RIBACIP
RIBACIP (Systemic)Some commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S.?/B>
Virazole
In Canada?/B>
Virazole
Virazid
Another commonly used name is tRIBACIP .
Category
Antiviral, systemic
Description
RIBACIP (rye-ba-VYE-rin) is used to treat severe virus pneumonia in infants and young children. It is given by oral inhalation (breathing in the medicine as a fine mist through the mouth), using a special nebulizer (sprayer) attached to an oxygen hood or tent or face mask.
This medicine may also be used for other virus infections as determined by your doctor. However, it will not work for certain viruses, such as the common cold.
RIBACIP is to be administered only by or under the immediate supervision of your doctor, in the following dosage form:
Inhalation
For inhalation solution (U.S. and Canada)
Before Receiving This Medicine
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For RIBACIP, the following should be considered:
Allergies?/B>Tell your doctor if you or your child has ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to RIBACIP for inhalation. Also tell your health care professional if you or your child is allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy?/B>RIBACIP for inhalation is not usually prescribed for teenagers or adults. However, women who are pregnant or may become pregnant may be exposed to RIBACIP that is given off in the air if they spend time at the patient's bedside while RIBACIP is being given. Although studies have not been done in humans, RIBACIP has been shown to cause birth defects and other problems in certain animal studies. Be sure you have discussed this with your doctor.

Breast-feeding?/B>RIBACIP for inhalation is not usually prescribed for teenagers or adults. However, RIBACIP passes into the breast milk of animals and has been shown to cause problems in nursing animals and their young.

Children?/B>This medicine has been tested in children, and, when used as it should be and in effective doses, has not been shown to cause serious side effects or problems.
Older adults?/B>RIBACIP for inhalation is not usually prescribed for use in elderly patients.
Proper Use of This Medicine
To help clear up your infection completely, RIBACIP must be given for the full time of treatment , even if you or your child begins to feel better after a few days. Also, this medicine works best when there is a constant amount in the lungs. To help keep the amount constant, RIBACIP must be given on a regular or continuous schedule.
Dosing?/B>The dose of RIBACIP will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions . The following information includes only the average doses of RIBACIP. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
For the inhalation dosage form:
For treatment of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection:
Adults and teenagers桪ose has not been determined since this medicine is not usually prescribed for teenagers or adults.
Infants and children桪ose must be determined by the doctor.
Side Effects of This Medicine
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. The following side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:
Rare
Headache; itching, redness, or swelling of eyes; skin rash or irritation
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
Additional Information
Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although these uses are not included in product labeling, RIBACIP is used in certain patients with the following medical conditions:
Influenza A and B (given by aerosol inhalation)
Lassa fever (either given orally or by injection)
For patients taking this medicine by mouth or injection for Lassa fever :
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Unusual tiredness and weakness
Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. The following side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:
Less common
Headache; loss of appetite; nausea; trouble in sleeping; unusual tiredness or weakness
Other than the above information, there is no additional information relating to proper use, precautions, or side effects for these uses.