Ribavirin in acute viral hepatitis

A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial using ribavirin (200 mg orally four times a day for two weeks) was conducted in 30 patients with acute uncomplicated viral hepatitis (excluding hepatitis B). Clinical and laboratory parameters were evaluated on days 5, 10 and 14 after starting treatment. Mean levels of ALT and AST were significantly lower in the ribavirin treated group as compared to the placebo group on days 5, 10 and 14; serum bilirubin levels were significantly lower in the ribavirin group on days 10 and 14. Ribavirin therapy was not associated with any significant side effects. We conclude that ribavirin therapy in acute uncomplicated non-B viral hepatitis leads to more rapid normalisation of biochemical parameters.