Antiviral drugs in healthy children.
Author(s): Margo KL, Shaughnessy AF
Affiliation(s): Harrisburg Family Practice Center, PA 17105-8700, USA.
Publication date & source: 1998-03-01, Am Fam Physician., 57(5):1073-7.
Publication type: Review
Several antiviral agents are available to treat viral illnesses in healthy children. In some children, treatment with acyclovir is an alternative to vaccination for the treatment and prevention of chickenpox. Acyclovir also can be useful in the treatment or prevention of herpes simplex infections in neonates. Ribavirin, once recommended as routine therapy for high-risk infants with respiratory syncytial virus disease, is now reserved for use in selected children. Amantadine and rimantidine are effective against influenza type A and can be used to protect children from influenza, as well as to lessen the duration and severity of illness in those who are already ill.
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