Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

To help clear up your infection completely, ribavirin must be given for the full time of treatment, even if you or your child begins to feel better after a few days. Also, it is important to keep the amount of medicine in your body at a steady level. To help keep the amount constant, ribavirin must be given on a regular schedule.

This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow the information carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

You may take this medicine with food.

Swallow the capsule whole. Do not crush, break, or open it.

Measure the oral liquid with a marked measuring cup or spoon. Wash the cup or spoon after each use.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For hepatitis C virus infection, in combination with interferon alfa-2b:
    • For oral dosage form (capsules):
      • Adults—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 1000 to 1200 milligrams (mg) per day, given in 2 divided doses and taken in the morning and evening. Each capsule contains 200 mg of ribavirin.
        • Weighing more than 75 kilograms (kg)—3 capsules in the morning and 3 capsules in the evening.
        • Weighing at least 75 kg—2 capsules in the morning and 3 capsules in the evening.
      • Children 3 years of age and older—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 15 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day, given in 2 divided doses and taken in the morning and evening. Each capsule contains 200 mg of ribavirin.
      • Children younger than 3 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For oral dosage form (solution):
      • Adults—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The oral solution form of this medicine is not usually prescribed for adults and teenagers.
      • Children 3 years of age and older—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 15 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day, given in 2 divided doses and taken in the morning and evening.
      • Children younger than 3 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For hepatitis C virus infection, in combination with peginterferon alfa-2b:
    • For oral dosage form (capsules):
      • Adults—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 800 to 1400 milligrams (mg) per day, given in 2 divided doses and taken in the morning and evening.. Each capsule contains 200 mg of ribavirin.
        • Weighing more than 105 kilograms (kg)—3 capsules in the morning and 4 capsules in the evening.
        • Weighing 81 to 105 kg—3 capsules in the morning and 3 capsules in the evening.
        • Weighing 66 to 80 kg—2 capsules in the morning and 3 capsules in the evening.
        • Weighing less than 66 kg—2 capsules in the morning and 2 capsules in the evening.
      • Children 3 years of age and older—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 15 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day, given in 2 divided doses and taken in the morning and evening. Each capsule contains 200 mg of ribavirin.
        • Weighing more than 73 kilograms (kg)—3 capsules in the morning and 3 capsules in the evening.
        • Weighing 60 to 73 kg—2 capsules in the morning and 3 capsules in the evening.
        • Weighing 47 to 59 kg—2 capsules in the morning and 2 capsules in the evening.
        • Weighing less than 47 kg—Use of oral solution is recommended.
      • Children younger than 3 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For oral dosage form (solution):
      • Adults—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The oral solution form of this medicine is not usually prescribed for adults and teenagers.
      • Children 3 years of age and older—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 15 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day, given in two divided doses and taken in the morning and evening.
      • Children younger than 3 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For hepatitis C virus infection, in combination with peginterferon alfa-2a:
    • For oral dosage form (tablets):
      • Adults—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 800 to 1200 milligrams (mg) per day, given in 2 divided doses and taken in the morning and evening.
      • Children 5 years of age and older—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 400 to 1200 mg per day, given in 2 divided doses and taken in the morning and evening.
      • Children younger than 5 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For hepatitis C with HIV virus coinfection, in combination with peginterferon alfa-2a:
    • For oral dosage form (tablets):
      • Adults—800 milligrams (mg) per day.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Store the capsules and tablets in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Store the oral liquid in the refrigerator or at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze.

Portions of this document last updated: Feb. 01, 2024

Copyright: © Merative US L.P. 1973, 2024. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.