zanamivir hydrate at a glance
Medicine class
Neuraminidase inhibitor antiviral
Licensed population
Adults and children aged six months and over who meet the product criteria
Important check
Kidney function must be assessed before and regularly during treatment
What is zanamivir hydrate used for?
The intravenous product treats complicated, potentially life-threatening influenza A or B in adults and children aged six months and over when specific criteria apply.
Influenza known or suspected to be resistant to anti-influenza treatments other than zanamivir
Influenza where other antivirals, including inhaled zanamivir, are unsuitable
How does zanamivir hydrate work?
Influenza viruses use neuraminidase to release new virus particles from infected cells. Zanamivir inhibits this enzyme, limiting release and spread through the respiratory tract.
zanamivir hydrate preparations and strengths
Solution for infusion
Route: Intravenous
Strengths: 10 mg/mL
How to take zanamivir hydrate
A doctor or nurse administers this formulation by intravenous infusion. It may be infused as supplied or diluted with sodium chloride solution according to professional preparation instructions. It must not be nebulised.
Tell the clinical team about allergies, pregnancy, breastfeeding and other medicines.
The amount administered depends on factors including age, body weight and kidney function.
Report discomfort or new symptoms during the infusion immediately.
zanamivir hydrate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Diarrhoea
- Rash
- Raised liver enzymes or liver-cell injury
Get urgent medical advice
- Anaphylaxis or swelling of the face, mouth or throat
- Severe blistering or peeling skin reactions
- Seizures, hallucinations, delirium, abnormal behaviour or reduced consciousness
zanamivir hydrate in pregnancy
Human pregnancy data are limited. UK guidance supports antiviral treatment when clinically needed during pregnancy, but intravenous zanamivir should be selected only after specialist assessment finds that the expected benefit outweighs possible fetal risk.
zanamivir hydrate while breastfeeding
Published evidence is lacking, but infant exposure is expected to be small. Intravenous zanamivir can be used cautiously when clinically indicated. Advice applies to full-term, healthy infants; seek specialist assessment for premature or unwell infants and monitor for vomiting or skin reactions.
zanamivir hydrate interactions
Clinically important pharmacokinetic interactions are considered unlikely because zanamivir is not metabolised by cytochrome P450 enzymes and is eliminated unchanged by the kidneys.
Oral oseltamivir
A clinical study found no evidence of an interaction.
Other intravenous medicines or glucose- or electrolyte-containing infusion solutions
Do not mix or administer simultaneously with Dectova. Use only the supported sodium chloride diluent when dilution is required.
Common questions about zanamivir hydrate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is zanamivir hydrate an antibiotic?
No. It is an antiviral active against influenza A and B; it does not treat bacterial infections.
When is intravenous zanamivir hydrate used?
It is reserved for complicated, potentially life-threatening influenza when other antivirals are unsuitable or relevant resistance is suspected.
Can Dectova zanamivir hydrate be inhaled or nebulised?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.