Peramivir — Quick, IV Treatment for the Flu

Peramivir is an intravenous antiviral that can shorten influenza symptoms when used correctly. Unlike pills you take at home, peramivir is given in a clinic or hospital as an IV infusion. That makes it useful for people who can’t take oral medicines or who are seriously ill.

How Peramivir Is Given and Who Gets It

The usual adult dose is a single IV infusion. Doctors choose peramivir when oral or inhaled antivirals aren’t an option — for example, if someone is vomiting, unconscious, or hospitalized. It’s also considered when quick, guaranteed delivery of the drug is needed. If you have kidney problems, your provider will adjust the dose.

Timing matters. Antivirals work best when started early, ideally within 48 hours of symptoms. Still, clinicians sometimes use peramivir later in severe or progressive cases. Peramivir isn’t sold over-the-counter — you need a prescription and IV access at a medical facility.

What Peramivir Does and What to Expect

Peramivir blocks an enzyme the flu virus needs to spread, helping reduce how long you feel sick. People often notice symptom relief sooner than without treatment, especially when it’s started early. It’s one tool among several antivirals; your doctor may pick it based on your health, how sick you are, and whether you can swallow pills.

Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and occasional changes in liver tests or blood counts. Serious allergic reactions are rare but possible. Some patients report dizziness or confusion with flu antivirals — if you or a family member notice sudden mood or behavior changes after treatment, tell a clinician right away.

Practical tips: bring a list of all your medicines and mention any kidney disease, pregnancy, or breastfeeding. Labs to check kidney function are often done before dosing. If you’re managing flu at home, oral oseltamivir is a common alternative; peramivir is chosen when IV delivery is needed or strongly preferred.

Peramivir has relatively few drug interactions, but always check with your provider. Don’t expect to find peramivir sold as a tablet or shipped for self-administration — it’s given under medical supervision. If symptoms worsen despite treatment, or you develop trouble breathing, chest pain, high fever, severe dizziness, or fainting, seek emergency care.

Want to know more about flu medications and safe ways to get antiviral treatment? Talk to your healthcare team. They can explain why peramivir might be the right choice or recommend an oral option if IV therapy isn’t needed.