Tamiflu is an antiviral drug that is used in the treatment and prophylaxis of both Influenza virus A and Influenza virus B infection. It is the main drug used to treat the current outbreak of Swine Flu.

Dosage and Usage

Tamiflu is meant to be used for the treatment and prevention of infections due to influenza A and B virus in people at least one year of age.

The usual adult dosage for treatment of influenza is 75 mg twice daily for 5 days, beginning within 2 days of the appearance of symptoms and with decreased doses for children and patients with renal impairment. It may be given as a preventive measure either during a community outbreak or following close contact with an infected individual.

Early Treatment

The importance of early treatment is that the NA protein inhibition is more effective within the first 48 hours. If the virus has replicated and infected many cells the effectiveness of this medication will be severely diminished, especially over time.

Adverse effects

Common adverse drug reactions associated with Tamiflu therapy include:

nausea

vomiting

diarrhea

abdominal pain

and headache