Compare Relenza vs. rimantadine
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Prevents and reduces the symptoms of the flu.
Relenza (zanamivir) can reduce flu symptoms for people 7 years & older, but they should take it within two days of the flu starting or it won't work.
Treats and prevents type A influenza.
Flumadine (rimantadine) is effective at preventing or treating certain types of flus, but it is not a substitute for the annual flu shot.
Upsides
- Relenza (zanamivir) is a great choice for people you don't like swallowing pills.
- Available as a generic.
- Flumadine (rimantadine) comes in two forms, tablet and liquid.
- Flumadine (rimantadine) is often used to treat Parkinson's disease.
Downsides
- Start Relenza (zanamivir) within 2 days of getting the flu or else the medicine won't work.
- Taking Relenza (zanamivir) won't stop you from being contagious.
- Relenza (zanamivir) is inhaled so people with breathing problems shouldn't take it.
- Not recommended for people with kidney problems.
- Flumadine (rimantadine) must be taken within 2 days of flu symptoms starting in order to be effective.
- Flumadine (rimantadine) is not recommended as the first option to treat influenza as many virus strains are resistant to it.
Used for
- Flu prevention
- Flu treatment
- Flu virus type A
- Flu virus type A prevention
Dosage forms
- Inhaler
- Pill
- Suspension
Price
Lowest price
$66.18
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$28.80
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Reviews
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Side effects
9possible side effects
- Diarrhea3%
- Nausea3%
- Sinus infection3%
- Headaches2%
- Nasal symptoms2%
- Bronchitis2%
- Cough2%
- Sore throat2%
- Dizziness2%
Risks and risk factors
- Nasal flu vaccine won't work
- Had nasal flu vaccine within last two weeks
- Unusual behavior
- Breathing problems
- Asthma
- COPD
- Severe allergic reactions
- Prior severe allergic reaction to Relenza (zanamivir)
- Reaction with vaccines
- Seizures
- History of epilepsy
- Use of amantadine
- Liver and kidney problems
- Liver problems
- Kidney problems
- Drug resistance
- People at high risk for type A flu