The Ribavirin Debate
1 Medical and Regulatory Affairs, ICN Pharmaceuticals, Inc Costa Mesa, CA 92626
The Committee on Infectious Diseases of the American Academy of Pediatrics, in its recent reassessment of the use of ribavirin (Virazole) in the treatment of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections, raises questions regarding the evidence supporting the drug's clinical effectiveness.1
The clinical utility of ribavirin was well-documented and endorsed in the Committee's 1993 recommendations.2 In the current statement, however, the Committee has emphasized that individual practitioners are in the best position to determine the appropriate use of ribavirin, based on the particular clinical situation and their own preference.




