Oseltamivir: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) What medicine?

What is oseltamivir (Tamiflu) for?

Oseltamivir is a neuraminidase inhibitor (NAI) antiviral drug commonly used to treat influenza type A and type B. One of the best known patent brands of this drug is Tamiflu.

Oseltamivir works by inhibiting the activity of the neuraminidase enzyme which is present on the surface of the virus. By reducing the activity of these enzymes, the chance for the virus to land on the body, replicate, and infect the body can be reduced.

That is why, this drug is also used as a preventive flu therapy, especially if you have been in contact with someone who has the flu.

Flu symptoms that can be treated with this medicine include:

• nasal congestion
• cough
• sore throat
• fever
• shivering
• pain
• fatigue

In addition, oseltamivir can shorten the recovery time by 1-2 days. This drug can work best if given within 48 hours after flu symptoms first appear.

Oseltamivir is a drug that is recommended for people with risk factors for developing complications from influenza, namely:

• children under 2 years
• seniors over 65 years
• sufferers of autoimmune diseases
• pregnant mother

How do you use oseltamivir (Tamiflu)?

Take this medicine immediately after the first symptoms of the flu appear or as soon as possible after you catch the flu. Oseltamivir works best if you start taking it within 2 days of first contact with the flu virus.

This medicine can be taken either before or after meals. Follow the medication rules given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. Always read the instructions for using drugs before using this medicine.

This drug is an oral medication, meaning that it must be taken by mouth. This drug is available in capsule and powder suspension form.

Do not use this medication for more than the recommended dose, for less, or for longer than the recommended dosage.

If you have further questions about the rules of taking oseltamivir or Tamiflu, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store this drug?

Oseltamivir or Tamiflu is best stored at room temperature. Keep this drug away from direct sunlight and damp places. Don't keep it in the shower or freeze it in freezer .

Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush oseltamivir down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when the drug has expired or when it is no longer needed.

Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal agency about how to safely dispose of your medicine.

Oseltamivir dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) for adults?

The following is the recommended dose of oseltamivir or Tamiflu for adults over 13 years:

Dosage for treating influenza

To treat influenza in adults over 13 years, the dose given is 75 mg 2 times a day. The dosage is equivalent to:

• 1 capsule 2 times a day
• 12.5 ml of suspension 2 times a day

Perform treatment for 5 days, or until the time determined by your doctor.

Dosage to prevent influenza

To prevent influenza, the recommended dose is 75 mg once a day. The dosage is equivalent to:

• 1 capsule 1 time a day
• 12.5 ml of suspension once a day

Preventive treatment is carried out for 10 days after you first come into contact with an influenza sufferer, or 6 weeks when an influenza outbreak occurs.

What is the dose of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) for children?

The following is the recommended dose of oseltamivir or Tamiflu for children 2 weeks - 12 years of age:

Dosage to treat influenza (ages 2 weeks - 1 year)

To treat influenza in children aged 2 weeks - 1 year, the dose given is 3 mg / kg body weight twice a day.

Dosage to treat influenza (ages 1-12 years)

The dosage for children 1-12 years of age is given based on the child's body weight. For more information, consult your doctor.

Dosage to prevent influenza

The dose of oseltamivir for the prevention of influenza in children has not been established.

In what dosage is this drug available?

Tamiflu, oseltamivir's patented product, is available in the following dosages and sizes:

• Capsules 30 mg, 45 mg, or 75 mg
• Oral powder suspension

Oseltamivir side effects

What side effects can oseltamivir (Tamiflu) experience?

Just like medicines in general, oseltamivir may cause side effects of drugs in some people. The severity and symptoms of side effects may vary.

According to Drugs.com, some of the common side effects of oseltamivir are:

• nausea
• gag
• headache
• pain
• mood swings, especially in children

Other side effects that you need to be aware of and are more serious in nature include:

• confusion
• tremors or trembling of the limbs
• hallucinating

Do not rule out this drug can trigger an allergic reaction. Immediately stop using this drug and contact your doctor if there is a severe allergic reaction (anaphylactic), with symptoms such as:

• swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue
• skin rash
• itchy rash
• difficulty breathing

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above.

If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Oseltamivir Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using oseltamivir (Tamiflu)?

Before deciding to take oseltamivir or Tamiflu, you need to pay attention to several things. The following conditions must be considered:

Certain drugs and diseases

Tell your doctor about any medications you are currently using, whether prescription, non-prescription, supplements, or herbal medicines. This is because several types of drugs may interact with oseltamivir.

Drug interactions can make potential side effects appear or make the drug ineffective.

In addition, it is also important to inform your doctor about any diseases or other health conditions that you are currently suffering from. It is possible that this drug can trigger interactions with certain diseases or health conditions.

Allergy

Tell your doctor if you have a history of drug allergy, especially to oseltamivir or any other ingredients in this medicine. In addition, get checked out if you have any other allergies, for example to certain foods, dyes, or animals.

Is this drug safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication.

This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category C according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = Not at risk
• B = No risk in several studies
• C = May be risky
• D = There is positive evidence of risk
• X = Contraindicated
• N = Unknown

Drug Interactions of Oseltamivir

What medicines may interact with oseltamivir (Tamiflu)?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document.

Keep a list of all the products you use, including prescription, non-prescription drugs and herbal products. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist about potential drug interactions that exist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's permission.

Some drugs that may interact with oseltamivir include:

• influenza vaccine
• amoxicillin
• acetaminophen
• aspirin
• cimetidine
• antacids
• rimantadine
• amantadine
• warfarin

Can food or alcohol interact with oseltamivir (Tamiflu)?

Certain drugs should not be used when eating certain foods because drug-food interactions can occur.

Smoking tobacco or consuming alcohol with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur.

Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider.

What health conditions can interact with this drug?

Any other health problem in your body can affect the action of the drugs oseltamivir or Tamiflu.

Tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

• heart disease
• diseases caused by viruses other than influenza type A or B
• liver disease
• lung disease
• serious medical problems that may require intensive care in a hospital
• weak body immune system
• intolerance to fructose (artificial sweeteners) derivatives
• Kidney illness

Oseltamivir overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (118 or 119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Here are the symptoms of an overdose that you need to be aware of:

• nausea
• throws up
• dizzy
• lost balance
• numbness and tingling
• convulsions

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the original schedule. Do not double the dose in one drink.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.