For the prevention and treatment of influenza A and B.
The proposed mechanism of action of zanamivir is via inhibition of influenza virus neuraminidase with the possibility of alteration of virus particle aggregation and release. By binding and inhibiting the neuraminidase protein, the drug renders the influenza virus unable to escape its host cell and infect others.
Absolute bioavailability is very low following oral administration (2%). Following oral inhalation, bioavailability is 4% to 17%.
2.5-5.1 hours
It is excreted unchanged in the urine with excretion of a single dose completed within 24 hours. Unabsorbed drug is excreted in the feces.Zanamivir is renally excreted as unchanged drug.
* 2.5 - 10.9 L/h [Following oral inhalation 10 mg] * 5.3 L/h [Normal renal function receiving IV single dose of 4 mg or 2 mg] * 2.7 L/h [Patients with mild and moderate renal impairement receiving IV single dose of 4 mg or 2 mg] * 0.8 L/h [Patients with severe renal impairement receiving IV single dose of 4 mg or 2 mg]