Return to Common Drugs Index
oseltamivir phosphate
Tamiflu

Pregnancy Risk Category C

How supplied
Capsules:
75 mg

Action
Inhibits influenza virus enzyme neuraminidase, which is thought to play a role in viral particle aggregation and release from the host cell. Neuraminidase inhibition, therefore, appears to interfere with viral replication.

Indications & dosage
Uncomplicated, acute illness due to influenza infection in patients who have been symptomatic for 2 days or less-

Adults:
75 mg P.O. b.i.d. for 5 days.
Adjust-A-Dose:
For patients with creatinine clearance less than 30 ml/minute, reduce dose to 75 mg P.O. once daily for 5 days.

Adverse reactions
CNS:
dizziness, insomnia, headache, vertigo, fatigue.
GI:
abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting.
Respiratory:
bronchitis, cough.

Interactions
None significant.

Effects on diagnostic tests
None reported.

Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to drug or its components.

Nursing considerations

Patient teaching

*Liquid contains alcohol. **May contain tartrazine.  †Canada  ‡Australia  §U.K.  OTCOver the counter
Reactions may be common, uncommon, life-threatening, or COMMON AND LIFE-THREATENING

Return to Common Drugs Index