Does Tamiflu (oseltamivir) come in a liquid formulation?

Does Tamiflu Come in a Liquid Formulation?

Yes, Tamiflu (oseltamivir) is available as an oral suspension at a concentration of 6 mg/mL, which is the preferred formulation for patients who cannot swallow capsules. 1

Available Formulations

Oseltamivir is manufactured in two primary forms:

• Capsules: Available in 30 mg, 45 mg, and 75 mg strengths 2, 3, 1
• Oral suspension: Supplied as a powder that must be reconstituted by a pharmacist to produce a 6 mg/mL concentration in a 60-mL bottle 2, 1

When the Commercial Suspension is Unavailable

If the commercially manufactured oral suspension is not available, capsules can be opened and the contents mixed by retail pharmacies to create an extemporaneous suspension. 2, 3

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following compounding options:

• Mix capsule contents with simple syrup or Ora-Sweet SF (sugar-free) to achieve a final concentration of 6 mg/mL 2
• Extemporaneous preparations in Cherry Syrup remain stable for up to 35 days under refrigeration (5°C) and up to 5 days at room temperature (25°C) 4
• Extemporaneous preparations in Ora-Sweet SF remain stable for up to 35 days at either 5°C or 25°C 4

Dosing Volumes for Oral Suspension

The standard suspension dosing volumes are:

• 30 mg dose = 5 mL 3, 5
• 45 mg dose = 7.5 mL 3, 5
• 60 mg dose = 10 mL 3, 5
• 75 mg dose = 12.5 mL 2, 3, 5

Administration Considerations

• The oral suspension may be taken with or without food 1
• Taking oseltamivir with food may improve gastrointestinal tolerability, as nausea and vomiting are common adverse effects occurring in approximately 5-15% of patients 2, 3
• The liquid formulation is particularly important for pediatric patients, especially infants and young children who require weight-based dosing 3, 1