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Relenza vs. Rimantadine

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Zanamivir (Relenza) and rimantadine are both antiviral medications used to treat and prevent the flu, but they have some key differences. Zanamivir (Relenza) is a neuraminidase inhibitor effective against influenza types A and B, while rimantadine is only used against influenza type A. Zanamivir is inhaled through a Diskhaler, making it a good option for those who have trouble swallowing pills, but it is not recommended for people with asthma or COPD due to the risk of bronchospasm. Rimantadine is taken orally and is available as a generic, making it a more affordable option, but it is not recommended as a first-choice treatment due to resistance in many flu strains. Zanamivir is typically used for flu treatment in people aged 7 and older and for prevention in those aged 5 and older, while rimantadine is used for treatment in adults 17 years and older and for prevention in children as young as 1 year old. Common side effects of zanamivir include runny nose and dizziness, whereas rimantadine can cause nausea and trouble sleeping. Zanamivir should not be used within two weeks of receiving the FluMist vaccine.

Relenza

(zanamivir)

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Rimantadine

 

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Summary for Relenza

Prescription only

Relenza (zanamivir) is an antiviral medication. It can help ease flu symptoms and prevent the flu in certain adults and children. But it doesn't replace the seasonal flu vaccine. Relenza (zanamivir) comes as an inhaler that's inhaled by mouth twice daily for flu treatment or once daily for flu prevention. Because of the rare risk of bronchospasm, people who have asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) aren't recommended to use this medication. Common side effects include runny nose and dizziness. Relenza (zanamivir) is brand name only and not available as a generic medication.

Indications for Relenza

  • Flu treatment (flu types A and B) - age 7 years and older
  • Flu prevention (flu types A and B) - age 5 years and older

Pros and Cons for Relenza

Pros

  • Works for influenza types A and B
  • Inhaled; good option for people who don't like to take pills
  • Can prevent household members from spreading the flu to each other

Cons

  • Not recommended for people with asthma or COPD because of risk of bronchospasm
  • Need to start early for it to work well (within 2 days of symptoms appearing)
  • Won't stop the spread of flu to others, if you're already sick with the flu

Common Side Effects for Relenza

  • Diarrhea (3%)
  • Nausea (3%)
  • Sinus infection (3%)
  • Ear, nose, and throat infections (2%)
  • Dizziness (2%)
  • Bronchitis (2%)
  • Headache (2%)
  • Nose symptoms (2%)
  • Cough (2%)

Warnings for Relenza

  • Bronchospasm (tightening of the airways)
  • Allergic reactions
  • Unusual thoughts or behavior
  • Proper use of Diskhaler

Summary for Rimantadine

Prescription only

Rimantadine is an antiviral used to treat influenza A in adults, and prevent influenza A in children and adults. But rimantadine hasn't been a recommended option in recent years because many strains of flu virus have become resistant to this medication. Rimantadine is taken by mouth, typically twice a day. Side effects aren't common, but can include nausea, trouble sleeping, and dizziness. The brand name Flumadine has been discontinued so it's only available as a generic.

Indications for Rimantadine

  • Treatment of influenza type A - adults ages 17 and older
  • Prevention of influenza type A - people ages 1 year and older

Pros and Cons for Rimantadine

Pros

  • Available as a lower-cost generic
  • Tablets can be made into an oral suspension for people who have a hard time swallowing tablets
  • Can be used for prevention of the flu in children as young as 1 year old
  • Not many known interactions with other medications

Cons

  • Works best if taken within 48 hours of the onset of flu symptoms
  • Not recommended as the first-choice option to treat influenza since some virus strains are resistant to it
  • Doesn't work for the influenza type B virus
  • Not a good option for people with serious kidney problems

Common Side Effects for Rimantadine

  • Nausea (3%)
  • Vomiting (2%)
  • Trouble sleeping (2%)
  • Dizziness (2%)

Warnings for Rimantadine

  • Higher risk of seizures
  • Higher risk of side effects in people with liver and kidney problems

Prices with our coupons for Relenza vs. Rimantadine

Price Card Drug Icon
Relenza1 inhaler / 5mg
$65.25$75.67
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Rimantadine60 tablets / 100mg
$54.92$176.19
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