In: Nursing
What does Ribavirin treat and how?
Can everyone take this drug? Are there people who shouldn't. Why?
What are the potential side effects of taking this drug. How severe are they?
ANSWER
It is an antiviral drug . It treats the conditions which cause virus.
It includes hepatitis C,and some viral haemorrhagic fever includes lasser fever, Crimean Congo fever, hanta virus infection , and respiratory syncytial virus , it also used in combination with other medications .
* Ribavirin inhibits the activity of RNA dependent RNA polymerase , it inhibits RNA protein synthesis results RNA replication will not takes place.
* It also directly inhibits HCV replication.
* Nowadays, it is using to treat corona virus.
This drug is contraindicated for some conditions and pregnant women's.
* Heart diseases :- ribavirin should not use who is having heart problems because this drug cause red blood cells to die in earlier stage which leads to heart attack.
* Pregnancy :- This drug cause birth defects to the baby ans some times it eveen ends the pregnancy.men should not take the drug if the partner is pregnant.
* Hemoglobin blood disorders : Ribavirin may decrease number of Red blood cells .
* Sucidal thoughts :- This drug should not give who is having sucidal thoughts , this drug increase the thoughts and even leads to implementations of the thoughts.
This are contraindiacted.
Potential side effects :- Nausea, vomitting, stomach upset, low appetite, weekness ,weight loss or gain , changes in hearing.
Rapid heart rate and changes in heart rhythm , chest pain , shortness of breath are severe side-effects due to long term usage. If any of these symptom appears consult the physician and visit hospital if needed.