Neuraminidase Inhibitors for Treatment of Influenza A and B Infections. Morbidity211 and Mortality Weekly Report, Vol. 48, No. RR-14, December 17, 1999

摘要

Influenza epidemics are responsible for an average of approximately 20,000 deaths211u001eper year in the United States. The main method for preventing influenza and its 211u001esevere complications is influenza vaccination. Influenza-specific antiviral drugs 211u001eare an important adjunct to vaccine but are not a substitute for vaccine. In the 211u001eUnited States, four antiviral agents are approved for preventing or treating 211u001einfluenza: amantadine, rimantadine, zanamivir, and oseltamivir. Amantadine has 211u001ebeen available in the United States since 1976, and rimantadine has been 211u001eavailable since 1993. This report provides information on two neuraminidase 211u001einhibitors, zanamivir and oseltamivir, which were approved in 1999. Neuraminidase 211u001einhibitors are a new class of antiviral drugs that inhibit influenza A and B 211u001eviruses. Zanamivir is approved for treatment of uncomplicated acute illness 211u001ecaused by influenza virus in persons 12 years who have been symptomatic for no 211u001emore than 2 days.