zanamivir

noun

za·​nam·​i·​vir zə-ˈna-mə-ˌvir 

: 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

Word History

Etymology

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.

First Known Use

1997, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

zanamivir

noun

za·​nam·​i·​vir zə-ˈnam-ə-ˌvir 

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