Tamiflu (oseltamivir) is an antiviral medication that blocks the actions of influenza virus types A and B in your body.
Tamiflu is used to treat influenza in people 2 weeks of age and older who have had flu symptoms for 2 days or less. Oseltamivir may also be given to prevent influenza in people who are at least 1 year old, who may be exposed but do not yet have symptoms. Tamiflu will not treat the common cold.
Take Tamiflu exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Start taking Tamiflu as soon as possible after flu symptoms appear, such as fever, chills, muscle aches, sore throat, and runny or stuffy nose.
Take the capsule with a full glass of water.
Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. Measure the liquid with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
You may open the Tamiflu capsule and sprinkle the medicine into a sweet liquid (corn syrup, chocolate syrup, brown sugar dissolved in water) to make swallowing easier. Swallow the mixture right away without chewing. Do not save for later use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using this method to prepare an Tamiflu dose for a child who is younger than 13 years old or weighs less than 88 pounds.
Tamiflu may be taken with food or milk if it upsets your stomach.
To treat flu symptoms: Take Tamiflu every 12 hours for 5 days.
To prevent flu symptoms: Take Tamiflu every 24 hours for 10 days or as prescribed. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Use this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.
Store Tamiflu capsules at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Tamiflu (oscltamivir phosphate) is an antiviral medication used to treat flu symptoms caused by influenzavirus in patients who have had symptoms for less than 2 days. Tamiflu may also be given to prevent influenza in people who may be exposed but do not yet have symptoms. Tamiflu will not treat the common cold. Common side effects of Tamiflu include:
nausea,
vomiting,
diarrhea,
dizziness,
headache,
nosebleed,
eye redness or discomfort,
sleep problems (insomnia), or
cough or other respiratory problems.
The flu itself or Tamiflu may rarely cause serious mental/mood changes. This may be more likely in children. Tell your doctor of any signs of unusual behavior, including confusion, agitation, or self-injury.
The recommended oral dose of Tamiflu for treatment of influenza in adults and adolescents 13 years and older is 75 mg twice daily for 5 days. Pediatric dose is determined by the child's weight. Tamiflu is not indicated for treatment in pediatric patients less than 1 year of age. Treatment should begin within 2 days of onset of symptoms of influenza. There may be other drugs that can interact with Tamiflu. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. During pregnancy, Tamiflu should be used only when prescribed. This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Our Tamiflu (oscltamivir phosphate) Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication.
