ask your pharmacist

Are there any prescription treatments for the flu?

The best way to avoid getting the flu is to have a flu shot, which is up to 90 percent effective in preventing the flu. There is also a new vaccine nasal spray called Flu Mist which cannot be given to children under the age of five. The most common treatments for the flu are rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and over-the-counter medications.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved four prescription drugs for treatment of the flu. They are Flumadine (generic name rimantadine), >Symmetrel (amantadine), Relenza (zanamivir), and >Tamiflu (oseltamivir). These drugs may reduce the duration of the flu by about one day, and may prevent the spread of infection. But to be effective, these drugs must be taken within the first 48 hours after you begin having flu symptoms. They require strict dosing regimens, may cause side effects, and will not prevent flu complications such as pneumonia or bronchitis.

If flu shots are not available, your doctor may prescribe these prescription drugs for the duration of the peak flu outbreak in your community. They don’t prevent you from getting infected, but can help to combat the infection and shorten your illness. Flumadine and Symmetrel can help against flu caused by type A influenza viruses, but are not effective against type B influenza viruses. Both drugs are effective in about 70 percent of cases caused by type A viruses. Relenza and Tamiflu can help against both type A and type B influenza viruses. Studies show that Relenza is 84 percent effective and Tamiflu is 82 percent effective in reducing the duration of the flu.

Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Neuraminidase Inhibitors for Treatment of Influenza A and B Infections." Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, Dec. 17, 1999, Vol. 48 (RR-14).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Prevention and Control of Influenza: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)." Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, April 14, 2000, Vol. 49 (RR-03).
Flu Information. http://www.fda.gov. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Last accessed 11/14/2006.
Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. American Pharmaceutical Association, 2000.
Micromedex® Healthcare Series. Thomson Micromedex ,Inc., 2006.
The Merck Manual of Medical Information: Home Edition. Merck & Co., 1997.

This response prepared 7/2/2001.
This information updated 1/23/2007.

• >amantadine