Tamiflu Dosage Information: Details on Strengths, Forms, Timing, and More
Tamiflu, a brand-name antiviral drug, is commonly used for the treatment and prevention of the flu. It comes in two oral forms: capsules and liquid suspension.
For adults, the recommended dosage to treat the flu is 75 mg twice per day for 5 days. If you're taking Tamiflu to help prevent the flu, the dosage is 75 mg once per day for 10 days. In children, the dosage varies based on body weight. For children aged 13 and above, the dosage is the same as for adults. For children between the ages of 1 and 12, the dosage is adjusted accordingly.
If you miss a dose of Tamiflu, take it as soon as you remember, but if it's within 2 hours of your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as normal. It's important to note that Tamiflu is not meant to be taken as a long-term treatment.
However, if you have certain medical conditions, such as kidney problems, your doctor may adjust the dosage. The dosage adjustments for patients with kidney problems are based on creatinine clearance (CrCl) levels.
In adults, if your CrCl is over 60 mL/min, you should take the standard dosage. If your CrCl is between 30 and 60 mL/min, your dose will be reduced. If your CrCl is between 10 and 30 mL/min, your dose will be further reduced. If your CrCl is 10 mL/min or less, Tamiflu is not recommended.
For patients on hemodialysis, the dosage is adjusted to be taken after each hemodialysis session. For patients on peritoneal dialysis, the dosage varies depending on the dialysis type.
It's crucial to follow the prescribed dosage to avoid accumulation of the active metabolite oseltamivir carboxylate in renal impairment, thereby reducing the risk of toxicity while maintaining efficacy. Tamiflu is not recommended for patients with end-stage renal disease who are not on dialysis due to lack of data and safety concerns.
Tamiflu can be taken with or without food to reduce stomach upset. If you have trouble swallowing capsules, you can open Tamiflu capsules and mix the contents with sweetened liquids.
Remember, if you take more Tamiflu than prescribed, call your doctor right away or contact America's Poison Centers at 800-222-1222. Some pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If you're having trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about putting Tamiflu in an easy-open container.
Tamiflu is available in a generic version, and it's important to always consult with your healthcare provider to ensure you're receiving the correct dosage based on your specific needs.
[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Antiviral Medications for Flu. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/flu/antivirals/index.htm [4] Food and Drug Administration. (2021). FDA-Approved Antiviral Drugs for Influenza. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-drug-class/fda-approved-antiviral-drugs-influenza [5] World Health Organization. (2021). Antiviral medicines for the treatment and prophylaxis of influenza. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/antiviral-medicines-for-the-treatment-and-prophylaxis-of-influenza
- In the field of pediatrics, the dosage of Tamiflu for children under 13 varies based on their body weight, and parents should consult with their healthcare provider for accurate dosing.
- SARS patients might benefit from similar antiviral therapies and treatments as those used for the flu, such as Tamiflu, but further scientific research is necessary to confirm their efficacy.
- Health-and-wellness stores sometimes carry the generic version of Tamiflu, which can be an affordable alternative for those who need this antiviral drug.
- Infectious diseases such as the flu and SARS require careful monitoring, as their rapid spread can have serious health consequences, and Tamiflu, along with other antiviral drugs, plays a vital role in health-and-wellness efforts to combat these diseases.
