UMEM Educational Pearls

Category: Toxicology

Title: Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) for treatment and prevention of H1N1 Influenzae

Keywords: Oseltamivir,tamiflu,h1n1,influenza (PubMed Search)

Posted: 6/4/2009 by Ellen Lemkin, MD, PharmD
Click here to contact Ellen Lemkin, MD, PharmD

Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)

Has low protein binding and does not inhibit CYP450 (resulting in a low incidence of drug interactions)
Requires dosage adjustment with creatinine clearance of < 30 ml/min
Does not require dosage adjustment in patients with liver failure or the elderly
Most common adverse effects are nausea and vomiting
Serious effects include anaphylaxis and skin reactions. Neuropsychiatric effects reported include hallucinations, delerium and abnormal behavior
It may be administered to infants and children due to the high potential morbidity associated with influenza

For complete indications and dosing: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/recommendations.htm

www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/recommendations.htm
www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/antivirals/side-effects.htm