Dosage of Tamiflu for children

Posted by Pharmacist Quang Anh Nguyet, Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital

Tamiflu (active ingredient oseltamivir phosphate) works by attacking the flu viruses, preventing them from multiplying in the patient's body and helping to relieve flu symptoms. Tamiflu is indicated for the treatment of influenza in adults and children including term neonates (with influenza virus type A and type B).

In addition to being indicated for the treatment of influenza in adults and children, Tamiflu is also used to prevent influenza in adults and children 1 year of age and older. However, taking this medicine does not replace appropriate flu vaccination.
Tamiflu is available in hard capsule dosage form with concentrations of 30mg, 45mg, 75mg and powder dosage form mixed into oral suspension with content of 12 mg oseltamivir/ml.
Tamiflu is a prescription drug and is only used when prescribed by a doctor. Depending on the weight, age and medical condition of the child, the doctor will prescribe the appropriate drug, form and dosage.
The absorption of the drug is not affected by food, so the child can take the drug before or after eating. However, the drug should be taken with food because it can help reduce the side effects of nausea and vomiting.

Capsule form is recommended to swallow whole when taking the drug; suspension must be shaken well before use. In case the child cannot swallow the whole tablet and there is no alternative suspension, the capsule can be opened and the powder inside mixed with a small amount of sweet liquid to reduce the taste of the medicine when taken.

Tamiflu is contraindicated for use in cases of hypersensitivity to Oseltamivir phosphate or any of its ingredients.

The most common side effects when taking Tamiflu are nausea and vomiting, headache. Usually, the symptoms of nausea and vomiting are not serious and only occur in the first 2 days of treatment. Taking Tamiflu with meals may help reduce this side effect. In addition, there may also be other symptoms such as abdominal pain, fatigue when taking the drug. Allergic reactions such as skin rashes are rare; If redness appears after taking the medicine, the child should stop taking the medicine and go to the medical facility immediately.

Children and adolescents with the flu may be at higher risk of experiencing seizures, lethargy, or unusual behavior during their illness. These side effects can occur a short time after taking Tamiflu or they can also happen because the flu has not been treated adequately. These manifestations are uncommon but can lead to accidental injury in the patient. Therefore, this patient subject needs to be monitored for signs of abnormal behavior while taking the drug and notified medical staff immediately.

References:
Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (2017, November 14). Tamiflu: Consumer Questions and Answers. Retrieved February 5, 2020, from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/tamiflu-consumer-questions-and-answers Pharmaceutical Industry Data Bank, Bureau Drug Administration - Ministry of Health. (2014). Tamiflu - VN-18299-14. Retrieved January 25, 2020, from https://drugbank.vn/thuoc/Tamiflu&VN-18299-14 Roche Registration GmbH. (2019, February 21). Tamiflu 75 mg Hard Capsules. Retrieved January 25, 2020, from https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1194/smpc Raphael Dolin (2018). Patient education: Influenza symptoms and treatment (Beyond the Basics). In Allyson Bloom (Ed.), UpToDate. Retrieved February 5, 2019, from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/influenza-symptoms-and-treatment-beyond-the-basics