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Ribavirin

Ribavirin is an antiviral medicine used with other medicines to treat chronic hepatitis C (as tablets or capsules) and, as an inhaled solution, to treat severe RSV lung infections in hospitalized infants and young children.

Brand names CopegusModeribaRebetolRibasphereVirazole +1 more
Drug class Nucleoside Analog Antiviral
Rx Forms 3
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Reviewed by Last reviewed Jul 10, 2026 Content updated Oct 2, 2026
🧬 Where this information comes from Click to expand

The clinical label records used on this page are FDA-filed Structured Product Labeling (SPL) retrieved through openFDA. We identified 2 clinical label sets within the page’s selected clinical scope after exact ingredient or ingredient-combination matching and applicable route/form matching. Forms, routes, brands, labelers, strengths, and NDC product-record counts are built separately from matching FDA National Drug Code Directory records. The linked DailyMed document is a representative official source for verification, not the page’s only clinical source. View the linked label on DailyMed →

✓No current FDA shortage listed · checked Oct 6, 2026
Ribavirin at a glance The quick version — the full detail is in the Patient Information Guide below.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
The Pharmacist’s Take By · Clinical pharmacist · Written

Ribavirin is an older antiviral, available generically, that mimics a building block of genetic material; tablets and capsules are paired with an interferon medicine for chronic hepatitis C, and an inhaled mist treats severe RSV lung infections in hospitalized infants and young children. Side effects are common with the tablets and capsules, especially tiredness, headache, nausea, irritability and poor sleep. The boxed warning covers hemolytic anemia (red blood cells breaking down too fast), which can strain the heart and has led to heart attacks, some fatal, and birth defects, so pregnancy must be avoided during treatment and for 6 months after, including by female partners of men taking it.

Clinical pearls

  • Take the tablets or capsules with food, and swallow capsules whole without opening, crushing or breaking them.
  • Expect blood counts before starting and early in treatment, and report chest pain or shortness of breath right away.
  • Use two reliable forms of birth control through treatment and the six months after, with regular pregnancy tests.
  • Didanosine must never be combined with ribavirin, and zidovudine or azathioprine need extra blood count checks.
How we write & review this content — our editorial policy →
⚠️ FDA Boxed Warning — the FDA’s strongest safety alert ▾

Ribavirin must never be used alone to treat chronic hepatitis C, and it must never be used in pregnancy.

  • Alone, it does not work for chronic hepatitis C.
  • Its main toxicity is hemolytic anemia, which can worsen heart disease and lead to fatal and nonfatal heart attacks. People with significant or unstable heart disease should not take it.
  • It causes birth defects and fetal death in animals. It stays in the body for up to 6 months, so pregnancy must be avoided during treatment and for 6 months afterward, for female patients and for female partners of male patients.
  • Use at least two reliable forms of birth control during treatment and the 6 months after.
Read the full warning on DailyMed →
How you get itPrescription only
Comes asCapsule, Tablet, Inhalation solution (nebulizer)
Earliest FDA record1985
Companies listing it with the FDA2
FDA label last updatedFeb 6, 2024
FDA’s strongest warning (boxed)Yes, read the warning

Patient information guide A plain-language walkthrough of Ribavirin, written from its FDA label.

What Ribavirin is used for

▾

Ribavirin treats certain viral infections, depending on the product.

  • Ribavirin tablets: with PEGASYS for chronic hepatitis C in patients 5 years and older with compensated liver disease who have not been treated with interferon alpha, including adults who also have HIV.
  • Ribavirin capsules: with interferon alfa-2b for chronic hepatitis C in patients 3 years and older with compensated liver disease.
  • Ribavirin inhalation solution: for hospitalized infants and young children with severe RSV lower respiratory tract infection.

Ribavirin tablets are not for adenovirus, RSV, parainfluenza or influenza infections.

How Ribavirin works

▾

Ribavirin is a nucleoside analogue, a look-alike of natural cell building blocks. Lab results suggest it may act like guanosine or xanthosine. The exact mechanism is unknown.

It reduced RSV growth in lab studies and in infected cotton rats. Lab activity was also seen against influenza A and B and herpes simplex virus, but its clinical meaning is unknown.

Ribavirin dosage

▾

Ribavirin tablets and capsules are taken by mouth with food, in two divided doses a day. Dosing is based on body weight, and for tablets also on genotype (the virus type). They are always paired with an interferon medicine.

  • Do not open, crush or break capsules.
  • The inhalation solution is given as an aerosol in a hospital, typically over 3 to 7 days.
  • Follow your prescriber and the product label.

Dosing details from the FDA-approved label

From the Ribavirin prescribing information (“Dosage and Administration”). Doses are set by your prescriber for your product, condition, kidney function and age — never change a dose on your own.

  • Adult patients, ribavirin capsules with PegIntron (body weight less than 66 kg)
    • 800 mg/day: 2 x 200 mg capsules AM and 2 x 200 mg capsules PM
    • 48 weeks for genotype 1, 24 weeks for genotype 2 and 3
    • Take with food; dose based on body weight (800 mg to 1,400 mg in two divided doses)
  • Adult patients, ribavirin capsules with PegIntron (body weight 66 to 80 kg)
    • 1,000 mg/day: 2 x 200 mg capsules AM and 3 x 200 mg capsules PM
    • Take with food
  • Adult patients, ribavirin capsules with PegIntron (body weight 81 to 105 kg)
    • 1,200 mg/day: 3 x 200 mg capsules AM and 3 x 200 mg capsules PM
    • Take with food
  • Adult patients, ribavirin capsules with PegIntron (body weight greater than 105 kg)
    • 1,400 mg/day: 3 x 200 mg capsules AM and 4 x 200 mg capsules PM
    • Take with food
  • Pediatric patients ages 3 to 17 years, ribavirin with PegIntron
    • 15 mg/kg/day in two divided doses
    • 47 to 59 kg: 800 mg/day
    • 60 to 73 kg: 1,000 mg/day
    • Greater than 73 kg: 1,200 mg/day
    • 48 weeks for genotype 1, 24 weeks for genotype 2 and 3
    • Less than 47 kg: use Ribavirin Oral Solution
  • Adults, ribavirin capsules with INTRON A (previously untreated with interferon)
    • At least 75 kg: 2 x 200 mg capsules AM and 3 x 200 mg capsules PM daily orally
    • Greater than 75 kg: 3 x 200 mg capsules AM and 3 x 200 mg capsules PM daily orally
    • Duration 24 to 48 weeks
    • Take with food; relapse patients after nonpegylated interferon monotherapy: 24 weeks
  • Pediatrics, ribavirin with INTRON A
    • 15 mg/kg per day orally in two divided doses
    • 48 weeks for genotype 1, 24 weeks for genotype 2 and 3
    • Dose reduced to 12 mg/kg/day, then 8 mg/kg/day if needed for adverse reactions
  • Chronic hepatitis C monoinfection, adults, ribavirin tablets with PEGASYS
    • 800 mg to 1200 mg daily orally in two divided doses
    • 24 to 48 weeks
    • Take with food; individualized by genotype and response
  • CHC with HIV coinfection, ribavirin tablets
    • 800 mg by mouth daily for a total of 48 weeks, regardless of genotype
    • Take with food; given with PEGASYS
Read the label’s full dosing text

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Ribavirin capsules are administered according to body weight. ( 2.1 , 2.2 , 2.3 ) Dose reduction or discontinuation is recommended in patients experiencing certain adverse reactions or renal dysfunction. ( 2.5 , 2.6 , 12.3 ) 2.1 General Dosing Information Do not open, crush or break ribavirin capsules. Ribavirin capsules should be taken with food [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. 2.2 Ribavirin capsules/PegIntron Combination Therapy Adult Patients The recommended dose of ribavirin capsules when used in combination with PegIntron is 800 mg to 1,400 mg based on patient body weight in two divided doses (see Table 1). Refer to PegIntron labeling for PegIntron dosing information. Duration of Treatment – Interferon Alpha-naïve Patients The treatment duration for patients with genotype 1 is 48 weeks. Discontinuation of therapy should be considered in patients who do not achieve at least a 2 log 10 drop or loss of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-RNA at 12 weeks, or if HCV-RNA remains detectable after 24 weeks of therapy. Patients with genotype 2 and 3 should be treated for 24 weeks. Duration of Treatment – Re-treatment with PegIntron/Ribavirin capsules of Prior Treatment Failures The treatment duration for patients who previously failed therapy is 48 weeks, regardless of HCV genotype. Re-treated patients who fail to achieve undetectable HCV-RNA at Week 12 of therapy, or whose HCV-RNA remains detectable after 24 weeks of therapy, are highly unlikely to achieve SVR and discontinuation of therapy should be considered [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ]. Table 1: Recommended Adult Dosing for Ribavirin capsules in Combination with PegIntron Body Weight (kg) Ribavirin capsules Daily Dose Ribavirin Number of Capsules Less than 66 800 mg/day 2 x 200 mg capsules AM 2 x 200 mg capsules PM 66 to 80 1,000 mg/day 2 x 200 mg capsules AM 3 x 200 mg capsules PM 81 to 105 1,200 mg/day 3 x 200 mg capsules AM 3 x 200 mg capsules PM Greater than 105 1,400 mg/day 3 x 200 mg capsules AM 4 x 200 mg capsules PM Pediatric Patients Dosing of ribavirin in pediatric patients is determined by body weight. The recommended dose of ribavirin when used in combination with PegIntron in pediatric patients ages 3 to 17 years is 15 mg/kg/day in two divided doses (see Table 2). Refer to PegIntron labeling for PegIntron dosing information.

Excerpted — the section continues on the label. Read the full Dosage and Administration section on DailyMed →

Ribavirin side effects

▾

Side effects are common, partly because ribavirin is used with interferon.

Common side effects

  • Tiredness or weakness
  • Headache
  • Fever and chills (rigors)
  • Nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite
  • Muscle aches
  • Anxiety, irritability or mood changes
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Anemia (low red blood cell count)
  • Anemia and low white blood cell counts

When to get medical help

  • Call your doctor right away for chest pain, shortness of breath or other heart symptoms. Ribavirin can cause anemia that worsens heart disease.
  • Get help for new or worsening depression or thoughts of suicide.
  • Seek emergency help for signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as hives, swelling or trouble breathing, or a serious skin reaction.
  • Tell your doctor about new cough, shortness of breath or breathing problems, which can signal lung problems.
  • Report severe stomach pain, which can be a sign of pancreatitis (inflamed pancreas).
  • Report signs of liver trouble. Hepatic decompensation (worsening liver function) can be life-threatening.
  • Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner become pregnant.

Ribavirin warnings and precautions

▾
  • Birth defects: avoid pregnancy during treatment and for 6 months after. Pregnancy tests are done before and during treatment.
  • Hemolytic anemia: can worsen heart disease and lead to heart attacks. Blood tests are done early in treatment.
  • Other risks: liver failure, severe allergic and skin reactions, lung problems, pancreatitis, bone marrow suppression, and growth slowing in children.
  • Alone: never use ribavirin alone for hepatitis C.
  • Inhalation in infants: breathing can suddenly worsen, so breathing is closely watched.

Ribavirin interactions

▾

Some medicines raise the risk of serious problems with ribavirin.

  • Didanosine: must not be combined, due to risk of fatal liver failure, nerve damage, pancreatitis and lactic acidosis.
  • Azathioprine: can cause severe low blood counts; weekly then regular blood counts are needed.
  • Zidovudine: more severe neutropenia and anemia.
  • Other HIV medicines (NRTIs): close monitoring for toxicity, including liver problems.

Interactions listed in the FDA-approved label

From the Ribavirin prescribing information (“Drug Interactions”): what the manufacturer studied or reported to the FDA.

  • PEGASYS (peginterferon alfa-2a): A pharmacokinetic sub-study showed no pharmacokinetic interaction with ribavirin.
  • Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (lamivudine, stavudine, zidovudine): In vitro, ribavirin reduces phosphorylation of lamivudine, stavudine and zidovudine, but no pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic interaction was observed in HCV/HIV coinfected patients; hepatic decompensation (some fatal) was seen in cirrhotic patients receiving NRTIs. Closely monitor for treatment-associated toxicities; consider dose reduction or discontinuation of PEGASYS, ribavirin or both if toxicities worsen.
  • Didanosine: Didanosine or its active metabolite concentrations are increased with ribavirin, which could cause or worsen clinical toxicities, including fatal hepatic failure, peripheral neuropathy, pancreatitis and symptomatic hyperlactatemia/lactic acidosis. Coadministration is contraindicated.
  • Zidovudine: With PEGASYS/ribavirin, severe neutropenia and severe anemia developed more frequently (neutropenia 15% vs. 9%; anemia 5% vs. 1%). Discontinuation of zidovudine should be considered as medically appropriate.
  • Drugs metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP 2C9, CYP 2C19, CYP 2D6, CYP 3A4): In vitro studies indicate ribavirin does not inhibit these CYP enzymes.
  • Azathioprine: Reported to induce severe pancytopenia and may increase the risk of azathioprine-related myelotoxicity. Monitor complete blood counts, including platelet counts, weekly for the first month, twice monthly for the second and third months, then monthly or more frequently if dosage or other therapy changes are necessary.
Read the label’s full interactions text

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Results from a pharmacokinetic sub-study demonstrated no pharmacokinetic interaction between PEGASYS ® (peginterferon alfa-2a) and ribavirin. Nucleoside analogues: Closely monitor for toxicities. Discontinue nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors or reduce dose or discontinue interferon, ribavirin or both with worsening toxicities (7.1) Azathioprine: Concomitant use of azathioprine with ribavirin has been reported to induce severe pancytopenia and may increase the risk of azathioprine-related myelotoxicity (7.3) 7.1 Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs) In vitro data indicate ribavirin reduces phosphorylation of lamivudine, stavudine, and zidovudine. However, no pharmacokinetic (e.g., plasma concentrations or intracellular triphosphorylated active metabolite concentrations) or pharmacodynamic (e.g., loss of HIV/HCV virologic suppression) interaction was observed when ribavirin and lamivudine (n=18), stavudine (n=10), or zidovudine (n=6) were coadministered as part of a multi-drug regimen to HCV/HIV coinfected patients. In Study NR15961 among the CHC/HIV coinfected cirrhotic patients receiving NRTIs, cases of hepatic decompensation (some fatal) were observed [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . Patients receiving PEGASYS ® /ribavirin and NRTIs should be closely monitored for treatment-associated toxicities. Physicians should refer to prescribing information for the respective NRTIs for guidance regarding toxicity management. In addition, dose reduction or discontinuation of PEGASYS ® , ribavirin or both should also be considered if worsening toxicities are observed, including hepatic decompensation (e.g., Child-Pugh greater than or equal to 6) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) and Dosage and Administration (2.3) ] . Didanosine Coadministration of ribavirin and didanosine is contraindicated.

Excerpted — the section continues on the label. Read the full Drug Interactions section on DailyMed →

Not a complete list. The label covers the interactions the manufacturer studied or reported, and our own interaction database does not cover every medicine either. Bring your full medication list, including vitamins and herbal products, to your pharmacist.

🌿17 supplements and herbs with documented Ribavirin interactions, ranked by severity Check Ribavirin against a supplement or herb →

Before taking Ribavirin

▾
  • Pregnant women, those planning pregnancy, and men with pregnant partners must not take it.
  • Heart disease: significant or unstable heart disease is a reason to avoid it.
  • Autoimmune hepatitis, hemoglobinopathies (like sickle-cell anemia), or creatinine clearance under 50 mL/min: should not take it.
  • Prior severe allergic or skin reaction to ribavirin: should not take it.
  • Children: studied from age 3 (capsules) or 5 (tablets); growth may slow.
  • Older adults: higher anemia rates and more kidney problems; dosing needs care.
  • Breastfeeding: no data on breast milk; discuss with your doctor.
  • Organ transplant recipients: safety and effectiveness have not been established.

Ribavirin overdose

▾

Experience with overdose is limited. Taking too much mainly increased the usual side effects. There is no specific antidote, and dialysis is not effective. Seek medical help right away.

What Ribavirin does in the body

▾

Ribavirin showed selective activity against RSV in cell cultures and in infected animals. In RSV-treated infants, antibody responses to RSV were lower than with placebo. In animals, it reduced immune tissue and immune function, but the clinical meaning is unknown.

How your body processes Ribavirin

▾

Ribavirin is absorbed rapidly after oral use, but liver first-pass metabolism leaves about 64% bioavailable. With repeated doses it builds up in the body and reaches steady levels in about 4 weeks. It spreads widely into tissues and red blood cells, and does not bind to plasma proteins.

It is cleared mostly through the kidneys. The half-life after stopping is about 298 hours (roughly 12 days) because it leaves tissues slowly. Kidney impairment raises drug exposure, and dialysis does not remove it well.

How to store Ribavirin

▾

Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) .

Written from the FDA-approved label with AI and reviewed by our pharmacy team. How we use AI →

17

Supplements & herbs that interact with Ribavirin

17 supplements and herbal products have documented interactions with Ribavirin in the licensed clinical database we use. Most are manageable — but your pharmacist should know about everything you take, including vitamins and herbals.

Severity mix
  • Major · 1
  • Moderate · 7
  • Minor · 9
ACTIVATED CHARCOAL Major COFFEE CHARCOAL Moderate EUROPEAN MANDRAKE Moderate GLUCOMANNAN Moderate GUAR GUM Moderate GUM ARABIC Moderate SLIPPERY ELM Moderate TRAGACANTH Moderate +9 more
Every supplement checked against Ribavirin — ranked by severity The full interaction hub: 1 major · 7 moderate · 9 minor · every one linked to its full report. Check Ribavirin against your exact supplements

Educational information from a licensed clinical database (Natural Medicines) — see our data sources & update cadence. Not medical advice: an interaction being documented does not mean it will happen to you; do not start or stop medications or supplements without professional guidance.

Ribavirin: pharmacist answers to common questions

Quick, plain-English answers to the questions patients ask most about Ribavirin — the kind of thing our pharmacy team would talk through with you at the counter.

What is ribavirin used for?

▾
It depends on the form. Tablets and capsules are used with an interferon medicine to treat chronic hepatitis C. The inhaled form is used in hospitals for severe RSV lung infections in infants and young children. It should never be used alone for hepatitis C.

How should I take my ribavirin tablets or capsules?

▾
Take them by mouth with food, usually split into two doses a day, as your prescriber directs. Don't open, crush or break the capsules. Keep taking your interferon medicine as prescribed too.

What side effects should I expect?

▾
Tiredness, headache, fever and chills, nausea, muscle aches, trouble sleeping and mood changes are common. Many of these come partly from the interferon it's paired with. Call us if you notice chest pain, trouble breathing, severe depression or thoughts of suicide, severe stomach pain, or a serious rash.

Why do I need blood tests?

▾
Ribavirin can cause hemolytic anemia, a drop in red blood cells that usually shows up in the first 1 to 2 weeks. Blood counts are checked before treatment and at weeks 2 and 4. This matters most if you have heart disease, since anemia can strain the heart.

Is it safe if I might get pregnant, or my partner might?

▾
No. Ribavirin can cause birth defects and fetal death, and stays in the body for months. You need a negative pregnancy test first, at least two forms of birth control during treatment and for 6 months after, and regular pregnancy tests. This applies to men whose partners could become pregnant too. Tell your doctor right away if pregnancy happens.

Are there medicines I should avoid with it?

▾
Yes. Didanosine must not be taken with ribavirin. Azathioprine and zidovudine can cause serious drops in blood counts. Tell us about all your medicines, especially HIV medicines.

Is Ribavirin available over the counter?

▾
No. Ribavirin is a prescription medicine: every Ribavirin product listed with the FDA is prescription only, so it is not sold over the counter. Your prescriber decides whether it is appropriate for you, and your pharmacist dispenses it.

When was Ribavirin first available?

▾
The earliest FDA record we hold for Ribavirin is from 1985: its first approval in Drugs@FDA or its earliest product listing in the NDC Directory, whichever is older. Many older medicines were in use before their first formal FDA approval, so this is the earliest date on record, not necessarily when Ribavirin was first used.

Who makes Ribavirin?

▾
2 companies currently list Ribavirin products in the FDA's NDC Directory, including Aurobindo Pharma Limited, Oceanside Pharmaceuticals. That count includes repackagers and distributors as well as manufacturers (companies that sell only the raw ingredient are not counted), so fewer companies actually make it; the label on your bottle names the one that supplied yours.

Answers drafted from the FDA-approved label with AI and reviewed by our pharmacy team. How we use AI →

More about Ribavirin on HelloPharmacist

📊Ribavirin supplement interactions17 checked — ranked by severity 🌿Drug & Supplement CheckerRibavirin vs. vitamins & herbs 💬Ask a PharmacistFree answer, usually < 24h 🔎NDC & pricing lookupFind Ribavirin NDCs & costs 🅰️Browse Drugs A–ZLook up any medication
Detailed data & references for Ribavirin Forms & strengths, pricing, billing codes, manufacturers, safety reports and sourcing — the data behind the page. Most people can stop here. Each section below opens on a tap.

Ribavirin forms and strengths (how it comes)

Ribavirin is available in 3 forms. Different forms and brands can have different approved uses, doses, schedules, and directions. Follow the instructions for your exact product, and do not switch forms without guidance from your prescriber or pharmacist.

Need a version that does not list lactose, a gluten source, a dye or gelatin? Inactive ingredients differ by manufacturer: see Ribavirin inactive ingredients by manufacturer.

Capsule

By mouth
How this form is used
What it may be used for
  • Ribavirin capsules are used with interferon alfa-2b (pegylated or nonpegylated) for chronic hepatitis C in patients 3 years and older with compensated liver disease.
Important instructions
  • Ribavirin capsules should be taken with food.
  • Do not open, crush or break Ribavirin capsules.
  • Ribavirin capsule dosing is based on body weight, taken in two divided doses.
Available strengths 1 strength
200 mg
4 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

Tablet

By mouth
How this form is used
What it may be used for
  • Ribavirin tablets are used with PEGASYS (peginterferon alfa-2a) for chronic hepatitis C in patients 5 years and older with compensated liver disease not previously treated with interferon alpha.
  • Ribavirin tablets are also used with PEGASYS in adults with chronic hepatitis C who also have HIV.
Important instructions
  • Ribavirin tablets should be taken with food.
  • Ribavirin tablets must never be given alone; they are used with PEGASYS.
  • Ribavirin tablet dosing depends on body weight and genotype, given in two divided doses.
Available strengths 1 strength
200 mg
4 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

Inhalation solution (nebulizer)

Inhaled
Brands Virazole
How this form is used
What it may be used for
  • Ribavirin inhalation solution is used for hospitalized infants and young children with severe lower respiratory tract infection caused by RSV.
Important instructions
  • Ribavirin inhalation solution is given as an aerosol, with treatment generally lasting 3 to 7 days.
  • RSV infection should be confirmed by a rapid diagnostic test; treatment should not continue without confirmation.
  • Use of Ribavirin inhalation solution with a mechanical ventilator should be done only by physicians and staff familiar with this method.
Available strengths 1 strength
6 g
2 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

Ribavirin on the U.S. market: products, makers and brands

How Ribavirin appears in the FDA’s National Drug Code Directory — including its dosage forms, strengths, brand names, manufacturers, and FDA-listed product records. These are directory records, not sales or prescription volume.

2 companies list 3 Ribavirin product records with the FDA, mostly as capsule, tablet, inhalation solution (nebulizer); the earliest marketing or approval year on record is 1985. Brand names on the directory include Copegus, Moderiba, Rebetol and 3 more; the rest are generics.

3
Dose forms ⓘ
2
Labelers (makers, repackagers, distributors)
1
Brand names
3
FDA-listed product records ⓘ
1985
Earliest FDA record ⓘ

FDA-listed product records by dose form (tablet variants merged) — FDA National Drug Code Directory. Record counts are not sales or prescription volume.

Also listed with the FDA, not a patient dose form: Powder (3) — bulk drug substance sold to compounders/manufacturers and multi-item kits. These aren’t counted in the dose-form total above.

Aurobindo Pharma Limited67%
Oceanside Pharmaceuticals33%

Share of FDA-listed product records by manufacturer — FDA National Drug Code Directory. Record counts are not sales or prescription volume.

How widely Ribavirin is used (Medicaid data)

A general measure of how commonly Ribavirin is prescribed, based on Medicaid — one of the largest public drug programs. The figure below is prescriptions filled in Q1–Q4 2025, summed across every form and brand of the drug.

Think of this as a proxy for how widely Ribavirin is used, drawn from freely available public data. Medicaid is just one program — these numbers don’t include Medicare, other government coverage, or commercial and cash-pay prescriptions, so real-world use is higher than what’s shown here.

202
Medicaid prescriptions filled (Q1–Q4 2025)
$13,421 gross Medicaid reimbursement (before mandatory rebates — net cost is lower)

How commonly is Ribavirin prescribed? Of the 1,601 medications we measure, Ribavirin ranks #1,446 by Medicaid prescriptions — more than 10% of them.

Where Ribavirin ranks among the drugs we measure · Q1–Q4 2025 · neighbors ±5
Total prescriptions — #1,446 of 1,601
#1,441 Ciprofloxacin Otic 225 Rx #1,442 Molindone 217 Rx #1,443 Adefovir 213 Rx #1,444 Edoxaban 210 Rx #1,445 Fluvastatin 208 Rx #1,446 Ribavirin 202 Rx #1,447 Dihydroergotamine Inje... 201 Rx #1,448 Moxifloxacin Injection 200 Rx #1,449 Tebentafusp injection 200 Rx #1,450 Benzoyl Peroxide / Tre... 196 Rx #1,451 Levodopa Oral Inhalati... 194 Rx

Utilization by Ribavirin product

Pick a product to see its own Medicaid numbers. Each chip is one clinical product — a specific strength & dosage form as defined by RxNorm — with brand-name and generic versions combined.

The 200 mg oral tablet is the most-dispensed Ribavirin product — about 93% of these Medicaid prescriptions.

ribavirin 200 MG Oral Tablet Most dispensed

187 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 93% of Ribavirin prescriptions shown $11,525 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $62 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 1 of 4 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 248109

ribavirin 200 MG Oral Capsule

15 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 7% of Ribavirin prescriptions shown $1,896 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $126 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 1 of 16 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 312817

Shares are of the Medicaid prescriptions shown here. Product grouping follows RxNorm (the National Library of Medicine’s drug terminology), so “one product” means one strength & dosage form regardless of manufacturer. Dollar figures are gross Medicaid reimbursement before mandatory rebates — rebates (often large, especially for brand-name drugs) are confidential, so actual net cost to Medicaid is lower than shown.

Source: Medicaid State Drug Utilization Data (CMS), aggregated by generic ingredient — summed across every NDC (all brands, strengths, salt forms and dosage forms) of Ribavirin, and across all states and both fee-for-service and managed-care claims. A general popularity signal; it excludes Medicare, commercial insurance and cash prescriptions, so it is not total U.S. use. Based on the 2 of 20 listed Ribavirin NDCs with Medicaid activity.

Compare Ribavirin products

A representative set of FDA-listed product records for Ribavirin — across manufacturers, strengths, and dosage forms, grouped by form with each product’s manufacturer and how the FDA approved it. The same medicine may be made and packaged by different companies, so a single drug can have many directory entries. (It’s also why a refill can look different — a new shape, color, or box — even though it contains the same medication.)

Strength Route Manufacturer / Labeler Category ⓘ Details
💊Capsule
200 mg Oral Aurobindo Pharma Limited ANDA View NDC →
💊Inhalation solution (nebulizer)
6 g Respiratory (inhalation) Oceanside Pharmaceuticals NDA View NDC →
💊Tablet
200 mg Oral Aurobindo Pharma Limited ANDA View NDC →

Showing 3 of 3 products — FDA National Drug Code Directory. See every product, package size and price: browse all 3 Ribavirin NDCs →

Ribavirin recall history

A recall is when a specific batch of a medicine is pulled from the market — usually a manufacturing issue, not a problem with the drug itself. Class I is most serious, Class III least.

The FDA’s enforcement reports list no Ribavirin recalls since July 2021.

✅No Ribavirin recalls on record since July 2021

Source: FDA enforcement (recall) reports, via openFDA; our copy was last updated Sep 24, 2026.

RxNorm Concept Web — From Ingredient to Every Form and Strength

This page starts with one ingredient concept (IN). The branches below show its dose-form concepts (SCDF), then the available clinical drug and strength concepts (SCD). Combination products remain separate concepts with their own pages.

Ingredient (IN) Ribavirin RxCUI 9344 5 dose forms · 8 strengths
  1. Dose form (SCDF) Inhalation Solution RxCUI 2108389 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 20 MG/ML RxCUI 312818
  2. Dose form (SCDF) Injectable Solution RxCUI 376293 No current FDA listing
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 100 MG/ML RxCUI 248110
  3. Dose form (SCDF) Oral Capsule RxCUI 373772 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 100 MG RxCUI 108766 200 MG RxCUI 312817
  4. Dose form (SCDF) Oral Solution RxCUI 373773 No current FDA listing
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 40 MG/ML RxCUI 248112
  5. Dose form (SCDF) Oral Tablet RxCUI 373774 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 200 MG RxCUI 248109 400 MG RxCUI 597718 600 MG RxCUI 597722

Look up RxCUI 9344 in the RxCUI Atlas →

RxNorm is the U.S. National Library of Medicine’s normalized drug vocabulary. Its concept hierarchy can include forms that are not currently marketed; the status on each branch compares that concept with current FDA listings. RxCUIs identify vocabulary concepts, not individual packages or manufacturers.

💵 What Ribavirin costs pharmacies (NADAC benchmark)

The national average invoice price pharmacies pay for the drug itself, from CMS's NADAC survey (data as of Sep 30, 2026). This is a supply-cost benchmark — not a retail price and not what you'd pay at the counter.

FormStrengthPharmacy acquisition benchmark
Tablet, Film Coated · Oral 200 mg $0.451 per tablet NDC details & price history
Tablet, Film Coated 200 mg $0.451 per tablet NDC details & price history
Why show this? Your out-of-pocket cost depends on insurance, pharmacy markup, and discounts — but the acquisition benchmark tells you whether the medication itself is inexpensive or costly, which strengths cost more per dose, and whether a cash-price quote is in a reasonable range. Each row links to the NDC-level record with its full price history.

Source: CMS National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC), a survey of retail pharmacy invoice prices. Benchmarks shown are the range across package sizes of a representative product for each form and strength — other manufacturers' products may differ.

Ribavirin brand names

Ribavirin is sold under 6 brand names in the FDA directory — Copegus, Moderiba, Rebetol, Ribasphere and others. A brand and its generic contain the same active ingredient; the brand name belongs to one company's product.

Copegus Moderiba Rebetol Ribasphere Virazole RibaTab

Who makes Ribavirin: manufacturers and labelers

2 companies list Ribavirin products with the FDA. By number of product records, the largest are Aurobindo Pharma Limited, Oceanside Pharmaceuticals. Labelers include manufacturers and repackagers; the product in your bottle depends on which one your pharmacy stocks.

Aurobindo Pharma Limited 2 Oceanside Pharmaceuticals 1

Ribavirin drug class (RxNorm)

Ribavirin belongs to the Nucleoside Analog Antiviral class.

Pharmacologic class Nucleoside Analog Antiviral
Drug family (ATC) Antivirals for treatment of HCV infections

Classified by RxNorm RxClass — the U.S. National Library of Medicine's standardized drug-classification service (Established Pharmacologic Class from the FDA, the ATC drug family from the WHO, and mechanism of action). Reference only, not medical advice.

Sources for this Ribavirin page

Core label, product, RxNorm, safety, and utilization data on this page come from the sources identified below. AI-written, editorial, and licensed sections are labeled separately.

📄
FDA-filed drug labels (SPL) Uses, dosing, warnings & side effects from SPL records retrieved through openFDA; the linked representative set can be verified on DailyMed. ✓ Linked label effective Feb 6, 2024
🏭
Forms, brands & labelersAggregated from ingredient-matched FDA National Drug Code Directory product records for Ribavirin.
📈
Real-world reportsThe FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), served through openFDA.
🚨
Recalls & shortagesopenFDA drug-enforcement reports and the FDA drug-shortage database.
🧾 Clinical label set — FDA-filed SPL labels retained for Ribavirin after exact ingredient or ingredient-combination matching and applicable route/form matching
Clinical labels in scope
2
Finished products in the current FDA directory
3
Companies listing them (makers, repackagers, distributors)
2
FDA labeler codes behind them ⓘ
2
Linked representative label ⓘ
Aurobindo Pharma Limited
Linked label effective
Feb 6, 2024
Composite sections available
23
Linked SPL Set ID
35f99f76-f2ef-4a81-91ff-285419664be3
Linked SPL Document ID
229cfa05-05e1-493e-87ba-0511fed12e66
Open the linked representative label on DailyMed ↗

How this page is built

HelloPharmacist combines public FDA and NLM records and does not author the underlying clinical facts. The plain-language sections are written with AI from the FDA-approved label text and reviewed by our pharmacy team before publication. Aurobindo Pharma Limited is the representative DailyMed label linked for verification and dates. This is general education, not medical advice: always talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your own medicines. How we build and review drug pages →