Oseltamivir

Kathryn Dzintars, Pharm.D., BCPS
Pediatric Dosing Author: Bethany Sharpless Chalk, Pharm.D., BCPPS

INDICATIONS

Uncomplicated acute illness due to influenza A and B infection in patients > 2 weeks of age and older who have been symptomatic for no more than 2 days.
- Efficacy not established (by prospective trials) if symptom onset > 48h duration.
Prophylaxis of influenza in ages ≥ 1 yr of age.

Severe illness due to influenza A and B infection in immunocompromised and elderly pts who are hospitalized, even if > 48h symptoms--though limited data regarding efficacy 3 - 5 days post symptom onset.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend the use of oseltamivir for prophylaxis in infants > 3 months of age.
COVID-19:
- Coronaviruses are not known to utilize neuraminidase in viral replication; therefore, oseltamivir is unlikely to be of any therapeutic value.
  - In one series of 138 hospitalized patients with COVID-19, approximately 90% received oseltamivir, with no reported evidence of benefit.

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