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What is Tamiflu? |
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Drug Uses
Tamiflu is an antiviral medicine. It can efficiently block the functions of both the A and B types of the flu virus within the body. The medication is administered as a treatment for the symptoms of an influenza virus outbreak, in patients who have shown indications of the flu within the last two days. It may also be used as a preventive medication for people who are potentially exposed to the virus, but do not show any observable symptoms. Tamiflu is not a treatment for the common cold.
How to Take Tamiflu
Tamiflu should be taken at the first signs of influenza, such as aching muscles, fever with chills, a runny or stuffed nose, and a sore throat. It may be taken with water. You may take it without food; but if it causes an upset stomach, it is best to take the medication with milk or food. Shake the liquid form well within its container before you measure out the dose (use the plastic syringe provided with the package). As a treatment for influenza symptoms, take Tamiflu for five days, with 12-hour intervals between doses. As a preventive medication, take it for ten days, with 24-hour intervals between each dose. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is thoroughly treated, but use it for the entire length of the prescribed treatment period.
Drug Precautions
Do not use Tamiflu as a substitute for your annual flu shots. If you have severe problems with your health, such as cardiac diseases, or kidney and lung illnesses, take it with medical supervision. Notify your physician if you were given a nasal flu vaccine for the last two weeks. It is not certain if Tamiflu can pass onto breast milk and cause harm to a breastfeeding baby, but the drug is known to have potentially harmful effects to your unborn child. Take the medication under medical supervision if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
Other medications can contraindicate with the effectiveness of Tamiflu. Notify your doctor regarding all of your current medications, including supplements, herbal products, prescription drugs, and over-the-counter medicines.
Side Effects
In rare cases, some patients (particularly children) have shown symptoms like vexation, delirium, and self-injury as an adverse result of taking Tamiflu. Patients must take note of any signs of confusion or abnormal behavior during treatment. Common and non-severe side effects include diarrhea, accompanied by queasiness and vomiting; nosebleeds; respiratory conditions such as cough; dizziness and migraines; and eye redness.
Missed Dose
Make up for a missed intake immediately; however, if the succeeding dose is two hours away, do not take the present dose, and follow your regular dosing schedule.
Overdose
Symptoms of an excessive use of Tamiflu may involve nausea and vomiting. Seek immediate medical attention if you believe that you have taken too much of the medication.
Storage
Keep Tamiflu refrigerated, at temperatures of 2 to 8C, but do not freeze it. Keep it away from children’s reach, and dispose of it immediately upon expiration.
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