Oseltamivir
About
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, stuffy nose, sore throat, chills/fevers, and tiredness. The flu is caused by the influenza virus, which infects the lungs, throat, and nose. Influenza is a severe disease. Several diseases that keep people at higher risk include asthma, liver and kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes. 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 produces new viruses, slowly leading to the viral infection clearing up.
Influenza or flu is produced 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 the symptoms start showing up. They can spread it for up to 7 days from the day they become sick. This means that you can stop spreading the influenza virus route before figuring out that you are ill.
Take Oseltamivir as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to take Oseltamivir for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you depending on your medical conditions. In some cases, you may experience 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.
Consume only if the doctor prescribes you. Never encourage self-medication or suggest your medicine to someone else. Do not take Oseltamivir if you are allergic to Oseltamivir. Before using this Oseltamivir, inform your doctor if you have suicidal thoughts, confusion, and kidney diseases. If you have a weak immune system, please inform your doctor before taking Oseltamivir as a dose adjustment may be required.
Uses of Oseltamivir
Medicinal Benefits
Oseltamivir contains a class of antiviral medication, oseltamivir, which is used to treat viral infections. It blocks the enzyme present on the surface of the 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 produces new viruses, slowly leading to the viral infection clearing up.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Oseltamivir
Like all medicines, Oseltamivir can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The most common side-effects are nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Oseltamivir if you are allergic to Oseltamivir. Before using this Oseltamivir, inform your doctor if you have suicidal thoughts, confusion, and kidney diseases. If you have a weak immune system, please inform your doctor before taking Oseltamivir as a dose adjustment may be required. Oseltamivir may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting when you get up too quickly from a lying position, especially when you start taking Oseltamivir so please get up gradually. Also, do not drive a car or operate any machinery which requires concentration as Oseltamivir may cause dizziness. If you have a weak immune system, please inform your doctor before taking Oseltamivir as a dose adjustment may be required. 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 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 intake of alcohol with Oseltamivir 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 fetus or not. However, the intake of Oseltamivir should not be associated with an increased risk of congenital disabilities.
Breast Feeding
safe if prescribedVery few active parts of Oseltamivir pass into the milk, but it gives a therapeutic effect to the baby.
Driving
unsafeOseltamivir can affect alertness and coordination. So, operating machinery which requires concentration should be avoided.
Liver
unsafeNot safe because Oseltamivir has interaction with liver disease.
Kidney
unsafeNot safe because Oseltamivir has 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
- Take it with food to avoid stomach upset.
- 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 food drinks in your daily diet. You can also use low-fat cooking oil 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.
Special Advise
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Influenza: Influenza or flu is produced 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 the symptoms start showing up. They can spread it for up to 7 days from the day they become sick. This means that you can stop spreading the influenza virus route before figuring out that you are ill. Influenza or flu is produced 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 the symptoms start showing up. They can spread it for up to 7 days from the day they become sick. This means that you can stop spreading the influenza virus route before figuring out that you are ill. Symptoms of influenza include 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 serious, while, in some cases, flu can cause severe complications. This is more expected to occur in older people, young children, and people with a long-lasting disease that can compromise their immune system.
FAQs
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.
Do not stop taking Oseltamivir without talking to your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking Oseltamivir, you may experience confusion, fever, mental state changes, or severe muscle stiffness. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually depending upon 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 feel any such symptoms, please talk to your doctor.
