84
Views
35
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Miscellaneous

Neuraminidase inhibitors for the treatment and prevention of influenza

Pages 103-112 | Published online: 25 Feb 2005
 

Abstract

The impact of influenza virus infection is estimated to run into billions of dollars worldwide. Vaccination plays a key role in prevention; however, vaccines do not provide complete protection against influenza due to the constant mutation of the virus responsible. Unlike amantadine and rimantadine, which are only effective against influenza A, the new neuraminidase inhibitors zanamivir (Relenza®, GlaxoSmithKline) and oseltamivir (Tamiflu®, Gilead/Roche) are potent and specific inhibitors of influenza types A and B and have minimal side effects. The greatest benefit is derived if treatment commences as soon as possible after symptoms develop. In order for these inhibitors to have a significant impact on the disease, clinicians and the general public need to be made more aware of the symptoms of influenza and the availability of these new drugs.

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.