Antiviral drugs are prescribed for their effect against the influenza viruses, including the swine flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends anti-viral medications for the prevention of influenza (chemoprophylaxis) as well as to treat the illness in some condition. Anti-viral medications are most often indicated for the treatment of influenza in individuals who are severely ill or highly susceptible to severe complications from the flu such as patients with asthma. Other reasons to treat influenza with antiviral drugs include pregnancy, compromised immune conditions, chronic medical conditions and age below two years or above 65 years. There are four main antiviral drugs for the influenza virus.
Tamiflu
Tamiflu is the brand name for the medication oseltamivir and gained popularity during the swine flu outbreak. RxList.com advises that it is approved for treating and helping to prevent influenza virus infections type A and B and is suitable for most individuals over 1 year old.
Relenza
Relenza is also a common antiviral prescription medication that contains the drug zanamivir. However, RxList.com notes that it is not approved for younger children or toddlers. This antiviral medication can treat influenza virus A and B infections and is suitable for individuals over 7 years old and over the age of 5 years if used to help prevent the flu.
Symmetrel
Symmetrel is one of the brand names for the antiviral medication amantadine. The drug amantadine hydrochloride is indicated for preventative use against the influenza type A virus. However, Drugs.com warns that this antiviral drug may not completely protect against the flu virus. Amantadine is also used to decrease the severity and duration of flu symptoms in individuals that are already infected.
Flumadine
Flumadine is the brand name for the antiviral drug rimantadine. MayoClinic.com recommends this prescription medication for treating influenza type A infections in individuals that are over 17 years old. In it also used to prevent type A flu infections in children under 17 and may be given alone or in addition to the flu shot in some cases.
