zanamivir

noun

za·nam·i·vir | \ zə-ˈna-mə-ˌvir

How to pronounce zanamivir (audio)

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Definition of zanamivir

: an antiviral drug C₁₂H₂₀N₄O₇ that is a neuraminidase inhibitor taken by oral inhalation in the treatment and prevention of influenza A and B Zanamivir and oseltamivir block a key viral enzyme, neuraminidase, and reduce the duration of ordinary flu symptoms by a day or two, if started within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.— Debora MacKenzie

History and Etymology for zanamivir

zan- (of undetermined origin) + -ami-, infix denoting a neuraminidase inhibitor (from neuraminidase) + -vir, combining element denoting an antiviral compound (from virus)

Note: According to the prescriptions of the U.S. Adopted Names Council, the initial element in generic drug names is to be meaningless.

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Cite this Entry

“Zanamivir.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zanamivir. Accessed 23 Jun. 2021.

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zanamivir

noun

za·nam·i·vir | \ zə-ˈnam-ə-ˌvir

\

Medical Definition of zanamivir

: an antiviral drug C₁₂H₂₀N₄O₇ administered by oral inhalation in the treatment of influenza A and B

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