Tamiflu is the brand name for the generic drug oseltamivir. This drug is used to block the progression of the viruses which cause influenza A and B. This drug is classified as an antiviral medication.
Tamiflu, an antiviral medication, needs to be taken as soon as influenza symptoms appear, but before two days have passed. Tamiflu can also be used to prevent influenza in people who have been exposed to influenza but have not yet developed the symptoms. Tamiflu cannot treat the common cold. Symptoms of the flu are muscle aches, sore throat, runny nose, stuffy nose, fever and chill. When these symptoms appear, Tamiflu needs to be taken immediately, but before forty-eight hours have passed. This medication needs to be taken for as long as prescribed by your doctor, even if the symptoms get better.
There are a few important side effects that need to be discussed with your doctor and stop taking Tamiflu. These side effects appear in children and include self-injury, delirium, and confusion. If these symptoms appear in a child taking Tamiflu or anyone, your doctor should be contacted at once. Tamiflu should not be used as a replacement for a yearly flu shot. The US Centers for Disease Control (USCDC) recommends an annual flu shot to protect individuals from the latest strains of the influenza virus.
Tamiflu is a powerful antiviral medication and needs to be taken exactly as directed. If you do not understand the directions for taking this medication, you should contact your doctor or pharmacist for clarification. This drug may be prescribed for other conditions not described here. The description here is for taking Tamiflu to prevent the progression of an influenza A and influenza B exposure or contamination from progressing to a bout with the flu.
Before taking Tamiflu, your doctor needs to know if you have received a nasal flu vaccine within the previous two weeks. If you have kidney disease, heart disease, lung disease or any other serious health problems you must discuss them with your doctor. If you do have any of the listed conditions you may not be able to take Tamiflu or you may need an altered dosage or special health monitoring during treatment.
The US FDA categorizes drugs based on safety for pregnant women. Tamiflu is categorized as C. This indicates that this drug may cause harm to an unborn child, but you should discuss all risk factors with your doctor before taking this medication if you are expecting. Tamiflu can pass through breast milk to an infant. Do not take Tamiflu if you are nursing; discuss the safety with the pediatrician and your physician first. This medication is not to be given to children under the age of 1.
When taking Tamiflu follow your doctor’s directions precisely. Do not take more than is recommended or instructed and do not take Tamiflu for a longer period of time than instructed. Treatment needs to start as soon as the flu symptoms appear. Common flu symptoms are headache, fever, muscle aches, sore throat, runny nose, stuffy nose and chills. Take the Tamiflu capsule with eight ounces of water. If taking the oral suspension, be sure to shake the liquid well and measure with an appropriate measuring device. Do not use a common teaspoon or serving spoon. Your pharmacist will have the appropriate measuring device to use when taking Tamiflu suspension.
Tamiflu can be taken with or without food. If an upset stomach occurs when taking Tamiflu, take it with food or milk during the next scheduled dose. This medication must be taken exactly as instructed. The usual recommendation for treating flu symptoms is to take the medication every 12 hours for five days. If you have been exposed to the flu virus and are taking Tamiflu to prevent from developing the flu, before symptoms even develop, the usual recommendation is to take Tamiflu once every twenty four hours for ten days. Do not take this medication for more days than instructed. Do not stop taking Tamiflu as soon as the symptoms get better. The virus may still be in your system, even though you are beginning to feel better. Store this medication at room temperature and away from moisture. Liquid Tamiflu needs to be refrigerated, but never frozen. Throw away the Tamiflu liquid that is not used after 10 days.
A missed dose should be taken as soon as it is remembered. If it is almost time for the regularly scheduled dose, do not double the dose, and simply take the regularly scheduled does.
An overdose presents with symptoms of nausea and vomiting. If you believe you have overdosed on Tamiflu seek emergency medical attention.
There are no restrictions on food, beverages or activities while taking Tamiflu, if your doctor has not advised against anything.
There can be side effects when taking Tamiflu. Some of them are serious and some are mild. A severe reaction indicates an allergy, to this drug, which may be life-threatening, seek emergency medical intervention. Allergic reaction presents as shortness of breath, hives, swelling of lips, throat, face or tongue, fainting or rash. There are rare side effects that are usually seen only in children. If a child taking Tamiflu begins to appear delirious, disoriented, confused or self-injurious, contact your physician immediately. Other side effects that are not serious, but can occur are gastrointestinal upset – including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, nosebleeds, dizziness, sore, red eyes, sleep disturbances and cough. Some side effects not listed here may develop. If you are experiencing a side effect that concerns yo9u, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Other prescription drugs may interact with Tamiflu. Speak to you doctor about any prescriptions or over the counter medications that you currently are taking. Over-the-counter drugs include herbal remedies, minerals and vitamins. If you are seeing more than one doctor, make sure that you tell all of your doctors that you are taking Tamiflu.
As always, if you need more information, contact your physician or pharmacist regarding this medication.
Tamiflu phosphate is a white crystalline solid with the chemical name (3R,4R,5S)-4- acetylamino-5-amino-3 (1-ethylpropoxy)-1-cyclohexene-1- carboxylic acid, ethyl ester, phosphate (1:1). The chemical formula is C16H28N2O4 (free base). The molecular weight is 312.4 for oseltamivir free base and 410.4 for oseltamivir phosphate salt. TAMIFLU (oseltamivir phosphate) is available as a capsule containing 75 mg oseltamivir for oral use, in the form of oseltamivir phosphate, and as a powder for oral suspension, which when constituted with water as directed contains 12 mg/mL oseltamivir base. In addition to the active ingredient, each capsule contains pregelatinized starch, talc, povidone K 30, croscarmellose sodium, and sodium stearyl fumarate. The capsule shell contains gelatin, titanium dioxide, yellow iron oxide, black iron oxide, and red iron oxide. Each capsule is printed with blue ink, which includes FD&C Blue No. 2 as the colorant. In addition to the active ingredient, the powder for oral suspension contains xanthan gum, monosodium citrate, sodium benzoate, sorbitol, saccharin sodium, titanium dioxide, and tutti-frutti flavoring.
Tamiflu has the following structural formula:
 Reviewed: 17 January 2007
Generic name: Oseltamivir
Brand name(s):
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