Ribavirin for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection

Examples

Generic Name	Brand Name
ribavirin	Virazole

Ribavirin is very rarely used. However, it can be given to select children diagnosed with a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. It is given early in the course of RSV infection to minimize the effects of complications such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis.

The medicine is given in a mist form along with oxygen. The mist can be delivered through a large, clear plastic hood placed over the head. Older children usually receive the medicine through an oxygen tent over the bed or through a face mask. Treatment usually lasts 3 to 5 days.

How It Works

Ribavirin prevents the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) from reproducing.

Why It Is Used

Ribavirin is rarely used. However, it may be considered as treatment for people at high risk for bronchiolitis or pneumonia, which can develop as complications of RSV.

How Well It Works

Ribavirin may reduce the spread of RSV infection.

In some children, ribavirin may:

• Shorten an RSV illness.
• Reduce the severity or decrease the serious problems of lower respiratory infection and difficulty breathing.
• Prevent complications of RSV infection.

Side Effects

Ribavirin may make RSV infection and complications more severe.

Side effects include:

• Rash.
• Reddened eyes (conjunctivitis) after getting the medicine by mist.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

Your doctor will first consider the following before recommending ribavirin as treatment:

• The controversial results of ribavirin's effectiveness and lack of consensus on which children may benefit most from this medicine. The criteria for using this medicine will probably continue to change as more studies are done.
• Other potential side effects, such as:
  • Unknown long-term effects on a person or on the person's subsequent children. Long-term effects of ribavirin have not been studied.
  • Unknown risks of birth defects in a fetus exposed to the medicine. Pregnant women (including parents and hospital personnel) should not be around a child who is receiving ribavirin.
• High cost of the medicine

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Author:	Amy Fackler, MA Debby Golonka, MPH	Last Updated: August 9, 2006
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics W. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease
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