Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) Prophylaxis Dosing
For post-exposure prophylaxis in adults and adolescents ≥13 years, administer oseltamivir 75 mg orally once daily for 10 days; for seasonal prophylaxis during a community outbreak, continue 75 mg once daily for up to 6 weeks (or up to 12 weeks in immunocompromised patients). 1, 2
Adult and Adolescent Prophylaxis (≥13 years)
- Standard prophylaxis dose: 75 mg orally once daily 1, 2
- Post-exposure prophylaxis duration: 10 days (initiate within 48 hours of contact with infected individual) 1, 2
- Seasonal/community outbreak prophylaxis: up to 6 weeks 1, 2
- Immunocompromised patients: may extend up to 12 weeks 1, 2
- The duration of protection lasts only as long as dosing is continued 2
Pediatric Prophylaxis (1-12 years)
Weight-based dosing once daily for 10 days post-exposure or up to 6 weeks during community outbreak: 1, 2
- ≤15 kg (≤33 lb): 30 mg once daily 1, 2
- >15-23 kg (>33-51 lb): 45 mg once daily 1, 2
- >23-40 kg (>51-88 lb): 60 mg once daily 1, 2
- >40 kg (>88 lb): 75 mg once daily 1, 2
Infant Prophylaxis (3-11 months)
- 3-11 months: 3 mg/kg once daily for 10 days 1, 3
- Prophylaxis is NOT recommended for infants <3 months unless the situation is judged critical due to limited safety data 3
Renal Impairment Adjustments
For patients with creatinine clearance 10-30 mL/min: 1, 3, 2
Administration Considerations
- Initiate prophylaxis within 48 hours of exposure to an infected individual 1, 2
- May be taken with or without food, though administration with food improves gastrointestinal tolerability 3, 4, 2
- Available as capsules (30 mg, 45 mg, 75 mg) or oral suspension (6 mg/mL when reconstituted) 1, 4
Critical Drug Interaction
- Avoid live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) within 48 hours before oseltamivir 1, 3
- Do not use oseltamivir for 14 days after LAIV vaccination 1, 3