Oseltamivir
Influenza
75mg
Oseltamivir is an antiviral capsule for treating and preventing influenza. It is supplied in one strength and several pack sizes. You see the price per capsule for each option.
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Oseltamivir
Oseltamivir is an antiviral medicine that acts on the influenza virus. It belongs to the neuraminidase inhibitor class and is taken by mouth. Influenza A and influenza B are the types it covers.
Medicine containing Oseltamivir
Key points
- Oseltamivir is used to treat flu in adults, children and infants older than 2 weeks who have had symptoms for no longer than 2 days.
- Effects are usually seen within 24 to 48 hours of starting treatment.
- A course usually runs for 5 days.
What oseltamivir is used for
Oseltamivir is used to treat influenza A and B and to prevent these infections. It is an option for people with recent flu symptoms. The infection itself is described under Influenza.
How it works
To leave an infected cell and go on to infect others, the influenza virus needs the enzyme neuraminidase. Oseltamivir inhibits it, so newly formed viral particles stay trapped and the infection spreads less readily.
Forms and strengths
Tablets contain 75 mg of oseltamivir (Oseltamivir). Hard capsules are the other common oral form. Pharmacy partners in India ship to Malaysia in discreet packaging.
Safety and side effects
Oseltamivir must not be used by anyone with a hypersensitivity to it, and dosing depends on age. In pregnancy it is used only if clinically necessary; while breastfeeding it may be used if clinically necessary.
Nausea, vomiting, headache and pain are common, and insomnia, fatigue or dizziness can occur. People taking it need watching for neuropsychiatric events and should keep well hydrated. The illness itself, particularly in children and teenagers, can cause confusion, agitation, hallucinations and self-harm. Anaphylaxis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis are serious reactions requiring immediate medical attention. Oseltamivir may make the intranasal flu vaccine less effective if taken up to 2 weeks after or up to 48 hours before the vaccine.
What the sources say
- Oseltamivir sits in the neuraminidase inhibitor class, which stops the flu virus from spreading in the body (MedlinePlus).
- It belongs to the family of antiviral medicines used against infections caused by viruses (Mayo Clinic).
- Oseltamivir may make some people, especially children and teenagers, agitated, irritable or otherwise abnormal in behaviour, which may lead to injury (Mayo Clinic).
Further reading
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