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General Medication Fact Sheet for Oseltamivir
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Generic Name | Oseltamivir |
| Brand Name Versions | Tamiflu |
| Purpose | Antiviral medication used to treat and prevent influenza (flu) |
| Mechanism of Action | Inhibits neuraminidase enzyme, preventing the release of new viruses from infected cells |
| Dosage Forms | Oral capsules, oral suspension |
| Available Strengths | 30 mg, 45 mg, 75 mg (capsules); 6 mg/mL (suspension) |
| Dosage Frequency | Twice daily for treatment; once daily for prevention, or as directed by a healthcare provider |
| Common Side Effects | Nausea, vomiting, headache |
| Serious Side Effects | Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), neuropsychiatric events (e.g., confusion, delirium, hallucinations) |
| Drug Interactions | Limited drug interactions; consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for specific concerns |
| Important Notes | Start treatment within 48 hours of symptom onset for best results. This medication is not a substitute for a flu shot. |
| Storage | Store capsules at room temperature away from moisture and light. Reconstituted suspension should be stored in the refrigerator and discarded after 10 days. |
| Missed Dose | Take as soon as you remember unless it is close to your next scheduled dose. Do not double the dose. |
| Alternatives | Zanamivir (Relenza), Baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza) |
Oseltamivir Alternatives
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Zanamivir (Relenza) | Neuraminidase inhibitor | Administered via inhalation; not suitable for patients with certain respiratory conditions. |
| Baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza) | Cap-dependent endonuclease inhibitor | Single-dose oral medication; different mechanism of action than oseltamivir and zanamivir. |
Oseltamivir Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Nausea | Severe allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing) |
| Vomiting | Neuropsychiatric events (confusion, delirium, hallucinations) |
| Headache | Seizures |
| Diarrhea | Pneumonia or bronchitis (rare) |
| Abdominal pain | Severe skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome) |
Oseltamivir Dosage Guide
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Administration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Influenza Treatment (Adults) | 75 mg twice daily | 75 mg twice daily for 5 days | Start within 48 hours of symptom onset. |
| Influenza Prevention (Adults) | 75 mg once daily | 75 mg once daily for up to 6 weeks (during flu season) | Consult your doctor for duration. |
| Influenza Treatment (Children) | Dose based on weight | Dose based on weight for 5 days | Use oral suspension for accurate dosing. Consult a doctor or pharmacist. |
Oseltamivir Price With And Without Insurance
| Purchase Context | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| With Insurance | $20 |
| Without Insurance (U.S.) | $40 – $80 |
| From CPS | $34.95 |
