Optimizing antiviral therapy for influenza: Understanding the evidence

Michael G. Ison*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

36 Scopus citations

Abstract

Influenza is an important cause of annual epidemics of respiratory viral infection associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Three classes of drugs, the M2 ion channel, neuraminidase and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase inhibitors, are approved for the prevention and treatment of influenza. Due to widespread resistance to the class, the M2 ion channel inhibitors are not recommended currently for therapy. The only polymerase inhibitor, favipiravir, is approved only in Japan and its use is highly restricted. Despite significant data to support the early use of the neuraminidase inhibitors, their use in all patient populations is suboptimal. The data to support the early use of neuraminidase inhibitors will be reviewed, as will current data on the utilization rates in ambulatory and hospitalized populations.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)417-425
Number of pages9
JournalExpert Review of Anti-Infective Therapy
Volume13
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 1 2015

Keywords

  • antiviral therapy
  • influenza
  • laninamivir
  • neuraminidase inhibitors
  • oseltamivir
  • peramivir
  • zanamivir

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Microbiology
  • Microbiology (medical)
  • Virology
  • Infectious Diseases

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