Home Drug Guide Baloxavir Marboxil

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Baloxavir Marboxil

Brand Names Xofluza

Classification

Therapeutic: Antiviral for influenza

Pharmacological: Cap-dependent endonuclease inhibitor

FDA Approved Indications

  • Treatment of acute uncomplicated influenza in patients 12 years and older who have been symptomatic for no more than 48 hours

Mechanism of Action

Inhibits the cap-dependent endonuclease enzyme, which is essential for viral replication, thereby blocking influenza virus proliferation.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: 40 mg as a single dose for patients ≥80 kg; 20 mg as a single dose for patients 40–80 kg.

Pediatric: Not approved for children under 12 years.

Geriatric: No specific dose adjustment required; use with caution in the elderly due to potential comorbidities.

Renal Impairment: No dose adjustment necessary.

Hepatic Impairment: Limited data; use with caution; no specific recommendations available.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Rapidly absorbed after oral administration.

Distribution: Widely distributed in body tissues.

Metabolism: Metabolized primarily by hepatic aldehyde oxidase, with minor contribution from xanthine oxidase.

Excretion: Excreted mainly via urine as metabolites.

Half Life: Approximately 80 hours.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to baloxavir marboxil or any component of the formulation.

Precautions

  • Use with caution in patients with severe renal or hepatic impairment. Consider the potential resistance development, especially if used outside recommended guidelines.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Diabbhoea (Infrequent)
  • Headache (Common)
  • Subclinical decreases in neutrophil counts (Rare)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis (Rare)
  • Skin rash or dermatitis (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • Polyvalent cation-containing products (antacids, calcium, magnesium, aluminum, iron) reduce absorption.
  • Other antivirals may have interactions; consult current guidelines.

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor for signs of influenza and any adverse drug reactions.

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for adverse drug reactions
  • Impaired comfort related to side effects.

Implementation: Administer as prescribed within 48 hours of symptom onset. Educate patient on the importance of completing the dosage.

Evaluation: Assess symptom resolution and monitor for adverse effects.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Take medication as directed and within 48 hours of symptom onset.
  • Report any allergic reactions or side effects promptly.
  • Maintain hydration and rest.
  • Discuss the importance of vaccination and infection prevention strategies.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings: N/A

Genetic Factors: No specific genetic considerations.

Lab Test Interference: No known interference with laboratory tests.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or other side effects.

Treatment: Supportive care; no specific antidote. Consult poison control or emergency services.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature, below 30°C (86°F).

Stability: Stable for up to 24 months when stored properly.

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.