The Brand Name RIBAMAC Has Generic Salt :: Ribavirin 

RIBAMAC  Is From Company Mcneil & A. Priced :: Rs. N.I.

RIBAMAC have Ribavirin is comes under Sub class Anti Virals (Non Retroviral) of  Main Class Anti Infectives

Main Medicine Class:: Anti Infectives  Sub Medicine Class :: Anti Virals (Non Retroviral) 

Indications for Drugs ::

Chronic hepatitis C

Drug Dose ::

Adult: PO: Ribavirin + Interferon W/ interferon alfa-2a or interferon alpha-2b. Dosage depends on viral genotype. For genotype 1 or 4: All < 75 kg= (400+600) mg 3 MIU 3 times weekly 48 weeks subcutaneously. or > 75 kg= (600+600) mg For genotype 2 or 3: (400+400) mg/day. Ribavirin + Peg-Interferon W/ Peg-Interferon alpha-2a Duration or Peg-interferon alpha-2b For genotype 1 or 4: < 75 kg= (400+600) mg, once weekly 48 weeks. > 75 kg= (600+600) mg subcutaneously. For genotype 2 or 3: (400+400) mg 24 weeks For co-infection w/ HIV: 800 mg/day (regardless of viral genotype). To be given in 2 divided doses for 48 wk (genotype 1 or 4 or HIV co-infection) or 24 wk (genotype 2 or 3). The recommended duration of treatment for patients previously untreated with interferon is 24 to 48 weeks. After 24 weeks of treatment virologic response should be assessed. Treatment discontinuation should be considered in any patient who has not achieved an HCV RNA below the limit of detection of the assay by 24 weeks. There are no safety and efficacy data on treatment for longer than 48 weeks in the previously untreated patient population. In patients who relapse following interferon therapy, the recommended duration of treatment is 24 weeks. There are no safety and efficacy data on treatment for longer than 24 weeks in the relapse patient populations. Child: >3 yr: recommended dosing regimen (Rebetol (Schering Plough)): 15 mg/kg daily, given in 2 divided doses. Used in combination with interferon alfa-2b. For patients <25 kg or unable to swallow capsules, oral solution should be used. Capsules should not be used in patients <5 yr. Usual treatment duration: 48 wk (treatment-naive patients) or 24 wk (patients who have failed interferon alfa-2b monotherapy). Renal impairment: CrCl (ml/min) <50 Avoid usage. Hepatic impairment: Avoid in severe impairment. Contraindication ::

Hypersensitivity. Pregnancy and lactation. Unstable cardiac disease, haemoglobinopathies or CrCl <50 ml/min. Severe hepatic impairment or decompensated liver cirrhosis. Men whose female partners are pregnant. Children and adolescents with a history of, or existing psychiatric disorders. Drug Precautions ::

Patients with extensive hepatic fibrosis; renal impairment; anaemias. Monitor CBC at the start of, and regularly during treatment. Ensure contraception during treatment and for at least 6 mth after treatment cessation in women and female partners of male patients. Increased risk of fatal and nonfatal MI in patients with anaemia.

Drug Side Effects ::

Oral: Increased serum bilirubin and uric acid, haemolytic anaemia, reticulocytosis, anorexia, dyspepsia, nausea, irritability, dyspnoea, pharyngitis, skin rashes, pruritus and headache, abdominal cramps, fatigue, metallic taste, increased thirst, GI complaints, mood changes, insomnia. High dose may cause reduction in haemoglobin, haematocrit and RBC count. Aerosol: Deterioration in pulmonary function, bacterial pneumonia and pneumothorax, BP fall, cardiac arrest, anaemia, reticulocytosis, conjunctivitis, skin rash. Eye irritation due to deposited drug (infrequent).

Pregnancy category ::

5

Drug Mode of Action ::  

Ribavirin is a synthetic nucleoside which has inhibitory action against respiratory syncytial virus, influenza virus and herpes simplex virus. The mechanism of action is not clear. It may act at several sites including cellular enzymes to interfere with viral nucleic acid synthesis. The mono- and triphosphate derivatives are known to be responsible for the antiviral action of the compound.

Drug Interactions ::

May worsen neutropenia induced by interferon alfa. May increase risk of adverse effects when used with nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Potentially Fatal: Risk of fatal hepatic failure, peripheral neuropathy and pancreatitis when used with didanosine. Increased risk of severe neutropenia and anaemia when used with zidovudine.