A Synopsis on Tamiflu – A Drug That Works Effectively To Treat Influenza

Tamiflu is used for the prevention and treatment of influenza. This drug can be used as a preventive measure when a person has been in close contact with someone who has the flu or when a community outbreak occurs. Also, if a person already has the flu then the use of this medication can decrease the length of the flu by 1 to 2 days.

Each Tamiflu 75mg capsule contains oseltamivir as its active ingredient and the inactive ingredients include: Black iron oxide (E172), croscarmellose sodium, FD and C Blue 2 (indigo carmine, E132), gelatin, povidone, pregelatinised maize starch, red iron oxide (E172), shellac, sodium stearyl fumarate, talc, titanium dioxide (E171) and yellow iron oxide (E172). This influenza treatment medication comes in the form of oval-shaped capsules and its colour is half cream/yellow and half white.

The recommended starting dose of Tamiflu for most adults and adolescents is 75mg, twice a day, for five days. Individual dosages are based on several factors such as age and any other medical conditions that you may have. When this medication is used as a preventive treatment for flu, the medication is taken daily for at least 10 days. A child’s Tamiflu dosage primarily depends on the child’s weight.

Tamiflu, an oral neuraminidase inhibitor, is an antiviral agent that targets the actual influenza virus and stops it from replicating and spreading from cell to cell in your body. This medication targets one of the two major surface structures on the influenza virus, the neuraminidase protein. The receptor site on this protein is virtually identical in all the common strains of the influenza virus. By blocking the neuraminidase activity, this influenza treatment medication is able to prevent other healthy cells from becoming infected. With fewer infected cells, the patient no longer becomes severely ill and is able to recover more easily and more rapidly from the infection.

Tamiflu should first be taken within 12 to 48 hours of the symptoms first appearing. It works better if you start taking it earlier.

Tamiflu is proven to be effective in the treatment as well as the prevention of influenza in adults and in children who are 1 year and older. When this medication is administered according to the approved dosage (75 mg twice daily for 5 days), it delivers a 38% reduction in the severity of symptoms, a 67% reduction in the secondary complications such as bronchitis, pneumonia and sinusitis in otherwise healthy individuals, as well as a 37% reduction in the duration of the illness itself.

Tamiflu benefits become apparent within 24 hours of taking the medication. You are less likely to develop secondary complications that are often associated with the flu, such as bronchitis, pneumonia and sinusitis. To avail the benefits of Tamiflu, you should consult your doctor at the earliest.

All prescription drugs have side effects, and Tamiflu oseltamiver is no exception. However, this influenza treatment medication is generally well tolerated when it is taken with food; this reduces the potential for these side effects. As with any medication, be sure to discuss with your doctor any over-the-counter or prescription medicines that you may be currently taking before beginning your treatment. Some of the possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, bronchitis, stomach pain, dizziness and headache.