ORIGINAL USES (ON-LABEL)
Treatment of uncomplicated acute illness due to influenza infection in adults who have been symptomatic
for no more than 2 days. Prophylaxis of influenza in patients 13 yr and older.
BRAND NAME Tamiflu
DRUG CLASS
Anti-infective/Antiviral
DESCRIPTION
Tamiflu is the first orally administered neuraminidase
inhibitor to be approved by the FDA. The antiviral activity of
oseltamivir against influenza A and B was supported by experimental
challenge studies in volunteers who received intranasal
inoculations of challenge strains of influenza virus. These subjects
received oseltamivir or placebo shortly after viral inoculation.
Compared with placebo, oseltamivir significantly reduced the
median viral titers 24 and 26 hours after initiating therapy and the
median time to cessation of viral shedding. This antiviral effect was
associated with significant reductions in symptoms and biochemical
markers of host inflammatory response in the respiratory tract.
This medicine is not recommended for people with severely decreased kidney function or kidney failure.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Unknown
FOOD INTERACTIONS
Unknown
HERBAL INTERACTIONS
Unknown
PREGNANCY AND BREAST-FEEDING CAUTIONS
Pregnancy category C. Use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
SPECIAL INFORMATION
This medicine should not be used as a substitute for being vaccinated against flu, because the protection against flu lasts only as long as you take the medicine. People who are at risk of complications if they contract flu should continue to have a yearly flu-vaccination to prevent the illness. These people include the elderly, people with chronic heart or lung disease, and people with a weakened immune system.
