Dosage of Oseltamivir: An Introduction
When selecting your dose of
oseltamivir (
Tamiflu®), your doctor will consider a number of factors, including:
- Your age
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As is the case with all medicines, do not adjust your dosage of oseltamivir unless specifically instructed by your healthcare provider to do so.
Dosage of Oseltamivir for Treating the Flu in Adults and Adolescents
The recommended starting dosage of oseltamivir for most adults and adolescents over the age of 13 is 75 mg, twice a day, for five days. Oseltamivir should be started within two days of first noticing
flu symptoms.
Dosage of Oseltamivir for Preventing the Flu in Adults and Adolescents
Oseltamivir should be started as soon as one has been in close contact with someone who has
the flu -- preferably within two days. The recommended dose for
flu prevention in people age 13 or older is 75 mg, once a day, for at least 10 days. If there is a
flu outbreak in your area, you can take 75 mg once a day for up to six weeks.
Dosage of Oseltamivir for Children
For the prevention or treatment of the flu in children 1 to 12 years of age, the recommended dosage of oseltamivir will be based on the weight of the child. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about the specific dosage for your child.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized emergency use of oseltamivir for infants under one year of age only for the 2009-2010 H1N1 flu season. However, oseltamivir is not recommended for very young infants (under three months of age) unless the situation is critical, since there is very little information about how to properly dose this medication in young infants.
If there is a shortage of oseltamivir oral suspension, your pharmacist may need to make a suspension using the capsules.
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