplicated acute illness due to influenza virus in
adults and adolescents 12 years and older who have been symptomatic
for no more than two days. Patients inhale Relenza orally using a
hand-held, breath activated device called a Diskhaler. A couple of
puffs delivers Relenza to the surface of the lungs, the primary
site of influenza infection, where the drug is thought to inhibit
the virus from multiplying. Administered within the first two days
of symptom onset, Relenza reduces the duration of flu-related
symptoms. Patients orally inhale 10 mg of Relenza twice a day for
five days.
Side Effects
The most common side effects occurred in 3% or less of patients
and were at rates comparable to placebo. Side effects included
sinusitis, diarrhea, and nausea.
Mechanism of Action
Relenza belongs to a new class of compounds called neuraminidase
inhibitors. Neuraminidase is an enzyme, which breaks the bond
holding new virus particles to the infected cell. Once broken, the
new viruses are free to infect other cells, spreading the
infection. Relenza is thought to work by inhibiting breakage of the
bond and preventing release of the new viruses, therefore
interrupting the spread of infection within the respiratory
tract.
