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Overview: Inhaled ribavirin is used to treat severe lower respiratory tract disease caused by respiratory syncytial virus in hospitalized infants and young children. It is thought to work by stopping the RSV virus from making copies of itself. Common side effects may include chest soreness, shortness of breath, and pink eye. Inhaled ribavirin is given by a trained health care provider in the hospital.

Uses

What is inhaled ribavirin used for?

Inhaled ribavirin is commonly used to treat severe lower respiratory tract infections (such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis) caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in hospitalized infants and young children. RSV is a common, contagious virus that causes symptoms like cough and runny nose. In most people, RSV is mild. However, in babies, older adults, and people with certain medical conditions, RSV can cause serious problems that require you to go to the hospital.

Inhaled ribavirin may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

See also: Ribavirin (Copegus, Rebetol, and others)

How does inhaled ribavirin work (mechanism of action)?

Inhaled ribavirin is thought to work by preventing the RSV virus from making copies of itself.

How is inhaled ribavirin supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Virazole

Dosage forms and strengths

Inhaled ribavirin is available in a liquid that is inhaled and is given by a health care provider.

How should I store inhaled ribavirin?

Inhaled ribavirin is given by a health care provider in a hospital. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of inhaled ribavirin?

The most common side effects of inhaled ribavirin are listed below. Tell your health care provider if your child has any of these side effects that bother them.

There may be other side effects of inhaled ribavirin that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of inhaled ribavirin?

While less common, the most serious side effects of inhaled ribavirin are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Inhaled ribavirin may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Get medical help right away if your child has any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Sudden Worsening of Lung Function. Inhaled ribavirin may cause a sudden worsening of lung function. Your child will be closely monitored during treatment with inhaled ribavirin. If there is a sudden worsening of lung function, the health care provider will likely stop treatment right away and may give medicine to help with breathing. Inhaled ribavirin treatment should only be restarted with extreme caution.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use inhaled ribavirin?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use inhaled ribavirin.

  • Ribavirin
  • Virazole
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product received

Your child’s health care provider can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific inhaled ribavirin products stocked at the hospital.

Pregnancy. Inhaled ribavirin should not be used during pregnancy.

What should I know about inhaled ribavirin before using it?

Inhaled ribavirin will be given by a trained health care provider using special equipment. The health care provider will monitor your child closely during treatment. 

What should I tell my health care provider before using inhaled ribavirin?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if inhaled ribavirin is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if your child has any of the following.

  • Premature birth
  • A heart condition
  • A lung or breathing condition
  • A weak immune system, get infections easily, or take medicines or treatments that suppress the immune system such as radiation or chemotherapy

Pregnancy. People who can become pregnant are not usually prescribed inhaled ribavirin. Inhaled ribavirin should not be used in people who are pregnant or can become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. People who can breastfeed are not usually prescribed inhaled ribavirin.

Interactions

Does inhaled ribavirin interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between inhaled ribavirin and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect inhaled ribavirin.

Does inhaled ribavirin interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between inhaled ribavirin and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements your child is using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much inhaled ribavirin?

If you or someone else has used too much inhaled ribavirin, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of inhaled ribavirin?

Inhaled ribavirin is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital. Your health care provider will make sure your child is receiving inhaled ribavirin as scheduled.