Anti-Viral Therapy Why Neuraminidase Inhibitors?

• Vaccines are the mainstay of influenza control

• Four antiviral drugs are currently approved for the treatment or prevention of influenza

• Adamantanes: Amantadine and Rimantadine

  • Use is limited by side effects and the rapid emergence of viral drug resistance
  • Not active against influenza B

• Neuraminidase inhibitors Zanamivir and Oseltamivir

• Zanamivir: - active against influenza A and B

- well-tolerated

- no resistance in clinical studies

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