Tamiflu Dosing for a 16kg Patient
For a 16kg patient, the recommended dose of Tamiflu (oseltamivir) is 45 mg twice daily for 5 days for treatment, or 45 mg once daily for 10 days for prophylaxis. 1, 2
Weight-Based Dosing Algorithm
A 16kg patient falls into the >15 kg to 23 kg weight category, which determines the appropriate dose:
- Treatment dose: 45 mg orally twice daily for 5 days 1, 3
- Prophylaxis dose: 45 mg orally once daily for 10 days 1, 3
The weight-based dosing categories for pediatric patients ≥1 year are stratified as follows 1, 2:
- ≤15 kg: 30 mg per dose
- >15-23 kg: 45 mg per dose (applies to your 16kg patient)
23-40 kg: 60 mg per dose
40 kg: 75 mg per dose
Formulation and Administration
Using the oral suspension (6 mg/mL concentration), administer 7.5 mL per dose 1, 4, 3:
- For treatment: 7.5 mL twice daily for 5 days
- For prophylaxis: 7.5 mL once daily for 10 days
Administration with food is recommended to improve gastrointestinal tolerability and reduce nausea and vomiting, which occur in approximately 10% of patients 1, 2, 4
If using capsules, the 45 mg capsule strength can be administered directly if the patient can swallow capsules 1, 3
Critical Timing Considerations
- For treatment: Initiate within 48 hours of influenza symptom onset for maximum effectiveness 1, 2, 3
- For prophylaxis: Initiate within 48 hours following close contact with an infected individual 1, 2
Special Considerations
No renal dose adjustment is needed for this patient unless significant renal impairment exists (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min) 1, 2, 4
Common pitfall to avoid: Do not use the ≤15 kg dosing (30 mg) for a 16kg patient, as this patient clearly exceeds 15 kg and requires the higher 45 mg dose 1, 3
The commercially manufactured oral suspension requires 2 bottles to be dispensed for a complete treatment course at this dose 3