Introduction
Viraflu is an antiviral medication. It is used to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 in adults. It prevents the virus from multiplying and thus lowers the viral load in the body.
Uses of Viraflu Tablet
Viraflu use as a treatment of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
Side effects of Viraflu Tablet
- Diarrhea
- Reduced number of white blood cells (neutrophils)
- Triglyceride levels in blood have increased.Increased uric acid level in blood
- Higher levels of liver enzymes
How to use Viraflu Tablet
Viraflu is usually taken twice a day for five days. It is important to take the medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor.Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet.Viraflu may be taken on an empty or full stomach. However, taking it with food may lower the risk of nausea and vomiting.
How Viraflu Tablet works
Viraflu works by inhibiting the replication of the influenza virus. It does this by interfering with the virus's ability to produce new RNA, which is essential for the virus to replicate.
What if you forget to take Viraflu Tablet?
If you forget to take yourViraflu , take them as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take it at the usual time. Avoid taking two doses at the same time.
Indication
Indicated for the treatment of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Administration
The typical adult dosage is 1600 mg of Favipiravir orally twice daily on Day 1, followed by 600 mg orally twice daily from Days 2 to 5, or as directed by a doctor. The total duration of treatment should be five days.
Adult Dose
The standard adult dose of favipiravir for influenza treatment is 1,600 mg twice a day on the first day, followed by 600 mg twice a day for the following four days.
Total treatment course: 3600 mg/day for 5 days (1800 mg on day one and 1800 mg/day thereafter).
Child Dose
Favipiravir has not been given to children
Renal Dose
Not recommended for adults with severe renal impairment.
Contraindication
It can cause birth defects and is harmful to unborn babies. It is contraindicated in pregnant women and also harmful to nursing infants. It is contraindicated in women who are breastfeeding .It can contraindicated in people with severe liver or kidney disease and who are allergic to it.
Mode of Action
Favipiravir is an antiviral medication that inhibits the influenza virus's RNA polymerase. RNA polymerase is an enzyme that allows the virus to replicate and spread. Favipiravir inhibits RNA polymerase, which prevents the virus from replicating and spreading.
Favipiravir is a prodrug, which means it is converted to its active form, favipiravir-ribofuranosyl-5'-triphosphate (favipiravir-RTP), in the body. Favipiravir-RTP then inhibits RNA polymerase by competing with its natural substrate, adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This competition keeps the virus from incorporating new nucleotides into its RNA, preventing it from replicating.
Favipiravir works against both influenza A and B viruses. It is also effective against some other RNA viruses, such as yellow fever virus and West Nile virus.
Precautions
Favipiravir should not be taken by pregnant women or lactating mother .Favipiravir should be used with caution in people with mild to moderate liver or kidney impairment .It is important to tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions before taking it .
Side Effect
Diarrhea
Increased uric acid level in blood
Decreased white blood cell count (neutrophils),Increased liver enzymes
Increased triglyceride level in blood
Pregnancy & Lactation Category Note
Pregnancy:
Pregnant women should avoid using Favipiravir.
Favipiravir can cause birth abnormalities and harms unborn children.Women who are pregnant or want to become pregnant should avoid using favipiravir.
Lactation:
Breastfeeding women should avoid favipiravir.
Favipiravir is detrimental to nursing newborns.
Women who are breastfeeding should avoid taking favipiravir.
Interaction
Favipiravir can increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulants, such as warfarin and heparin .Favipiravir can increase the levels of anticonvulsants, such as phenytoin and valproate, in the blood. Favipiravir can decrease the effectiveness of immunosuppressants, such as cyclosporine and tacrolimus.
Storage Conditions
Store below 30°C temperature, protected from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.