Oseltamivir
About Oseltamivir
Oseltamivir is used to treat viral infections, especially those caused by the influenza virus. It is used to treat cough, a stuffy nose, a sore throat, chills and fever, and tiredness. The Influenza or flu is caused by the influenza virus, which infects the lungs, throat, and nose.
Oseltamivir contains oseltamivir. It blocks the enzyme present on the surface of a virus that helps the virus enter healthy cells of the body, causing influenza infection.
In some cases, you may experience nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention. However, talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Do not take Oseltamivir if you are allergic to any of its components. Before using Oseltamivir, inform your doctor if you have suicidal thoughts, confusion, or kidney disease. If you have a weak immune system, please inform your doctor before taking Oseltamivir, as a dose adjustment may be required.
Uses of Oseltamivir
• Treatment of Influenza: Oseltamivir is primarily used to treat influenza (the flu), helping to alleviate symptoms and shorten the duration of the illness when taken within the first 48 hours of symptom onset.
• Prevention of Influenza: Oseltamivir can be prescribed to individuals who have been exposed to the flu virus (such as family members of infected individuals) to help prevent the onset of the illness.
• Reduction of Flu Complications: For high-risk populations, such as the elderly or those with underlying health conditions, Oseltamivir can reduce the risk of developing serious complications from influenza, including pneumonia.
Medicinal Benefits
- Oseltamivir contains a class of antiviral medication, oseltamivir, which is used to treat viral infections.
- It plays a vital role in treating symptoms caused by the influenza virus.
- It is used to treat cough, a stuffy nose, a sore throat, chills and fever, and tiredness.
- It blocks the enzyme present on the surface of the virus, which helps the virus enter uninfected cells of the body and cause influenza infection. As a result, this stops the proliferation of viruses, slowly leading to the viral infection clearing up.
Directions for Use
- Take Oseltamivir food to avoid an upset stomach or as advised by your doctor.
- Follow your doctor's instructions regarding the dosage and duration.
- It should be swallowed as a whole with water.
- Do not crush or chew it.
Storage
Side Effects of Oseltamivir
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
Drug Warnings
- Do not take Oseltamivir if you are allergic to any of its components.
- Inform your doctor if you have suicidal thoughts, confusion, or kidney disease before using this Oseltamivir.
- If you have a weakened immune system, please consult your doctor before taking Oseltamivir, as a dose adjustment may be necessary.
- Oseltamivir may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting when you get up too quickly from a lying position, especially when you first start taking Oseltamivir. Therefore, please get up gradually.
- Do not drive a car or operate any machinery that requires concentration, as Oseltamivir may cause dizziness.
- Drink plenty of fluid as Oseltamivir can cause dehydration and kidney damage.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Oseltamivir may interact with influenza virus vaccines, anticancer medications (methotrexate), and blood thinner medications (warfarin).
Drug-Food Interactions: No information found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have or have had kidney and liver disease.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAlcohol is not known to cause any unpleasant side effects if taken along with Oseltamivir. But the intake of alcohol may damage your liver. So intake of Oseltamivir should be avoided with Oseltamivir.
Pregnancy
cautionOseltamivir is a pregnancy Category C medicine. It is not known whether Oseltamivir will affect pregnant women or the fetus. However, the intake of Oseltamivir should not be associated with an increased risk of congenital disabilities.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorOseltamivir passes into the milk in smaller quantities, but it gives a therapeutic effect to the baby. However, consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding before taking Oseltamivir.
Driving
unsafeOseltamivir can affect alertness and coordination. So, operating machinery which requires concentration should be avoided.
Liver
unsafeNot safe because Oseltamivir interacts with liver disease.
Kidney
unsafeNot safe because Oseltamivir has an interaction with kidney disease.
Children
cautionThe safety and efficacy of Oseltamivir in children have not been established. Hence, contact your doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid alcoholic beverages with Oseltamivir as it can make you dehydrated and may affect your sleep.
- Try to include heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acid-containing foods in your daily diet. You can also use low-fat cooking oils like olive oil, soybean oil, canola oil, and coconut oil.
- Include turmeric or yellow mustard in your diet to avoid constipation caused by antiviral drugs, and increase the intake of fluids to stay hydrated.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Influenza: Influenza, or flu, is caused by a virus that causes respiratory disease. It is highly infectious and easily spreads through the sneezes and coughs of an infected person. Influenza can be transmitted easily through touch. Adults can start circulating the virus 2 days before symptoms appear. They can spread it for up to 7 days after they become sick. This means that you can stop spreading the influenza virus before figuring out that you are ill. Symptoms of influenza include a blocked or runny nose, sore throat, cough, and headache. Several other symptoms include high temperature, shivers, cold sweat, nausea, diarrhoea, and vomiting. In most cases, influenza is not severe, while in some cases, flu can cause severe complications. This is more likely to occur in older individuals, young children, and those with a chronic disease that can compromise their immune system.
FAQs
Oseltamivir is used to treat viral infections. It plays a vital role in treating symptoms caused by the influenza virus. It is used to treat cough, a stuffy nose, a sore throat, chills and fever, and tiredness.
If you miss a dose of Oseltamivir, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Oseltamivir contains oseltamivir, which is an antiviral medication. It blocks the enzyme present on the surface of a virus that helps the viruses enter uninfected cells of the body to cause influenza infection in the body. As a result, this stops the proliferation of viruses and slowly leads to the viral infection clearing up.
Do not stop taking Oseltamivir without talking to your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking Oseltamivir, you may experience confusion, fever, changes in mental state, or severe muscle stiffness. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually depending on your disease condition.
Oseltamivir is not used for the common cold, sore throat, or sinus infection. It is used for symptoms of influenza viral infection.
Oseltamivir may be taken with antibiotics only if recommended by the doctor. Talk to your doctor before use.
Oseltamivir is not likely to cause high blood pressure. If you experience any of these symptoms, please consult your doctor.
No, it is not a steroid. It is an antiviral medication.
While specific dosing instructions will vary depending on your individual needs and medical history. Always follow your doctor's prescribed dosage and timing for taking these medications.
Oseltamivir is not currently approved for treating COVID-19, which is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, although it is being used in clinical trials.
Oseltamivir contains oseltamivir, which is an antiviral medication.
Tamiflu is a brand of oseltamivir that comes in a capsule form.
Take Oseltamivir within 48 hours of flu symptom onset. It’s best to take Oseltamivir with food; there is less chance of stomach upset if you take it with a light snack or meal.
Common side effects of Oseltamivir may include nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Most of these side effects of Oseltamivir are temporary, do not require medical attention, and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Oseltamivir is not either an antibiotic or sulfa drug. It is an antiviral medication.
Oseltamivir does not treat colds or infections caused by bacteria or other viruses.
Oseltamivir-Azithromycin combination therapy was found to be more efficacious as compared to oseltamivir alone in rapid recovery and prevention of influenza-associated complications, especially in high-risk patients. However, it should be taken only if prescribed by the doctor.
Oseltamivir is a prescribed medication; it is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Consume only if the doctor prescribes you. Never encourage self-medication or suggest your medicine to someone else.
Yes, Oseltamivir is safe effective medication used to treat Influenza flu (cough, stuffy nose, sore throat, chills/fevers, and tiredness).
It depends on your individual medical condition and response to the medication. Your doctor will determine the appropriate duration of treatment based on your specific needs.
