Medications

Some medications can be used to decrease the severity and duration of a flu attack. These are referred to as antiviral drugs.

• Amantadine (Symmetrel) and rimantadine (Flumadine) are active only against influenza A. Amantadine and rimantadine are not recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the 2005-2006 influenza season. Laboratory testing by the CDC on the predominant strain of influenza (H3N2) currently circulating in the United States shows that it is resistant to amantadine and rimantadine.



• Zanamivir (Relenza) and oseltamivir (Tamiflu) are active against both influenza A and B and have not developed resistance.
  • Zanamivir and oseltamivir are most effective when given within 48 hours of the onset of illness. They can decrease the duration of the disease by 1 day if used within this early time period. They are usually given for a period of about 5-7 days. Information is not conclusive whether or not these drugs can prevent complications of the flu.
  
  
  
  • Side effects may include nervousness, poor concentration, nausea, and vomiting. Serious effects such as worsening of asthma may occur if you have a history of asthma. Discuss side effects with your doctor.

When the lungs get infected, causing pneumonia, other antiviral drugs such as ribavirin and sometimes antibiotics may be needed.

• For nasal congestion, the doctor may suggest the use of over-the-counter decongestants. Anyone with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, thyroid disease, or glaucoma (high pressure of the eye) should not use these decongestants.

• Phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine) and oxymetazoline hydrochloride (Neo-Synephrine 12 Hour, Afrin) are available as nasal sprays or drops. Use 2-3 sprays in each nostril as indicated on the label. Only use these nasal sprays or drops for up to 3 days. If they are used for more than that, the medication can actually worsen the congestion. These medications are not recommended for children.

• Pseudoephedrine tablets (Sudafed) tablets may help congestion.