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Tamiflu – Uses, Dosage & Side Effects

Tamiflu is an antiviral medication used to treat and prevent influenza (flu). It contains the active ingredient oseltamivir and helps shorten the duration of illness.

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Things worth knowing about "Tamiflu"

Tamiflu is an antiviral medication used to treat and prevent influenza (flu). It contains the active ingredient oseltamivir and helps shorten the duration of illness.

What is Tamiflu?

Tamiflu is a prescription antiviral medicine used to treat and prevent influenza infection. Its active ingredient is oseltamivir, which belongs to a class of drugs known as neuraminidase inhibitors. Tamiflu is manufactured by Roche Pharmaceuticals and is available in capsule form as well as an oral suspension (liquid) for patients who have difficulty swallowing capsules.

Indications

Tamiflu is approved for:

The treatment of seasonal influenza (Influenza A and B) in adults and children aged 1 year and older
The prevention (prophylaxis) of influenza following close contact with an infected person
Use in infants under 1 year of age in certain circumstances, as determined by a physician

It is important to note that Tamiflu is not effective against the common cold, which is caused by different viruses.

Mechanism of Action

The influenza virus uses an enzyme called neuraminidase to detach from infected cells and spread to new ones. Oseltamivir selectively inhibits this enzyme, preventing newly formed viral particles from being released from infected cells. As a result, the virus cannot spread further throughout the body, giving the immune system a better chance to eliminate the infection.

Dosage and Administration

For best results, Tamiflu should be taken as early as possible, ideally within 48 hours of the first appearance of flu symptoms.

Adults and adolescents aged 13 and over (treatment): 75 mg twice daily for 5 days
Adults (prevention): 75 mg once daily for 10 days
Children (treatment): The dose is based on the child's body weight and is determined by the prescribing physician.

Tamiflu may be taken with or without food. However, taking it with a meal is recommended if stomach upset occurs.

Side Effects

Like all medicines, Tamiflu can cause side effects. The most common include:

Nausea and vomiting (very common, affecting more than 1 in 10 people)
Headache
Abdominal pain
Dizziness

In rare cases, behavioral changes and neurological reactions have been reported, particularly in children and adolescents. Medical attention should be sought immediately if such symptoms occur. If signs of an allergic reaction develop, the medication should be stopped right away.

Important Notes

Tamiflu does not replace the annual flu vaccine, which remains the most important preventive measure against influenza. This medication should only be taken under medical supervision. Inappropriate or excessive use can lead to the development of antiviral resistance in the influenza virus.

References

European Medicines Agency (EMA) - Summary of Product Characteristics: Tamiflu (oseltamivir), current version. Available at: www.ema.europa.eu
World Health Organization (WHO) - Guidelines for Pharmacological Management of Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 and Other Influenza Viruses (2010). Available at: www.who.int
Jefferson T, et al. - Neuraminidase inhibitors for preventing and treating influenza in adults and children. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2014.

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