What is Oseltamivir?
Oseltamivir is an antiviral drug that is used to treat and prevent the flu. It works in a similar way to zanamivir (Relenza). The influenza A and B viruses, which cause the flu, are suppressed and spread less by oseltamivir. It accomplishes this by inhibiting the action of neuraminidase, a virus-produced enzyme that allows viruses to spread from infected to healthy cells. The symptoms and duration of influenza infection are decreased by preventing the virus from spreading from cell to cell. If treatment is begun within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms, oseltamivir reduces the duration of symptoms by one and a half days on average.
Oseltamivir Uses
Oseltamivir is used to treat certain types of influenza infection ('flu') in adults, children, and infants (over the age of 2 weeks) who had flu symptoms for less than two days. When adults and children (over the age of one year) have spent time with someone who has flu or when there is a flu outbreak, this drug is often used to prevent certain kinds of flu in adults and children (over the age of one year). Oseltamivir belongs to the neuraminidase inhibitor class of drugs. It works by preventing the flu virus from spreading across the body. Flu symptoms such as a stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, cough, muscle or joint aches, tiredness, headache, fever, and chills can be reduced by oseltamivir.
Oseltamivir Side Effects
Some of the common side effects of Oseltamivir are:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Headache
Some of the serious side effects of Oseltamivir are:
- Rash
- Hives
- Blisters on skin
- Itching
- Swelling of face
- Difficulty while breathing
- Unusual behaviour
The common side effects don’t need any medical attention and will disappear as your body gets adjusted to the dosage. But if you are facing any kind of serious or rare side effects then immediately seek medical attention.
Precautions
Before taking Oseltamivir talk with your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medications. The product can contain serious adverse effects which can allergic reactions. Before taking the medication talk with your doctor if you are having any medical history such as Kidney disease, liver disease, stomach ulcers and abdominal pain. Talk to your doctor if you are taking any prescription or non-prescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements and other herbal products. If you have a disease or condition that affects your immune system, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), or if you have heart, lung, or kidney disease, you should talk to your doctor.
How to use Oseltamivir?
Oseltamivir is available as a capsule and a suspension (liquid) for oral administration. When treating flu symptoms, oseltamivir is normally taken twice a day (morning and evening) for five days. When used to prevent flu, oseltamivir is typically taken once a day for at least 10 days, or up to 6 weeks during a community flu outbreak. It's critical to understand the drug dose prescribed by your doctor and to use a measuring device that can accurately measure the dose.
Even if you start to feel better, keep taking oseltamivir until the prescription is completed. Do not stop taking oseltamivir without first consulting your physician. Your infection may not be completely treated or you may not be protected from the flu if you stop taking oseltamivir too soon or miss doses.
Mainly Oseltamivir is taken orally. The dosage for the treatment of flu in adults is 75 mg twice a day for 5 days at least. Children are given 30-75 mg twice a day.
Missed Dose
If you forget to take a dose, remember to take it as soon as possible. If your next scheduled dose is less than 2 hours away, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Call your doctor for instructions if you miss any doses. To make up for a missed dose, do not take a double dose.
Overdose
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Oseltamivir tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Warnings for serious Health Conditions
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding:
The medication is used during pregnancy as it will help in treating flu and keep the baby safe. Women who have recently given birth can be treated with oseltamivir. Oseltamivir is recommended for use in children aged one year and up.
Storage
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. Exposure to medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach. Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Oseltamivir vs Remdesivir
Oseltamivir |
Remdesivir |
|---|---|
| Oseltamivir is an antiviral drug that is used to treat and prevent the flu. It works in a similar way to zanamivir (Relenza). | Remdesivir is an anti-viral drug. It helps to fight with SARS-CoV 2, the virus that causes COVID-19. |
| Oseltamivir is used to treat certain types of influenza infection ('flu') in adults, children, and infants (over the age of 2 weeks) who had flu symptoms for less than two days. | Preliminary data has shown that patient with advance COVID-19 and lung problems recover faster after receiving Remdesivir. |
Some of the common side effects of Oseltamivir are:
|
Some serious side effects of Remdesivir are:
|
