Favipiravir

Favipiravir is an antiviral medication. It is used to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 in adults. It prevents the virus from multiplying and thus lowers the viral load in the body.

Favipiravir is a new antiviral drug against influenza. It is metabolized into favipiravir ribosyl triphosphate (favipiravir RTP) by an intracellular enzyme, and favipiravir RTP selectively inhibits RNA polymerase of the influenza virus, preventing replication.

• Influenza Virus Infections: Used for treatment of novel or re-emerging pandemic influenza virus infections when other antiviral drugs are ineffective or not sufficiently effective.
• COVID-19: Used for treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19.

Antiviral drugs

RNA Polymerase Inhibitor

Favipiravir is a new antiviral drug against influenza. It is metabolized into favipiravir ribosyl triphosphate (favipiravir RTP) by an intracellular enzyme, and favipiravir RTP selectively inhibits RNA polymerase (RNA-dependent RNA polymerase) of the influenza virus, preventing replication of the influenza virus.

Favipiravir inhibits RNA polymerase to prevent viral replication. It interferes with the virus's ability to produce new RNA, which is essential for the virus to replicate.

Adult Dose:

• Influenza/COVID-19: Day 1: 1600 mg twice daily; Day 2-5: 600 mg twice daily. Total treatment duration: 5 days.

Child Dose: Not given to children.

Favipiravir is usually taken twice a day for five days. Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet. May be taken on an empty or full stomach (taking with food may lower risk of nausea and vomiting).

If you forget to take Favipiravir, take them as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take it at the usual time. Avoid taking two doses at the same time.

Common Side Effects:

• Diarrhea
• Reduced number of white blood cells (neutrophils)
• Increased triglyceride levels in blood
• Increased uric acid level in blood
• Higher levels of liver enzymes

Precautions:

• Caution when taking Favipiravir while driving.
• Can cause birth defects; contraindicated in pregnant women.
• Harmful to nursing infants; contraindicated in breastfeeding women.
• Contraindicated in people with severe liver or kidney disease.
• Confirmation of non-pregnancy in women of childbearing potential before use; thorough contraception measures from start of treatment to 7 days after end of treatment.

Contraindications:

• Pregnant women
• Breastfeeding women
• Severe liver disease
• Severe kidney disease
• Hypersensitivity

Drug Interactions:

• Warfarin, Heparin (Anticoagulants): Increased risk of bleeding.
• Phenytoin, Valproate (Anticonvulsants): Increased blood levels.
• Cyclosporine, Tacrolimus (Immunosuppressants): Decreased effectiveness.

Food Interactions: Alcohol can interact with Favipiravir and increase the risk of side effects; should not consume alcohol.

Use in Pregnancy: Favipiravir is not safe during pregnancy; can cause birth defects.

Use in Lactation: Favipiravir is not safe during breastfeeding; may cause harmful effects on the baby.

Pediatric Use: Favipiravir has not been given to children.

Geriatric Use: No specific dosage adjustment is necessary for elderly patients.

Renal Impairment: Not recommended for patients with severe renal impairment.

Hepatic Impairment: Not recommended for patients with severe hepatic impairment.

Overdose: Animal studies showed increases in liver function parameters; toxicity information in humans is not readily available.

Storage: Keep below 30 degree C, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Favipiravir