What is the prophylactic dose of Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)?

From the Guidelines

The prophylactic dose of Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) for influenza prevention is 75 mg once daily for adults and adolescents 13 years and older, and for children, the dosing is weight-based: 30 mg once daily for those weighing less than 15 kg, 45 mg once daily for those 15-23 kg, 60 mg once daily for those 23-40 kg, and 75 mg once daily for those over 40 kg.

Key Considerations

• The medication should be started within 48 hours of exposure for maximum effectiveness 1.
• Prophylaxis should typically be taken for at least 7 days after last known exposure, with a minimum of 14 days and continuing for 7 days after last known exposure if part of an institutional outbreak 1.
• Renal dosage adjustments are necessary for patients with kidney impairment, with dosing tables published by the CDC available for guidance 1.
• Common side effects include nausea and vomiting, which can be reduced by taking the medication with food 1.
• Prophylactic Tamiflu is particularly important for high-risk individuals such as the elderly, immunocompromised patients, and those with chronic medical conditions.

Special Populations

• For infants younger than 1 year, oseltamivir can be used for treatment, but it is not FDA-approved for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) in this age group, and the AAP recommends against its use for chemoprophylaxis in infants less than 3 months due to limited safety and efficacy data 1.
• Preterm infants may require lower doses due to immature renal function, with dosing recommendations based on postmenstrual age (PMA) available from the CDC and Infectious Diseases Society of America guidelines 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

2.3 Recommended Dosage for Prophylaxis of Influenza Initiate post-exposure prophylaxis with oseltamivir phosphate for oral suspension within 48 hours following close contact with an infected individual. Initiate seasonal prophylaxis with oseltamivir phosphate for oral suspension during a community outbreak Adults and Adolescents (13 years of age and older) The recommended dosage of oseltamivir phosphate for oral suspension for prophylaxis of influenza in adults and adolescents 13 years and older is 75 mg orally once daily (12.5 mL of oral suspension once daily) for at least 10 days following close contact with an infected individual and up to 6 weeks during a community outbreak.

The prophylactic dose of Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) is:

• 75 mg orally once daily for adults and adolescents (13 years of age and older)
• The dose for pediatric patients (1 year to 12 years of age) is based on body weight, as follows:
  • 30 mg once daily for patients weighing 15 kg or less
  • 45 mg once daily for patients weighing 15.1 kg to 23 kg
  • 60 mg once daily for patients weighing 23.1 kg to 40 kg
  • 75 mg once daily for patients weighing 40.1 kg or more 2

From the Research

Prophylactic Dose of Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)

The prophylactic dose of Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) is discussed in several studies:

• According to 3, the prophylactic dose of Oseltamivir is 75 mg twice daily for 6 weeks.
• 4 also mentions that the prophylactic dose of Oseltamivir is 75 mg once or twice daily for 6 weeks, which significantly prevented the development of naturally acquired influenza by >70% compared with placebo in unvaccinated otherwise healthy adults.
• No other studies provide specific information on the prophylactic dose of Oseltamivir.

Key Points

• The recommended prophylactic dose of Oseltamivir is 75 mg twice daily for 6 weeks.
• Oseltamivir has been shown to be effective in preventing influenza in healthy adults and children.
• The use of Oseltamivir for prophylaxis may be considered in certain situations, such as during an influenza outbreak or for individuals at high risk of complications from influenza.

Dosage Information

• The dosage of Oseltamivir for prophylaxis is 75 mg twice daily for 6 weeks, as stated in 3 and 4.
• It is essential to follow the recommended dosage and duration of treatment to minimize the risk of adverse effects and ensure the effectiveness of the medication.

Adverse Effects

• Oseltamivir may cause adverse effects, such as nausea and vomiting, as reported in 4 and 5.
• The risk of adverse effects should be considered when deciding whether to use Oseltamivir for prophylaxis.

Efficacy

• Oseltamivir has been shown to be effective in preventing influenza in healthy adults and children, as reported in 4 and 6.
• The efficacy of Oseltamivir in preventing influenza may vary depending on the population and the specific circumstances of use.

Considerations

• The decision to use Oseltamivir for prophylaxis should be based on a careful consideration of the potential benefits and risks, as well as the individual's specific circumstances and medical history.
• It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting Oseltamivir for prophylaxis.