Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) Drug Information PDF

Overview of the Drug Class **Prototype: oseltamivir (Tamiflu) ** - **Category**: Neuraminidase Inhibitor Antiviral Agent  - **Primary Function**: Oseltamivir is primarily used to prevent and treat influenza A and B infections.  - **Unique Features**: Oseltamivir is also effective again...

Overview of the Drug Class **Prototype: oseltamivir (Tamiflu) ** - **Category**: Neuraminidase Inhibitor Antiviral Agent  - **Primary Function**: Oseltamivir is primarily used to prevent and treat influenza A and B infections.  - **Unique Features**: Oseltamivir is also effective against certain pandemic strains like H1N1 (swine flu) and H5N1 (avian flu).  Mechanism of Action - Oseltamivir inhibits the neuraminidase enzyme on the surface of the influenza virus. This inhibition prevents the release of new viral particles from infected cells, effectively halting the spread of infection within the body.  Indications and Therapeutic Uses - **Seasonal Influenza**: Oseltamivir is approved for the prevention and treatment of influenza A and B in individuals one year of age and older. It can help reduce the duration and severity of flu symptoms. - **Pandemic Influenza**: Oseltamivir is also used to prevent and treat certain pandemic influenza strains like H1N1 (swine flu) and H5N1 (avian flu). Side Effects and Adverse Reactions **Side Effect** **Description** ------------------ ----------------------------------------------------------- Hypersensitivity Anaphylaxis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, or skin reactions. CNS Effects Delirium or abnormal behavior. GI Upset Nausea and vomiting. Precautions and Contraindications **Precautions ** - Treatment should be initiated as soon as possible after symptoms begin.  - Monitor for CNS effects, especially in children and adolescents.  Drug Interactions - Since oseltamivir can decrease the **\[immune response\]** to the **\[live influenza vaccine\]**, oseltamivir should be discontinued at least **\[two days\]** before vaccination.  Dosing, Administration, & Client Teaching **Dosing** - Dosing varies based on the condition, severity, and client response.  - Check drug dosing guidelines for individualized dosing.  - Available as oral tablets or powders that can be reconstituted for suspension.  - For influenza treatment for clients 13 years and older, dosing starts at 75 mg twice daily for five days, starting no later than two days after symptom onset. Dosages for children are weight-based.  - For influenza prevention, the dosage is half the treatment dosage, administered once daily. Candidates for prophylaxis include those exposed to the flu or nursing home residents. Nursing home residents should take prophylactic doses for up to 42 days.  **Administration** - Oral administration. **Client Teaching** - Advise clients to take oseltamivir with food to reduce the likelihood of GI side effects.  - Emphasize the importance of starting treatment as soon as possible after flu symptoms appear for maximum effectiveness.  - Inform clients about the potential side effects, including the rare risk of severe skin reactions and CNS symptoms, and instruct clients or caregivers to report such effects immediately.  - Clarify that oseltamivir is not a substitute for the flu vaccine and recommend annual vaccination as the primary method of influenza prevention.  Labs to Monitor - Routine laboratory monitoring is not indicated for oseltamivir.