Oseltamivir --- Tamiflu

Oseltamivir is indicated for the treatment and prevention of infections due to influenza A and B virus in adults and children (older than 1 year of age) who have had symptoms of flu no longer than 2 days.



Oseltamivir is in a class of medications called neuraminidase inhibitors. It works by stopping the spread of the flu virus in the body. Oseltamivir helps shorten the time you have flu symptoms such as a stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, cough, muscle or joint arches, tiredness, headache, fever and chills. Oseltamivir will not prevent bacterial infections, which may occur as a complication of the flu.


Oseltamivir comes as a capsule and a suspension (liquid) to take by mouth. When oseltamivir is used to treat flu symptoms, it is usually taken 2 times/day (morning and evening) for 5 days. When oseltamivir is used to prevent flu, it is usually taken once a day for at least 10 days, or for up to 6 weeks during a community flu outbreak. Oseltamivir may be taken with or without food, but you may lessen the chance of getting an upset stomach by taking oseltamivir with food or milk. Common adverse drug reactions associated with oseltamivir therapy include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and headache.

Oseltamivir may be used to treat and prevent infections from avian (bird) influenza (a virus that usually infect birds but can also cause serious illness in humans). Oseltamivir also may be used to treat and prevent infections from influenza A (H1N1). H1N1 influenza also has been called swine flu because the virus that is infecting humans is related to one that usually infects pigs. However, there is no danger of getting this flu from eating pork or pork products.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted emergency approval for the use of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) for the treatment or prevention of influenza A(H1N1).