Common adverse events associated with the use of ribavirin for severe acute respiratory syndrome in Canada

Sandra R Knowles; Elizabeth J Phillips; Linda Dresser; Larissa Matukas

doi:10.1086/378304

Common adverse events associated with the use of ribavirin for severe acute respiratory syndrome in Canada

Clin Infect Dis. 2003 Oct 15;37(8):1139-42. doi: 10.1086/378304. Epub 2003 Sep 12.

Authors

Sandra R Knowles¹, Elizabeth J Phillips, Linda Dresser, Larissa Matukas

Affiliation

¹ Sunnybrook & Women's College Health Sciences Center, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

PMID: 14523782
PMCID: PMC7204073
DOI: 10.1086/378304

Abstract

Although information on efficacy and adverse drug reactions is lacking, ribavirin has been used empirically for the treatment of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). We report common adverse events in 110 patients with suspected or probable SARS who were treated with ribavirin. Sixty-one percent of the patients had evidence of hemolytic anemia, and hypocalcemia and hypomagnesmia were reported in 58% and 46% of patients, respectively.

MeSH terms

Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Anemia, Hemolytic / etiology*
Antiviral Agents / adverse effects*
Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
Canada / epidemiology
Disease Outbreaks
Female
Humans
Hypocalcemia / etiology*
Male
Middle Aged
Ribavirin / adverse effects*
Ribavirin / therapeutic use
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome / drug therapy
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome / epidemiology

Substances

Antiviral Agents
Ribavirin