Skip to content

Oseltamivir

    DEA Class; Rx

    Common Brand Names; Tamiflu

    • Antivirals, Influenza; 
    • Neuraminidase Inhibitors

    Oral neuraminidase inhibitor
    Used for treatment and prevention of uncomplicated infections due to seasonal influenza virus A or B
    Most effective if initiated early (e.g., within 48 hours of symptom onset or exposure)

    Indicated for the treatment of acute influenza A virus infection or influenza B virus infection.
    For seasonal influenza prophylaxis.
    For the treatment of novel influenza A viruses associated with severe human disease, including avian influenza A virus infection.
    For prophylaxis of novel influenza A viruses associated with severe human disease, including avian influenza prophylaxis.

    Hypersensitivity

    • Abdominal pain
    • Conjunctivitis
    • Ear disorder
    • Epistaxis
    • Insomnia
    • Nausea
    • Vomiting
    • Vertigo
    • Aggravation of diabetes
    • Anemia
    • Arrhythmia
    • Confusion
    • Delirium
    • Hemorrhagic colitis
    • Hepatitis
    • Humerus fracture
    • Peritonsillar abscess
    • Pneumonia
    • Pseudomembranous colitis
    • Pyrexia
    • Rash
    • Seizure
    • Transaminases increased
    • Toxic epidermal necrolysis
    • Unstable angina
    • Swelling of face or tongue

    Use caution in patients with chronic cardiac disease, severre hepatic impairment, renal imapairment, respiratory disease

    Delirium and abnormal behavior leading to injury, and in some cases resulting in fatal outcomes, reported in patients with influenza who were receiving therapy; relationship to therapy not established

    Most effective when used within 24-48 hr of onset of symptoms

    Safety and efficacy for prophylaxis of influenza not established for <1year of age

    Oral suspension should be mixed prior to dispensing

    Safety and efficacy in immunocompromised patients not established

    Therapy is not a substitute for influenza virus vaccine

    Serious skin/hypersensitivity reactions such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis and erythema multiforme; discontinue therapy and initiate appropriate treatment if allergic-like reactions occur or are suspected

    Prescribers should be alert to potential for secondary bacterial infections and treat them as appropriate

    There are no adequate and well–controlled studies in pregnant women to inform a drug–associated risk of adverse developmental outcomes

    Based on limited published data, have shown the drug to be present in human milk at low levels considered unlikely to lead to toxicity in the breastfed infant

    Adults

    75 mg PO twice daily.

    Geriatric

    75 mg PO twice daily.

    Adolescents

    75 mg PO twice daily.

    Children

    weight more than 40 kg: 75 mg PO twice daily.
    weight 24 to 40 kg: 60 mg PO twice daily.
    weight 16 to 23 kg: 45 mg PO twice daily.
    weight 15 kg or less: 30 mg PO twice daily.

    Infants

    9 to 11 months: 3 mg/kg/dose PO twice daily is the FDA-approved dosage; however, 3.5 mg/kg/dose PO twice daily has been used off-label.
    1 to 8 months: 3 mg/kg/dose PO twice daily.

    Neonates

    Term Neonates 14 days and older: 3 mg/kg/dose PO twice daily.
    Premature Neonates older than 40 weeks postmenstrual age and Term Neonates 0 to 13 days: Safety and efficacy have not been established; however, 3 mg/kg/dose PO twice daily has been used off-label.
    Premature Neonates 38 to 40 weeks postmenstrual age: Safety and efficacy have not been established; however, 1.5 mg/kg/dose PO twice daily has been used off-label.
    Premature Neonates younger than 38 weeks postmenstrual age: Safety and efficacy have not been established; however, 1 mg/kg/dose PO twice daily has been used off-label.

    Oseltamivir

    capsule

    • 30mg
    • 45mg
    • 75mg

    powder for oral suspension

    • 6mg/mL