Tamiflu
(oseltamivir) is an antiviral used to prevent the flu from
developing or worsening in a patient. The medication works by
interfering with an enzyme the virus needs to spread throughout the
body, preventing illness from developing or worsening.
Tamiflu suspension is a fruit flavored liquid for oral
administration of the medication, ideal for children or patients
with an aversion to or unable to swallow pills. Tamiflu is also
available in
capsules.
Dosing Tamiflu Suspension:
The average dose for healthy patients age 13 and above is 12.5 mL
of Tamiflu suspension. Dosage should be adjusted for young children
according weight:
- 15 kg (33 lbs) or less should receive 5 mL in each dose.
- 16 kg to 23 kg (34 to 51 lbs) should receive 7.5 mL.
- 41 kg (89 lbs) and up should receive 12.5 mL.
- Children under 1 year old should never be given Tamiflu
suspension.
The correct dosage is important, especially in younger children.
Use the dosing dispenser that came with the product to measure each
dose. A physician or pharmacist can provide a replacement dispenser
if the original is not available. Do not guess or estimate
doses.
Elderly patients and anyone suffering a major illness or medical
condition should discuss Tamiflu use with a doctor for the ideal
dosage strength.
Administering Tamiflu Suspension:
Frequency and duration of treatment depends on whether Tamiflu
suspension is being used for prevention or treatment:
- For prevention, 1 dose is taken once a day for 10 days.
Treatment should begin whenever exposure to the virus is likely,
such as during a local flu outbreak.
- For treating a flu infection, 1 dose should be taken twice
daily for 5 days. Treatment should begin within 48 hours of first
noticing flu symptoms; the medication is not very effective after
the first 2 days.
- Continue taking the medication even if symptoms improve.
Similar to antibiotics, failure to complete antiviral treatments
may lead to resistant strains of the virus.
Tamiflu suspension can be taken with or without food.
If a dose is missed, it should be taken when remembered unless it
is within 2 hours of the next dose, in which case it should be
skipped entirely.
Tamiflu and Flu Symptoms:
As mentioned above, Tamiflu suspension prevents flu symptoms from
worsening if given within the first 48 hours of symptoms appearing.
Common flu symptoms include:
- High fever or chills
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Chest congestion, coughing
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
What Tamiflu does
not do is reduce symptoms that have
already appeared. Other medications made to provide relief from
symptoms may be used with Tamiflu suspension for patient
comfort.
Before Taking Tamiflu Suspension:
Tamiflu is not a flu vaccine, and may reduce the effectiveness of
flu vaccines given within 48 hours of taking Tamiflu. Likewise
patients should not begin using Tamiflu within 2 weeks of receiving
a flu vaccine.
Patients with serious illness or medical conditions should not use
Tamiflu suspension without first talking to a doctor about
potential risks:
- Any kidney, heart or lung disease, such as asthma
- Any condition which weakens the immune system, such as
lupus
- Any condition which causes swelling of the brain
- Any other major illness, such as diabetes or cancer
A small percentage of patients, usually children or teenagers, may
behave erratically shortly after starting Tamiflu treatment. Any
abnormal behavior should be brought to the attention of a
physician.
Ingredients:
Active ingredient:
oseltamivir phosphate
Inactive ingredients:
monosodium citrate, saccharin sodium,
sorbitol, titanium dioxide, sodium benzoate, xanthan gum,
tutti-frutti flavoring
Individuals who are allergic to any of the ingredients in Tamiflu
suspension should speak with a doctor or pharmacist about
alternative treatments.
This product contains
fructose.