IV-Infusion Therapy for Children with Influenza

Available IV Antiviral Options

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends Peramivir as the only approved IV infusion option for treating acute uncomplicated influenza in non-hospitalized children aged 2 years and older, with symptoms lasting no more than 2 days 1, 2, 3
The FDA-approved indication for Peramivir is acute uncomplicated influenza in non-hospitalized children aged 2 years and older, with symptoms lasting no more than 2 days 1, 2, 3
The recommended dosage for Peramivir is 12 mg/kg (maximum 600 mg) as a single IV infusion over 15-30 minutes for children aged 2-12 years, and 600 mg as a single IV infusion over 15-30 minutes for adolescents aged 13-17 years 1, 2

The primary indication for IV Peramivir is children aged 2 years and older with acute uncomplicated influenza who cannot tolerate oral or inhaled medications 1, 3
IV Peramivir should be considered for children with limited treatment options, such as those who cannot absorb oral Oseltamivir or tolerate inhaled Zanamivir 1, 3

The first-line treatment for influenza in children of all ages remains oral Oseltamivir 1, 2
Inhaled Zanamivir is an equivalent alternative for patients without chronic respiratory diseases 1, 2
Immediate treatment should be offered to hospitalized children with suspected influenza, children with severe or complicated disease, and children with suspected influenza who are at high risk for complications 2, 3, 5

Suboptimal prescribing practices have been observed, with only 37% of children under 2 years and 34% of children aged 2-5 years with influenza receiving antiviral treatment 6
Only half or less of eligible hospitalized children receive antiviral treatment 6
Only 58.1% of high-risk children with influenza diagnosis receive treatment in outpatient settings 6