peramivir


peramivir

(per-am-a-veer),

Rapivab

(trade name)

Classification

Therapeutic: antivirals
Pharmacologic: neuraminidase inhibitors
Pregnancy Category: C

Indications

Treatment of acute uncomplicated influenza in patients ≥18 yr who have had symptoms for two days or less.

Action

Inhibits the enzyme neuraminidase, which may alter virus particle aggregation and release.

Therapeutic effects

Reduced duration or prevention of flu-related symptoms.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: IV administration results in complete bioavailaility.Distribution: Unknown.Metabolism and Excretion: Mostly eliminated unchanged by kidneys (> 90%).Half-life: 20.8 hr.

Time/action profile (blood levels)

ROUTEONSETPEAKDURATION
IVrapidend of infusionunknown

Contraindications/Precautions

Contraindicated in: None noted.Use Cautiously in: Renal impairment (dose reduction required for CCr <50 mL/min); Geriatric: Consider age-related decrease in hepatic, renal, cardiac function, concurrent diseases and drug therapy; Obstetric: Use only if clearly needed; Lactation: Consider benefits of breastfeeding, need for peramivir and potential for adverse effects; Pediatric: Safety and effectiveness in children <18 yr has not been established.

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

Central nervous system

  • insomnia
  • neuropsychiatric events

Cardiovascular

  • hypertension

Gastrointestinal

  • constipation

Dermatologic

  • skin reactions including stevens-johnson syndrome (life-threatening)

Interactions

Drug-Drug interaction

Avoid use of live attenuated influenza vaccine within 2 wk prior and 48 hr after peramivir; interference may occur.

Route/Dosage

Intravenous (Adults and Children ≥18 yr (CCr ≥50 mL/min) 600 mg.

Renal Impairment

Intravenous (Adults and Children ≥18 yr) CCr 30–49 mL/min—200 mg, CCr 10–29 mL/min—100 mg

Availability

Solution for IV use: 200 mg/ 20 mL vial

Nursing implications

Nursing assessment

  • Assess for signs and symptoms of influenza (fever, dyspnea, tachypnea, tachycardia, hypotension) prior to and at least daily during therapy. Patient must be symptomatic for no more than 2 days to receive peramivir.
  • Monitor for signs of neuropsychiatric symptoms (hallucinations, delirium, abnormal behavior) during therapy.
  • Assess patient for skin rash during therapy. Monitor closely and treat symptomatically.
  • Lab Test Considerations: May cause ↑ serum ALT, AST, glucose, creatine phosphokinase, and ↓ neutrophils.

Potential Nursing Diagnoses

Risk for infection (Indications)

Implementation

  • Intravenous Administration
  • Intermittent Infusion: Diluent: 0.9% NaCl or 0.45% NaCl, D5, or LR to a maximum volume of 100 mL. Solution is clear and colorless; do not administer solution that is discolored or contains a precipitate. Upon dilution, administer immediately or refrigerate up to 24 hrs; discard after 24 hrs. Allow to reach room temperature prior to administration.. Discard unused portion of single use vial.
  • Rate: Infuse over 15 to 30 min.
  • Y-Site Incompatibility: Do not administer simultaneously with any other medication.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Explain purpose of peramivir to patient.
  • Advise patient to notify health care professional if signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis or rash, or neuropsychiatric symptoms occur.
  • Advise female patient to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

  • Resolution of sign and symptoms of influenza.