Ribavirin Benefits & Uses

Ribavirin is used to treat the following -

Main Benefits

Hepatitis C

Other Benefits

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection

Ribavirin Dosage & How to Take

This is the usual dosage recommended in most common treatment cases. Please remember that every patient and their case is different, so the dosage can be different based on the disease, route of administration, patient's age and medical history.

Find the right dosage based on disease and age

Age Group	Dosage
Adult	Disease: Hepatitis C Before or After Meal: Either Single Maximum Dose: 400 mg Dosage Form: Capsule Dosage Route: Oral Frequency: 2 daily Course Duration: As directed by the doctor Special Instructions: As prescribed by the doctor
Geriatric	Disease: Hepatitis C Before or After Meal: Either Single Maximum Dose: 400 mg Dosage Form: Capsule Dosage Route: Oral Frequency: 2 daily Course Duration: As directed by the doctor Special Instructions: As prescribed by the doctor
13 - 18 years (Adolescent)	Disease: Hepatitis C Before or After Meal: Either Single Maximum Dose: 400 mg Dosage Form: Capsule Dosage Route: Oral Frequency: 2 daily Course Duration: As directed by the doctor Special Instructions: As prescribed by the doctor
2 - 12 years (Child)	Disease: Hepatitis C Before or After Meal: Either Single Maximum Dose: 200 mg Dosage Form: Tablet Dosage Route: Oral Frequency: 2 daily Course Duration: As directed by the doctor Special Instructions: Above 5 years old can take

Ribavirin Side Effects

Based on research, the following side effects have been observed when Ribavirin is used -

Severe

Anemia (Read More - Home Remedies for Anaemia)

Mild

Headache
Nausea or vomiting
पेट दर्द
Insomnia
Dizziness
Diarrhoea
Chills
Weight Loss
Rash

Ribavirin Related Warnings

Is the use of Ribavirin safe for pregnant women?

Ribavirin should not be taken during pregnancy, or should only be taken on the advice of a doctor as it may have severe side effects.

Severe
Is the use of Ribavirin safe during breastfeeding?

Ribavirin may lead to some side effects in breastfeeding women. If you witness any unusal symptoms after taking Ribavirin, discontinue its use and call your doctor right away. Follow your doctor's advice regarding the use of Ribavirin.

Moderate
What is the effect of Ribavirin on the Kidneys?

Very few cases of side effects of Ribavirin on kidney have been reported.

Mild
What is the effect of Ribavirin on the Liver?

Side effects of Ribavirin rarely affect the liver.

Mild
What is the effect of Ribavirin on the Heart?

Ribavirin has very mild side effects on the heart.

Mild

Severe Interaction of Ribavirin with Other Drugs

Ribavirin should not be taken with following medicines due to severe side effects it may cause to patients -

Severe

Abacavir,Lamivudine

Zidovudine

Azathioprine

Tenofovir

Emtricitabine

Ribavirin Contraindications

If you are suffering from any of the following diseases, you should not take Ribavirin unless your doctor advises you to do so -

Kidney Disease
Liver Disease
Heart Disease
Anemia
Thyroid problems
Hyperthyroidism

Frequently asked Questions about Ribavirin

Is this Ribavirin habit forming or addictive?

Ribavirin is not addictive in nature.

No
Is it safe to drive or operate heavy machinery when consuming?

After taking Ribavirin you may feel sleepy. So it is not advised to perform these activities.

Dangerous
Is it safe?

Yes, but take Ribavirin only as per medical advice.

Safe, but take only on Doctor's advise
Is it able to treat mental disorders?

No, Ribavirin cannot treat any kind of mental disorder.

No

Ribavirin Interactions with Food and Alcohol

Interaction between Food and Ribavirin

When consumed with certain foods, Ribavirin may take longer to have an effect. Contact your doctor about this.

Mild
Interaction between Alcohol and Ribavirin

Due to lack of research, there is no information about the side effects of taking Ribavirin with alcohol.

Unknown

See all substitutes for Ribavirin

This medicine data has been created by -

Vikas Chauhan

B.Pharma, Pharmacy
5 Years of Experience

References

KD Tripathi. [link]. Seventh Edition. New Delhi, India: Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers; 2013: Page No 804

US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) [Internet]. Maryland. USA; Package leaflet information for the user; Copegus® (ribavirin)

US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) [Internet]. Maryland. USA; Package leaflet information for the user; Rebetol® (ribavirin)

Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA): Department of Health [Internet]. Governmet of Australia; Package leaflet information for the user; Ibavyr® (ribavirin)