Oseltamivir Phosphate Oral
In Depth
- Uses and How to Use
- Dosage and Storage
- Precautions and Side Effects
- Drug Interactions
- Drug Images
Pronounced: (oss-el-TAM-eh-veer)
Oseltamivir Phosphate Oral Uses
Oseltamivir is used to treat symptoms caused by the flu virus (influenza). It helps to make the symptoms (e.g., stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, fever/chills, aches, tiredness) less severe and shortens the time to recovery by 1-2 days. This medication is also used to prevent the flu if you have been exposed to someone who already has the flu (e.g., sick household member).
This medication works by stopping the flu virus from growing. It is not a substitute for the flu vaccine. (See Notes)
Oseltamivir should not be used in infants younger than 1 year of age. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
How To Use Oseltamivir Phosphate Oral
Read the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with this medicine. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor. You may take it with food or milk to minimize stomach upset. Take this medication as soon as flu symptoms appear or as soon as possible after you have been exposed to the flu. Oseltamivir works best if you start taking it within 2 days of either of these events.
Shake the bottle well before each dose. Your pharmacist will provide you with an oral dosing dispenser. Measure each dose carefully using the device as instructed. After each use, rinse the dispenser with tap water and let it air dry. If you lose or damage the dosing dispenser, consult your pharmacist on how to use an oral syringe that will accurately measure 1.25 milliliters (one-quarter teaspoonful) portions.
If you have the flu, take oseltamivir usually twice a day for 5 days, or as directed by your doctor.
To prevent the flu, take oseltamivir usually once a day for at least 10 days, or as directed by your doctor. Follow your doctor's instructions for how long to take this medicine.
This medication works best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals at the same time(s) every day. Continue to take it for the full time prescribed. Stopping the medication too early may allow the virus to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection or failure to protect you from the flu.
Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens or if new symptoms appear.
