What is Favipiravir?
Favipiravir is an antiviral medication developed by Toyama Chemical Industry (now part of Fujifilm Holdings) and used for the treatment of COVID-19. It works by inhibiting viral replication within the body, specifically targeting RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, a crucial enzyme for viral replication. Favipiravir has been approved for emergency use in several countries to treat patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms. The medication is also known as Avigan or T-705.
What is Favipiravir used for?
Favipiravir, also known as T-705 or Avigan, is an antiviral medication that belongs to the pyrazinecarboxamide class. It was initially developed by Toyama Chemical Industry (now part of FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation) for use against viral infections, particularly influenza A and B viruses. Favipiravir has a unique mechanism of action, inhibiting viral replication through its ability to terminate RNA synthesis in viral polymerase enzymes.
Favipiravir is an uncompetitive inhibitor that targets the neuraminidase activity of the influenza virus. Its effectiveness as an antiviral agent was first demonstrated in preclinical studies and later confirmed in clinical trials involving patients with acute respiratory infections, including pneumonia. The medication’s primary use cases have focused on treating viral infections caused by RNA viruses such as influenza A, B, and C viruses, and some coronavirus strains. As a result of its promising efficacy data and the urgent need for antiviral treatments during pandemics, favipiravir has gained significant attention worldwide for potential therapeutic applications against various viral diseases.
Favipiravir side effects
- Abdominal pain
- Anemia
- Anxiety
- Arrhythmia
- Back pain
- Bleeding disorder
- Blood creatinine increased
- Blood urea increased
- Bradycardia
- Constipation
- Confusion
- Cough
- Decreased appetite
- Decreased neutrophil count
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Dyspepsia
- Fatigue
- Flushing
- Hemicrania
- Hepatic enzyme increased
- Hyperkalemia
- Hypersensitivity reaction
- Increased blood creatine kinase
- Increased lipase
- Laryngitis
- Mucous cough
- Myalgia
- Nausea
- Neutropenia
- Palpitations
- Pharyngitis
- Pulmonary embolism
- Pylonephritis
- Rhinitis
- Thrombocytopenia
- Tinnitus
- Urticaria
- Vaginal hemorrhage
- Vertigo
- Vomiting
Disclaimer
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