by Kimberly D. Boeser, PharmD; Ryan Hinman, PharmD

Oseltamivir is an orally available neuraminidase inhibitor that has antiviral activity against influenza A and influenza B viruses. It is FDA-approved for the treatment of uncomplicated acute influenza in patients aged 1 year and older who have been symptomatic for no more than 48 hours.

Oseltamivir (Tamiflu, Roche) was the primary antiviral agent of choice during the avian influenza A (H5N1) scare that occurred several years ago. It has once again emerged as the agent of choice for the treatment of novel influenza A (H1N1) infections in humans. The standard dose and duration of oseltamivir treatment (75 mg by mouth twice daily for five days in adults and adolescents aged 13 years and older) is derived from treatment studies of outpatients with uncomplicated seasonal influenza. This