Oseltamivir

Caitlin Soto, PharmD, BCIDP, Kathryn Dzintars, Pharm.D., BCPS
Pediatric Dosing Author: Bethany Sharpless Chalk, Pharm.D., BCPPS

INDICATIONS

FDA

  • Uncomplicated acute illness due to influenza A and B infection in patients ≥2 weeks of age who have been symptomatic for no more than 2 days.
    • For FDA-approved treatment of uncomplicated influenza, therapy should be initiated within 48 hours of symptom onset; efficacy of later initiation was not established in the registration trials.
  • Prophylaxis of influenza in individuals ≥ 1 year of age.

NON-FDA APPROVED USES

  • Hospitalized patients and those with severe, complicated, or progressive influenza should receive oseltamivir as soon as possible, regardless of symptom duration.
  • Treatment is also recommended for higher-risk outpatients with influenza.
  • CDC and AAP recommend oseltamivir chemoprophylaxis for infants 3 months to <1 year.
    • Use in infants <3 months is generally not recommended unless the situation is judged critical.

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Last updated: September 6, 2026