From the FDA Drug Label
7.2 Drugs Without Clinically Significant Drug Interaction with Oseltamivir Phosphate for Oral Suspension No dose adjustments are needed for either oseltamivir or the concomitant drug when coadministering oseltamivir with amoxicillin, acetaminophen, aspirin, cimetidine, antacids (magnesium and aluminum hydroxides and calcium carbonates), rimantadine, amantadine, or warfarin [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Yes, patients can be treated with oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and amoxicillin concurrently for influenza and streptococcal pharyngitis, as there are no clinically significant drug interactions between oseltamivir and amoxicillin, and no dose adjustments are needed for either drug 1.
From the Research
Yes, patients can take Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and amoxicillin together when they have both influenza and strep throat infections simultaneously. These medications work differently and treat different types of infections - Tamiflu targets the influenza virus while amoxicillin fights the bacterial Streptococcus infection. There are no significant drug interactions between these medications that would prevent their concurrent use.
Key Considerations
- For influenza, Tamiflu is typically prescribed as 75mg twice daily for 5 days for adults (pediatric dosing is weight-based) 2.
- For strep throat, amoxicillin is usually prescribed as 500mg three times daily or 875mg twice daily for 10 days for adults (children typically receive 40-50mg/kg/day divided into two or three doses) 3.
- It's essential to complete the full course of both medications even if symptoms improve before finishing.
- Taking both medications together may help address both infections simultaneously, potentially leading to faster overall recovery.
- Patients should ensure they stay well-hydrated and may take the medications with food if stomach upset occurs.
Treatment Rationale
- The choice of antibiotic for streptococcal pharyngitis, such as amoxicillin, is supported by studies comparing different antibiotics for this condition 3.
- While there are various treatment options for streptococcal pharyngitis, amoxicillin remains a commonly recommended choice due to its efficacy and safety profile 4.
- The concurrent use of oseltamivir and amoxicillin is not addressed directly in the provided studies, but given their different mechanisms of action and targets, it is reasonable to conclude that they can be used together without significant interactions 2, 3.