Oseltamivir

Treatment

You must use (or give to your child) the amount of Oseltamivir as prescribed by your doctor.

The usual dose for treatment of influenza in children depends on the age or weight (for <12 months) or body weight (for ≥12 months) of the child as indicated below

Children <12 months:

  *Follow weight based dosing as prescribed by your doctor if available

Children ≥ 12 months, up to adults:

Prevention

Oseltamivir can also be used to prevent influenza following exposure to an infected individual. You must use (or give to your child) the amount of Oseltamivir as prescribed by your doctor.

Oseltamivir should be taken once daily for 10 days. It is best taken in the mornings with breakfast.

The usual dose for prevention of influenza in children depends on the age or weight (for <12 months) or body weight (for ≥12 months) of the child as indicated below:

Children <12 months*:

 *Follow weight based dosing as prescribed by your doctor if available

Children ≥ 12 months, up to adults:

Taking Oseltamivir capsule with food will reduce the potential for stomach upset.

As powder from the capsules can be irritating to the skin and eyes, open the capsules with care. If powder comes in contact with eyes or skin, rinse with plenty of water immediately.

As Oseltamivir is very bitter and the taste can be masked by mixing the contents of the capsule(s) with sweetened liquids as indicated below:

For patients who cannot swallow the capsules:

• Carefully open one _________mg capsule and pour all the powder into a plastic cup.
• Add 10mL of water to the plastic cup and mix for 2 minutes.
• Use the syringe to measure out ___________mL and discard the remaining mixture.
• Add the mixture measured out to a small volume of one of the following sweetened liquids listed below and serve to your child.

The following sweetened liquids are:

• Ovaltine*
• Milo*
• Rose syrup
• Maple syrup
• Cherry syrup
• Condensed milk
• Chocolate syrup (Nestle’s or Hershey’s)
• Nestle’s Nesquik Plus + 50% water*
• Melted Vanilla and Chocolate Ice Cream
• Honey (for children ≥2 years of age)

* Allow these drinks to cool to room temperature before medication is added.

If you forget to take (or give your child) a dose, take (or give) the missed dose as soon as you remember, except if it is near the next dose (within 2 hours). Then continue to take (or give) the Oseltamivir capsule at the usual times. Do not double or increase the dose.

If you (or your child) have missed several doses, inform your doctor and follow the advice given. If you (or your child) vomit within 15 minutes of administration, take (or give) another dose if possible.