Influenza B Treatment Medication Tamiflu Oseltamivir

Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) – Influenza medication

Tamiflu is an antiviral drug that has been approved in more than 80 countries. It is manufactured by Roche and is used for the treatment and prevention of influenza. This medication is also approved for the treatment of bird flu.

About Tamiflu (Oseltamivir)

The active ingredient in Tamiflu is oseltamivir. It is used for treating adults and adolescents suffering from influenza. Tamiflu helps patients whose flu symptoms are not more than two days (48 hours) old. Tamiflu is also used to reduce the chance of getting influenza in people because of infection.

Tamiflu for influenza treatment

Tamiflu reduces the duration of influenza by approximately one to one and a half days and reduces the risk of developing flu-related complications, such as chest infections, pneumonia and others that require antibiotics.

Tamiflu is indicated for the treatment of viral infections especially influenza virus. Tamiflu can treat influenza A and influenza B. It can decrease influenza symptoms such as weakness, headache, cough, fever, and sore throat in just the first day of intake. Tamiflu can also help in the prevention of influenza and protects you even if you have been in touch with an infected person. World Health Organization has also recommended Tamiflu as the treatment to be taken in case of bird flu pandemic as it has been found to be effective in treating the new threat of bird flu.

Working of Tamiflu

Tamiflu works by binding to the neuraminidase on the surface of the virus particles and stops it from spreading further. When neuraminidase blocks the virus in this way, newly formed viral particles are not released from the infected cells. This prevents the flu virus from spreading and contaminating other cells. Tamiflu helps confine infection to a smaller area. This makes the symptoms of the infection less severe and makes it is easier for the immune system to kill the virus.

Dosage of Tamiflu

For influenza and bird flu treatment, the dosage of Tamiflu is:

75mg of Tamiflu for adults to be taken twice a day for up to five days
30-75mg of Tamiflu for children to be taken twice a day for up to five days
A paediatrician must determine the dose for infants

For prevention of influenza and bird flu, the dosage of Tamiflu is:

75mg Tamiflu tablets for adults once daily for at least 10 days
30mg Tamiflu tablets for children once daily
A paediatrician should determine dosage for infants

Side effects of Tamiflu (Oseltamivir)

Tamiflu is a well tolerated medicine. The most common side effects of Tamiflu are nausea and vomiting. Other side effects of Tamiflu are diarrhoea, abdominal pain, dizziness, headache, and insomnia. If you experience any side effects of Tamiflu or they become specifically persistent and bothersome, inform your doctor immediately.

Precautions for Tamiflu

Before you take Tamiflu, tell your doctor if you have any of the following medical conditions:

Heart problem
Kidney problem
Other viral infections besides Influenza A or Influenza B
Lung problem
Liver problem
Other serious medical problems that need constant medical attention

It is best to tell your doctor about all your current medical conditions and the drugs you are taking to avoid any drug complications.

By: Katiee

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