The recommended dosage is 3 MU t.i.w.
Ribavirin is a synthetic guanosine analogue.
The exact mechanism of action has not been established but may involve antiviral and immunomodulatory actions. Ribavirin, when given alone, decreases alanine transaminase levels transiently, but has no antiviral effect. Thus, in the treatment of chronic HCV infection, ribavirin is recommended only for use with interferon. Results of two large multicenter studies of combination therapy in over 1,700 treatment-naive patients, conducted in the United States and internationally, were recently published. Patients with persistent viremia at week 24 can cease combination therapy without being denied a subsequent sustained response.