Tamiflu Dosing for a 9-Year-Old Child Weighing 34kg
For a 9-year-old child weighing 34 kg, the recommended dose of Tamiflu (oseltamivir) is 60 mg twice daily for 5 days for treatment, or 60 mg once daily for 10 days for prophylaxis. 1, 2
Weight-Based Dosing Rationale
This child falls into the >23-40 kg weight category according to American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines, which specifically recommends:
- Treatment dose: 60 mg twice daily for 5 days 1, 3
- Prophylaxis dose: 60 mg once daily for 10 days 1, 2
The weight-based dosing categories for children ≥1 year are clearly stratified as: ≤15 kg (30 mg per dose), >15-23 kg (45 mg per dose), >23-40 kg (60 mg per dose), and >40 kg (75 mg per dose). 1, 2, 4
Formulation and Administration Details
Available Formulations
- Capsules: 30 mg, 45 mg, and 75 mg strengths 3
- Oral suspension: 6 mg/mL concentration when reconstituted 1, 3
Specific Dosing Volume
For the 60 mg dose using oral suspension:
- 10 mL of the 6 mg/mL suspension per dose 1, 3
- Administer twice daily for treatment or once daily for prophylaxis 1
Administration Recommendations
- Give with food to improve gastrointestinal tolerability and reduce nausea/vomiting, which occur in approximately 10% of patients 2, 5
- Treatment should be initiated within 48 hours of symptom onset for maximum effectiveness 6, 5
- Earlier initiation (within 12-24 hours) provides even greater clinical benefit 5
Important Clinical Considerations
Renal Function
- No dose adjustment needed unless the child has significant renal impairment (creatinine clearance <60 mL/min) 2, 6
- For moderate renal impairment (CrCl 30-60 mL/min), reduce to 30 mg twice daily 3
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Do not underdose by using the lower weight category (45 mg) - this child clearly exceeds 23 kg 1
- Do not use adult dosing (75 mg) until the child weighs >40 kg 1, 3
- Ensure proper measurement device is used for oral suspension to avoid dosing errors 3