Favipiravir (T-705, Favipira) : Therapeutic uses, Clinical uses, Indications, Dosage, Side Effects, Warnings, Interactions, Precautions, Contraindications & Brand names
Updated on 22nd April 2020. These materials are regularly updated based on new scientific findings & trials as the pandemic evolves.
Favipiravir, a pyrazine carboxamide derivative, is an antiviral medication developed by the Toyama Chemical (Fujifilm group) of Japan. It is approved as treatment for influenza in Japan And now being studied for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Dose : 200 mg
Route : Oral
Onset of action : N/A
Plasma half-life : N/A
Duration of action : N/A
Bioavailability : N/A
Plasma protein binding : N/A
Metabolism : N/A
Pregnancy risk category : N/A
Chemical formula : C5H4FN3O2
IUPAC name : 6-fluoro-3-hydroxypyrazine-2-carboxamide
Trade name : Avigan
Therapeutic uses : Favipiravir has been approved to treat influenza strains unresponsive to current antivirals in Japan.
- Off Label Uses: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Is Favipiravir effective for COVID-19?
No conclusive evidence are available for its effectiveness against COVID-19. Company has commenced a Phase III trial.
Mechanism of action
Favipiravir undergoes an intracellular phosphoribosylation to be an active form, favipiravir-RTP (favipiravir ribofuranosyl-5′-triphosphate).
Favipiravir-RTP mistakenly recognized as a substrate by viral RdRp
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Favipiravir-RTP is misincorporated in nascent vRNA, or it may act by binding to conserved polymerase domains
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Inhibits the RNA polymerase activity
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Preventing incorporation of nucleotides for viral RNA (vRNA) replication and transcription
Side effects
Typical antiviral drug side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Drug Interactions
- N/A
Precautions
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist
- If you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
- Your medical history.
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to Favipiravir.
For detailed query or in case of uncertainty, Always consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Editor’s Note: Favipiravir is not FDA-approved. As a result, there is limited published information on this potential COVID-19 coronavirus treatment.
