Oseltamivir: The Antiviral for Influenza
What is Oseltamivir?
Oseltamivir is an antiviral medication used to treat influenza (flu) caused by influenza viruses A and B. It inhibits the neuraminidase enzyme, which is responsible for the virus’s ability to spread from infected cells to other cells in the body.
How Oseltamivir Works
Oseltamivir prevents the neuraminidase enzyme from functioning, which reduces the spread of the flu virus in the body. By doing so, it shortens the duration of illness and reduces the severity of symptoms.
When to Use Oseltamivir
● Treatment of Influenza: Oseltamivir is used to reduce the duration of flu symptoms if started within 48 hours of symptom onset.
● Prevention of Influenza: It can be prescribed to individuals exposed to the flu to prevent infection.
Dosage
● Adult Dose for Treatment: 75 mg twice daily for 5 days.
● Adult Dose for Prophylaxis: 75 mg once daily for 10 days after exposure to the flu virus.
● Pediatric dosage: For infants 3 mg/kg/dose twice daily for 5 days.
For older children
<15 kg: 30 mg BID
15-23 kg : 45 mg BID
23-40 kg : 60 mg BID
>40 kg : 75 mg BID
Side Effects
● Common Effects: Nausea, vomiting, headache, and fatigue.
● Serious Adverse Effects: Rare, but can include neuropsychiatric effects (such as confusion, hallucinations, and agitation) and allergic reactions.
Common brands: Tamiflu, Fluvir
