In vivo inhibition of respiratory syncytial virus by ribavirin

Ribavirin reduced the amount of respiratory syncytial virus in nasal turbinates and lung tissues of experimentally infected cotton rats by over 90%. An effect was seen when the drug was given either intraperitoneally or by aerosol; however, the antiviral effect was achieved at much lower doses when delivered by the aerosol route. No animal deaths due to the drug were seen.