From the Guidelines
The dosage of Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) in children is based on their weight, with different dosages recommended for treatment and chemoprophylaxis.
Treatment Dosage
- For children weighing ≤15 kg, the recommended dosage is 30 mg twice a day 1
- For children weighing >15 kg and up to 23 kg, the recommended dosage is 45 mg twice a day 1
- For children weighing >23 kg and up to 40 kg, the recommended dosage is 60 mg twice a day 1
- For children weighing >40 kg, the recommended dosage is 75 mg twice a day 1
Chemoprophylaxis Dosage
- For children weighing ≤15 kg, the recommended dosage is 30 mg once a day 1
- For children weighing >15 kg and up to 23 kg, the recommended dosage is 45 mg once a day 1
- For children weighing >23 kg and up to 40 kg, the recommended dosage is 60 mg once a day 1
- For children weighing >40 kg, the recommended dosage is 75 mg once a day 1
Special Considerations
- For children under 1 year of age, the dosage is based on weight and age, with recommendations for treatment and chemoprophylaxis available 1
- For premature infants, the recommended dosage is 2 mg/kg/day in 2 doses for treatment, and 2 mg/kg/day in 1 dose for chemoprophylaxis is not recommended due to limited data 1 It's essential to note that these recommendations are based on the available evidence and may be subject to change as new data emerges. Clinicians should consult the latest guidelines and recommendations from reputable sources, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), for the most up-to-date information on the use of Tamiflu in children 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Treatment of Influenza The safety and efficacy of oseltamivir phosphate for the treatment of influenza in pediatric patients 2 weeks old to 17 years of age has been established [see Dosage and Administration (2.2), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3), and Clinical Studies (14. 1)] and is based on: 13 to 17 years of age: Safety and efficacy in adolescent patients 13 to 17 years of age was supported by adequate and well-controlled trials in adults and adolescents and younger pediatric patients and safety data in adolescents treated with oseltamivir phosphate in a study of treatment and prophylaxis 1 year to 12 years of age: Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients 1 year to 12 years of age was supported by results of one double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 452 pediatric patients with influenza in whom oseltamivir phosphate 2 mg per kg twice daily or placebo was administered within 48 hours of symptom onset [see Clinical Studies (14. 1)]. 2 weeks to less than 1 year of age: Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients 2 weeks to less than 1 year of age is supported by adequate and well-controlled trials in adults and older pediatric patients and two open-label trials of oseltamivir phosphate (2 to 3. 5 mg per kg twice daily for 5 days) in 136 pediatric subjects 2 weeks to less than 1 year of age.
The dosage of Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) in children is as follows:
- For children 13 to 17 years of age, the dosage is not explicitly stated in the provided text, but it is implied to be the same as for adults.
- For children 1 year to 12 years of age, the dosage is 2 mg per kg twice daily.
- For children 2 weeks to less than 1 year of age, the dosage is 2 to 3.5 mg per kg twice daily. 2
From the Research
Dosage of Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) in Children
The dosage of Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) in children varies based on age and weight.
- For infants ≤8 months of age, the appropriate twice-daily oral oseltamivir dose is 3.0 mg/kg 3.
- For infants 9-11 months old, the dose is 3.5 mg/kg 3.
- For children 1-2 years old, a dose of 30 mg (the Food and Drug Administration-approved unit dose for this age group) may result in oseltamivir carboxylate exposures below the target range in some subjects 3.
- A study in children aged 1-5 years found that a single oral suspension dose of oseltamivir (45 mg for 3-5 years, 30 mg for 1-2 years) was well tolerated and efficiently metabolized and excreted 4.
- Another study found that oseltamivir, 2 mg/kg/dose administered twice daily for 5 days, was well tolerated by children and reduced the intensity of influenza symptoms, thus reducing the number of days of hospitalization and post-infection complications 5.
- A liquid formulation of oseltamivir (2 mg/kg twice daily for 5 days) has been shown to be effective in the treatment of children with influenza 6.
Age and Weight Considerations
When determining the dosage of oseltamivir for children, it is essential to consider their age and weight.
- The dosage for infants less than 2 years of age is based on weight, with 3.0 mg/kg for those ≤8 months and 3.5 mg/kg for those 9-11 months 3.
- For children over 1 year of age, the dosage may be based on age, with 30 mg for 1-2 years and 45 mg for 3-5 years 4.
- The dosage of 2 mg/kg/dose administered twice daily for 5 days has been used in children of various ages, including those under 1 year of age 5.
Administration and Tolerability
Oseltamivir is typically administered orally, twice daily, for 5 days.