Peramivir
Peramivir is an antiviral medication specifically designed to treat influenza infections. It belongs to the neuraminidase inhibitor class of drugs and works by preventing the spread of the influenza virus within the body. This medication is typically administered as a single intravenous dose and is particularly useful for patients who cannot take oral medications or require hospitalization for severe influenza.
Peramivir is an antiviral injection used to treat acute uncomplicated influenza infections in adults and children.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- J05AH03
- RxNorm
- 619693
- Generic
- Peramivir
- Class
- atc-j05
- Brands
- Rapivab
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse only if clearly needed
use only if potential benefits justify potential risks to fetus
fetal monitoring as clinically indicated
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse only if clearly needed
use only if potential benefits justify potential risks to fetus
fetal monitoring as clinically indicated
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedinguse with caution
discontinue breastfeeding or interrupt drug, considering importance of drug to mother
monitor infant for adverse effects
pediatric_age
children 2 years and olderweight-based dosing
approved for use in pediatric patients 2 years and older with acute uncomplicated influenza
monitor for clinical response
geriatric
elderly 65 years and olderno specific adjustment required
use with caution due to potential decreased renal function in elderly
monitor renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentdose reduction required
for CrCl 30-49 mL/min: reduce dose to 200mg once; for CrCl 10-29 mL/min: reduce dose to 100mg once
monitor renal function closely
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
hepatic impairmentno adjustment needed
no dose adjustment required for mild to moderate hepatic impairment
standard monitoring
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval for Peramivir (Rapivab) for treatment of acute uncomplicated influenza
Drug class
Classification as neuraminidase inhibitor antiviral medication
Primary indication
Approved therapeutic indication for Peramivir
Route of administration
Peramivir is administered via IV infusion
Peramivir is indicated for the treatment of acute uncomplicated influenza in patients who have symptoms for no more than 2 days. It is particularly beneficial for patients who require hospitalization, cannot tolerate oral medications, or have severe influenza infections. The medication is approved for use in both adult and pediatric patients.
Peramivir works by inhibiting the neuraminidase enzyme on the surface of influenza viruses. This enzyme is essential for the virus to release newly formed viral particles from infected cells, allowing the infection to spread. By blocking this enzyme, Peramivir prevents the virus from multiplying and spreading to other cells in the respiratory tract.
Peramivir is administered as a single intravenous infusion over 15-30 minutes. Common side effects may include diarrhea, nausea, and mild skin reactions. It is generally not recommended for patients with known hypersensitivity to the drug. Effectiveness is greatest when initiated within 48 hours of symptom onset. Peramivir does not prevent bacterial infections that may accompany influenza, and it does not protect against all strains of influenza viruses.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy