Influenza: Una revisión de su quimioprofilaxis y terapéutica anti viral

Abstract

Several antiviral drugs are now available to be prescribed as a prophylactic or therapeutic scheme in influenza infections. Neuraminidase inhibitors are active and effective against A and B influenza virus, with a better antiviral spectrum than amantadine and rimantadine, both have a restricted activity over influenza A virus. The antiviral spectrum of these molecules and the available evidence in several clinical efficacy trials, support the usage of these drugs to shorten the evolution of the disease, diminish the severity of symptoms and complication rates of influenza. Zanamivir and oseltamivir efficacy are similar and both present minor adverse reactions, due to the nasal and oral route of administration respectively. However, the high cost limits their prescription as a therapy, especially for the high risk patients. In circumstances where economical resources are scarce, amantadine in appropriate dose, can be still considered a cost-effective alternative for the management of established influenza or for the prophylactic intervention in groups with non vaccinated high risk patients.