Ribavirin inhalation is used to treat severe lung infections caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in infants and children.
This medicine is to be given in a well-ventilated room by your doctor or nurse in the hospital.
Ribavirin is placed into a machine which turns the medicine into a fine mist. This mist maybe delivered by inhalation using a face mask or a hood.
Ribavirin must be given regularly for it to be effective. The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your infection. You must complete the entire course of the medicine.
Do not miss any doses.
Alert your doctor or nurse if any doses had been missed.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
Do not use this medicine if the infant or child ever had an allergic reaction (rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to Ribavirin.
Pregnant healthcare workers or those who are planning to have a baby soon should avoid exposure to Ribavirin inhalation. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child.
Inform your doctor if you have lung disease such as asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (a lung disease that makes it hard to breathe).
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly. Your doctor will advise you on how often you need to have these tests.
Ribavirin inhalation may cause any of the following side effects: tiredness, headache, difficulty sleeping, nausea, loss of appetite, and redness or inflammation of the eye.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking other medicines for viral infections (e.g. didanosine, zidovudine.).
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicine, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
As this is a hazardous medicine, always return any unused or expired medicine to the clinic, hospital or pharmacy for disposal. Do not throw it away in the household waste.
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