Zanamivir Disease Interactions

Serious respiratory adverse events, including bronchospasm and/or decline in lung function, have been reported during clinical trials and postmarketing use of zanamivir. The manufacturer does not generally recommend its use in patients with underlying airways disease such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, if it is prescribed, these patients should have a fast-acting inhaled bronchodilator readily available whenever zanamivir is administered. The drug should be stopped and the physician notified in case of worsening respiratory symptoms. Patients scheduled to use an inhaled bronchodilator at the same time as the zanamivir dose should use their bronchodilator before administering zanamivir.