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Ribavirin (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. Ribavirin taken by mouth (oral) treats a viral liver infection known as hepatitis C. It is used in combination with injectable interferon alfa-2b ( in-ter-FEER-on AL-fa-2b) or with injectable peginterferon alfa-2b (peg-in-ter-FEER-on AL-fa-2b) . Ribavirin is used to treat virus infections. Interferons are substances naturally produced by cells in the body to help fight infections and tumors. Interferon alfa-2b and peginterferon alfa-2b are synthetic (man-made) versions of these substances. Interferon alfa-2b and peginterferon alfa-2b are used to treat a variety of tumors and viruses including the hepatitis C virus.
Ribavirin is used with another medication called an interferon to treat hepatitis C. Ribavirin is in a class of antiviral medications called nucleoside analogues. It works by stopping the virus that causes hepatitis C from spreading inside the body. It is not known if treatment that includes Ribavirin and another medication cures hepatitis C infection, prevents liver damage that may be caused by hepatitis C, or prevents the spread of hepatitis C to other people. Ribavirin comes as a tablet, a capsule and an oral solution (liquid) to take by mouth. It is usually taken twice a day, in the morning and the evening, for 24–48 weeks or longer. Take Ribavirin tablets with food. Take Ribavirin capsules and oral solution with food, unless your doctor tells you that you may take Ribavirin with or without food. In that case, be sure to take the medication the same way every day. It is best to take Ribavirin at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Ribavirin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Shake the liquid well before each use to mix the medication evenly. Be sure to wash the measuring spoon or cup after use each time you measure the liquid. Your doctor may decrease your dose or tell you to stop taking Ribavirin for a short time if you develop side effects of the medication. Call your doctor if you are bothered by side effects of Ribavirin. Do not decrease your dose or stop taking Ribavirin unless your doctor tells you that you should. Brand names: - Copegus - Rebetol - Ribavirin - Virazole |