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Ribavirin for Cockatiels

Bird · Nymphicus hollandicus · typical adult weight 0.07–0.13 kg

Ribavirin is dosed at 30 mg/kg PO once daily (per day); administered over two consec in cockatiels, per Safety of ribavirin in cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) – a preliminary study. Scientific Reports (2025). DOI 10.1038/s41598-025-22268-9. Full text: PMC12583684. URL: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12583684/. Ribavirin (Antiviral) has cited veterinary dosing for cockatiels. Routes documented in cockatiels: PO, oral and intranasal. A typical adult cockatiel weighs 0.07–0.13 kg. ExoticRx lists 2 cited dose rules for Ribavirin in cockatiels, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.

Trade names: Rebetol, Copegus

Dose ranges

RouteDoseFrequencyIndicationEvidenceSource
PO30 mg/kgonce daily (per day); administered over two consecWeakSafety of ribavirin in cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) – a preliminary study. Scientific Reports (2025). DOI 10.1038/s41598-025-22268-9. Full text: PMC12583684. URL: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12583684/
oral and intranasal15 mg/kgper day; for 28 days (course 3)WeakSafety of ribavirin in cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) – a preliminary study. Scientific Reports (2025). DOI 10.1038/s41598-025-22268-9. Full text: PMC12583684. URL: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12583684/

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Mechanism of action

Multiple mechanisms: inhibits IMPDH depleting GTP pools, inhibits viral RNA capping, promotes lethal mutagenesis of RNA viruses.

Side effects & warnings

Teratogenic — handle with extreme caution. Hemolytic anemia dose-limiting. Used for hepatitis C, RSV, some hemorrhagic fevers. Limited veterinary use.

Species-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for cockatiels may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.

Frequently asked questions

What is the dose of Ribavirin for Cockatiels?

Ribavirin dose ranges in cockatiels, with cited source references: PO 30 mg/kg once daily (per day); administered over two consec; oral and intranasal 15 mg/kg per day; for 28 days (course 3).

How is Ribavirin administered in Cockatiels?

Documented routes for Ribavirin in cockatiels: PO, oral and intranasal.

What are the side effects of Ribavirin in Cockatiels?

These are general warnings for Ribavirin across species; consult the cockatiel dosing table above for species-specific guidance. Teratogenic — handle with extreme caution. Hemolytic anemia dose-limiting. Used for hepatitis C, RSV, some hemorrhagic fevers. Limited veterinary use.

Ribavirin dosing in other species

Why a species-specific page? Ribavirin pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in cockatiels — the rules above are the citations specific to this species, not generic recommendations.

Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice.