baloxavir marboxil at a glance
Medicine class
Cap-dependent endonuclease inhibitor antiviral
Licensed roles
Uncomplicated influenza treatment and post-exposure prevention
Administration
Film-coated tablets swallowed with water, with or without food
Important interaction
Avoid products containing iron, zinc, selenium, calcium or magnesium
What is baloxavir marboxil used for?
It is licensed for:
Treating uncomplicated influenza in patients aged 3 weeks and over.
Preventing influenza after close contact with someone known or suspected to have influenza in people aged 3 weeks and over.
Use should follow official recommendations.
How does baloxavir marboxil work?
Baloxavir marboxil is converted in the body to active baloxavir. It blocks the influenza virus cap-dependent endonuclease enzyme, preventing viral RNA transcription and limiting replication of influenza A and B viruses.
baloxavir marboxil preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 40 mg, 80 mg
How to take baloxavir marboxil
Follow your prescriber’s instructions.
Swallow the tablet with water.
It may be taken with or without food.
Do not take it with antacids, certain laxatives or oral supplements containing iron, zinc, selenium, calcium or magnesium because these can reduce baloxavir exposure.
The manufacturer does not recommend crushing the tablet. Ask a pharmacist if swallowing or enteral administration is difficult.
baloxavir marboxil side effects
Common or expected effects
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Rash in children
Get urgent medical advice
- Anaphylaxis or another severe allergic reaction
- Angioedema, including swelling of the face, eyelids or lips
- Breathing difficulty associated with an allergic reaction
baloxavir marboxil in pregnancy
Human pregnancy data are absent or limited, so the product information advises avoiding baloxavir as a precaution. Pregnancy increases the risk of flu complications; seek prompt medical assessment if you are pregnant and suspect flu.
baloxavir marboxil while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether baloxavir passes into human milk, and a risk to the infant cannot be excluded. Ask a specialist or prescriber to balance treatment benefits with breastfeeding.
baloxavir marboxil interactions
Products containing polyvalent metal cations can bind baloxavir and reduce its absorption.
Antacids containing calcium or magnesium
May reduce baloxavir exposure; do not take together.
Iron, zinc, selenium, calcium or magnesium supplements
May reduce baloxavir exposure; do not take together.
Laxatives containing polyvalent cations
May reduce baloxavir exposure; do not take together.
Common questions about baloxavir marboxil
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is baloxavir marboxil used for?
It is licensed to treat uncomplicated influenza and prevent influenza after close exposure in people aged 3 weeks and over.
Is baloxavir marboxil an antibiotic?
No. It is an antiviral that acts on an influenza virus enzyme; antibiotics do not treat influenza itself.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.