From the Guidelines
Tamiflu (oseltamivir) should be used for treating influenza in patients who have had symptoms for less than 48 hours and are either at high risk for complications or have severe illness, as recommended by the most recent guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1.
Criteria for Use
The criteria for using Tamiflu include:
- Patients who have had symptoms for less than 48 hours
- Patients who are at high risk for complications, such as:
- Adults over 65
- Pregnant women
- Young children
- Immunocompromised patients
- Those with chronic medical conditions like heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes
- Patients with severe illness
Dosage
The standard adult dose of Tamiflu is 75 mg twice daily for 5 days, while children receive weight-based dosing, as outlined in the guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1.
- Children ≥12 months: weight-based dosing
- ≤15 kg (≤33 lb): 30 mg twice daily
15-23 kg (33-51 lb): 45 mg twice daily
23-40 kg (>51-88 lb): 60 mg twice daily
40 kg (>88 lb): 75 mg twice daily
- Infants 9-11 months: 3.5 mg/kg per dose twice daily
- Term infants 0-8 months: 3 mg/kg per dose twice daily
Prophylaxis
Tamiflu is also indicated for prophylaxis after exposure to influenza in high-risk individuals, typically at 75 mg once daily for 10 days, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Tamiflu include nausea, vomiting, and headache, as reported in clinical trials and observational studies 1.
Importance of Early Treatment
Treatment with Tamiflu should begin as soon as possible after symptom onset for maximum effectiveness, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Oseltamivir phosphate for oral suspension is an influenza neuraminidase inhibitor (NAI) indicated for: Treatment of acute, uncomplicated influenza A and B in patients 2 weeks of age and older who have been symptomatic for no more than 48 hours. Prophylaxis of influenza A and B in patients 1 year and older.
The criteria for Tamiflu (oseltamivir) use are:
- Treatment: acute, uncomplicated influenza A and B in patients 2 weeks of age and older who have been symptomatic for no more than 48 hours.
- Prophylaxis: influenza A and B in patients 1 year and older. 2
From the Research
Criteria for Tamiflu Use
The following criteria are based on studies of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) use in various populations:
- Initiation of therapy: Oseltamivir should be initiated within 36-48 hours of symptom onset for optimal efficacy 3, 4, 5
- Dosage: The recommended dosage is 75 mg twice daily for 5 days for adults and children aged 13 years and older 3, 4
- High-risk populations: Oseltamivir may be particularly beneficial for high-risk populations, such as the elderly, those with chronic cardiac or respiratory disease, and young children 3, 4, 6
- Prevention: Oseltamivir may also be used for seasonal or household prophylaxis, particularly in high-risk populations or during outbreaks 3, 6
- Contraindications: There are no specific contraindications mentioned in the studies, but oseltamivir should be used with caution in patients with renal impairment or those taking other medications that may interact with oseltamivir
Patient Populations
The following patient populations may benefit from oseltamivir use:
- Adults: Oseltamivir is effective in reducing the duration and severity of influenza symptoms in adults, including those with chronic cardiac or respiratory disease 3, 4
- Elderly: Oseltamivir may be particularly beneficial for elderly patients, who are at higher risk of complications from influenza 3, 4, 6
- Children: Oseltamivir is effective in treating influenza in children, including those aged 13 years and older 3, 7
- High-risk patients: Oseltamivir may be beneficial for patients with underlying medical conditions, such as chronic cardiac or respiratory disease, who are at higher risk of complications from influenza 3, 4, 6
Efficacy and Safety
The following points summarize the efficacy and safety of oseltamivir: