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Zanamivir is an antiviral that limits the spread of influenza A and B viruses in the respiratory tract. The inhaled product treats influenza and, in specified circumstances, helps prevent it. It does not replace influenza vaccination.
Zanamivir hydrate blocks influenza virus neuraminidase. The intravenous product treats complicated, potentially life-threatening influenza A or B when other antivirals are unsuitable or resistance is suspected.
Zanidatamab is a targeted antibody treatment that attaches to two parts of HER2. It is used alone for certain adults with previously treated, HER2-positive advanced biliary tract cancer that cannot be removed surgically.
Zanubrutinib is a targeted anticancer treatment called a Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor. It treats several B-cell blood cancers, either alone or, for some follicular lymphoma, with obinutuzumab.
Ziconotide acetate is a non-opioid analgesic peptide delivered into the fluid surrounding the spinal cord. It is used for severe, chronic pain in adults who require intrathecal analgesia and is managed by a specialist pain team.
Zidovudine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor used against HIV. It is normally combined with other antiretroviral medicines and can help reduce transmission from a pregnant person to their baby.
Zilucoplan sodium is a complement inhibitor used alongside standard therapy for adults with generalised myasthenia gravis who have anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies. It is supplied as a pre-filled syringe for injection under the skin.
Zinc acetate dihydrate is a prescription treatment for Wilson’s disease, an inherited condition in which copper accumulates in the body. It reduces copper uptake from the intestine and requires specialist supervision.
Zinc oxide is a topical skin protectant with mild antiseptic activity. The selected zinc and castor oil ointment soothes nappy rash and forms a water-resistant barrier over dry, chapped skin.
Zinc sulfate monohydrate supplies zinc, an essential trace element used by many enzyme systems. The selected UK product treats zinc deficiency in adults and children.
Zolbetuximab is a targeted monoclonal antibody that attaches to CLDN18.2 on certain cancer cells. In the UK, it is used with chemotherapy as first-line treatment for eligible adults with advanced HER2-negative gastric or gastro-oesophageal junction adenocarcinoma.
Zoledronic acid is an intravenous bisphosphonate that slows mineralised bone breakdown. This selected product is used in adults for bone complications from advanced cancer and high blood calcium caused by a tumour.
Zoledronic acid anhydrous is an intravenous bisphosphonate that reduces breakdown of mineralised bone. It is used in adults to prevent bone complications from advanced cancers involving bone and to treat high blood calcium caused by a tumour.
Zoledronic acid monohydrate is an intravenous bisphosphonate that slows excessive bone breakdown. It is used for certain adults with osteoporosis at increased fracture risk and for adults with Paget’s disease of bone.
Zolmitriptan is a triptan used to treat a migraine attack with or without aura. It acts after an attack has begun and does not prevent future attacks.
Zolpidem tartrate is a prescription hypnotic that calms brain activity and promotes sleep. Selected products are licensed for severe or distressing insomnia in adults.
Zonisamide is an anti-seizure treatment used for focal seizures, which may spread to involve both sides of the brain. It can be used alone in adults with newly diagnosed epilepsy or alongside other anti-seizure treatments in adults and eligible children.
Zopiclone is a prescription hypnotic, commonly called a Z-drug. It is licensed for severe insomnia in adults and can cause next-day impairment, tolerance, dependence and withdrawal.
Zuclopenthixol acetate is a first-generation antipsychotic given as an oily injection into a muscle. In the UK, it is licensed for the initial treatment of acute psychosis, including mania and worsening chronic psychosis.
Zuclopenthixol decanoate is a long-acting, first-generation antipsychotic injection used as maintenance treatment for schizophrenia and paranoid psychoses.
Zuclopenthixol dihydrochloride is a first-generation antipsychotic supplied as oral tablets. The selected tablets are licensed to treat psychoses, particularly schizophrenia.
Zuranolone is an oral neuroactive-steroid antidepressant licensed for moderate or severe postnatal depression in adults following childbirth. It enhances inhibitory GABA-A receptor signalling and is initiated under specialist supervision.