Swine influenza, also known as the H1N1 flu, is a strain of the flu that emerged during the Spring of 2009. The Mayo Clinic says that common swine influenza symptoms include a fever, a cough, fatigue, diarrhea, vomiting, chills and a headache. In some instances, this influenza leads to diarrhea and a sore throat. Antiviral drugs for swine influenza treat these symptoms.
Oseltamivir
Oseltamivir, commonly sold as Tamiflu, is a medication that reduces swine influenza symptoms. This medication also treats influenza virus types A and B. Specifically, oseltamivir halts the spread of the influenza virus throughout the body. Drugs.com says that oseltamivir's less serious side effects include trouble sleeping, dizziness, a nosebleed, diarrhea, a cough and eye redness. Oseltamivir's serious side effects include hallucinations, delirium, confusion and strange behavior. Sometimes, this drug leads to an allergic reaction. Signs of an allergic reaction include trouble breathing, swelling of the throat, tongue, lips and blistering of the skin. Go to the emergency room immediately when oseltamivir leads to these effects. Oseltamivir is a tablet taken every 12 hours or as prescribed.
Zanamivir
Zanamivir, commonly sold as Relenza, is another antiviral medication that decreases swine influenza symptoms. Drugs.com says that some of zanamivir's less serious side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, dizziness and an infection of the throat, ear and nose. Sometimes, this medication leads to a stuffy or irritated nose, a headache and respiratory problems. In some rare instances, zanamivir leads to confusion, self-injury and delirium. Zanamivir can also lead to an allergic reaction. Here, people develop difficulty breathing, hives and swelling of the tongue, lip, throat or face. Call 911 immediately because this is potentiallly life-threatening. Zanamivir is a tablet taken daily or as prescribed.
Peramivir
Peramivir refers to a neurominidase inhibitor that also slows the spread of the swine influenza virus throughout the body. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that some side effects of peramivir include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and dizziness. Signs of an allergic reaction to peramivir include trouble breathing, hives and facial, tongue or lip swelling. Go to the emergency room right away when peramivir leads to these effects. Peramivir is available as a tablet or intravenous injection given daily or as prescribed.
