Home Drug Guide Peramivir

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Peramivir

Brand Names Rapivab

Classification

Therapeutic: Antiviral for Influenza A and B

Pharmacological: Neuraminidase inhibitor

FDA Approved Indications

  • Treatment of acute uncomplicated influenza in patients aged 2 years and older who have been symptomatic for no more than 2 days

Mechanism of Action

Peramivir competitively inhibits viral neuraminidase, impairing viral release from infected cells and reducing spread of the infection.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: 600 mg as a single IV infusion over 15 to 30 minutes, administered once

Pediatric: 211 to 447 mg based on weight, administered as a single IV infusion over 15 to 30 minutes

Geriatric: No specific dosage adjustment recommended, but monitor renal function

Renal Impairment: Dose adjustment required in severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <50 mL/min)

Hepatic Impairment: No specific dose adjustment noted

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Administered IV, so bioavailability is 100%.

Distribution: Widely distributed in body fluids and tissues.

Metabolism: Not metabolized significantly; primarily excreted unchanged.

Excretion: Renally excreted; renal clearance is the main elimination pathway.

Half Life: Approximately 20 hours

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to peramivir or any component of the formulation

Precautions

  • Use with caution in patients with renal impairment; monitor renal function.
  • Ensure accurate diagnosis of influenza, as antiviral therapy is most effective when started early.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Diarrhea (Unknown)
  • Nausea (Unknown)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Allergic reactions including hypersensitivity, anaphylaxis (Rare)
  • Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and other severe skin reactions (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • None specifically identified, but use caution with other nephrotoxic drugs.

Drug-Food Interactions

  • No significant interactions

Drug-Herb Interactions

  • Limited data; consult current references.

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor renal function and hydration status.

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for impaired kidney function.
  • Risk for allergic reaction.

Implementation: Administer IV infusion as prescribed. Monitor for adverse reactions during and after infusion.

Evaluation: Assess for reduction in influenza symptoms and adverse effects.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Explain the purpose of the medication and that it is given as a one-time infusion.
  • Notify healthcare providers of signs of allergic reactions or adverse effects.
  • Maintain hydration and report unusual symptoms.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • None at this time

Genetic Factors: No specific genetic considerations known.

Lab Test Interference: Renal function tests should be monitored during therapy.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Potential allergic reactions, hypotension, or other infusion-related reactions.

Treatment: Supportive care; corticosteroids or antihistamines may be used for allergic reactions. Dialysis may be considered in severe cases if needed.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store vials at room temperature, 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).

Stability: Stable until the expiration date on the package.

🛡️ 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.