Type of medicine: antiviral
Generic and brand names: ribavirin, aerosol; Virazole
This medicine is used to treat severe lung infections caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in infants and young children. It may be used for other virus infections as determined by your healthcare provider.
Your child needs to be in the hospital while being treated with this medicine. Specially trained healthcare providers will give this medicine to your child. A face mask or oxygen tent may be needed to inhale the medicine.
This medicine has been reported to cause birth defects. Pregnant family members or friends should not be in the room while treatments are being given.
If your child needs emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist that your child has received this medicine.
Infants and young children will be watched very closely while receiving this medicine. Healthcare providers will observe and treat serious side effects such as: bluish lips or fingernails; wheezing; tiredness; trouble sleeping; skin irritation; itching; irritation or redness of the eyes (conjunctivitis).
No significant drug interactions have been reported.
If you are not sure if your child's medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your child's medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat your child about all the products your child is taking.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
