Tamiflu Dosing for a 7-Year-Old Weighing 16.6 kg
For a 7-year-old patient weighing 16.6 kg, administer Tamiflu 45 mg twice daily for 5 days for treatment, or 45 mg once daily for 10 days for prophylaxis. 1
Weight-Based Dosing Algorithm
This patient falls into the >15 kg to ≤23 kg weight category, which requires 45 mg per dose. 1 The dosing categories for children ≥12 months are structured as follows:
- ≤15 kg: 30 mg per dose 1
- >15 kg to 23 kg: 45 mg per dose 1
- >23 kg to 40 kg: 60 mg per dose 1
- >40 kg: 75 mg per dose 1
Since this child weighs 16.6 kg, they exceed the 15 kg threshold and must receive the 45 mg dose, not 30 mg. 1
Formulation and Administration
- Oral suspension (preferred): Administer 7.5 mL of the 6 mg/mL concentration to deliver the 45 mg dose 1, 2
- Capsule alternative: If the child can swallow capsules, a 45 mg capsule may be used instead 1
- Give with food to reduce gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and vomiting 1, 2
Treatment vs. Prophylaxis Regimens
- For treatment: 45 mg twice daily for 5 days, initiated within 48 hours of symptom onset 1, 2
- For post-exposure prophylaxis: 45 mg once daily for 10 days 1, 2
- For seasonal prophylaxis: 45 mg once daily for up to 6 weeks during community outbreaks 2
Critical Pitfalls to Avoid
Do not round down to 30 mg simply because the child is close to 15 kg—at 16.6 kg, this patient is definitively in the next weight bracket and requires 45 mg. 1 Conversely, do not round up to 60 mg, as the patient remains well below the 23 kg threshold. 1
Use a calibrated oral dosing device that accurately measures 7.5 mL to ensure precise dosing. 1
Renal Function Considerations
- No dose adjustment is needed for patients with normal renal function 1, 2
- Dose reduction is only required if creatinine clearance is <30 mL/min 1, 2