Tamiflu

Overview
Tamiflu Renowned extensively with a generic name called Oseltamivir; Tamiflu is a credible preparation for the treatment of flu or influenza. Available both in suspension and capsule form, the drug is pertinently profuse with an active ingredient named oseltamivir phosphate and thus came to be known as Oseltamivir. It is primarily formulated to decrease the expansion of deadening influenza A and B viruses, which are solemnly accountable for the occurrence of the flu. The employed active ingredient oseltamivir basically is a neuraminidase inhibitor which prevents the infection caused by the influenza virus. Neuraminidase enzyme is a key support to influenza virus and helps influenza virus during its extension from infected to healthy cells. This is where tamiflu works at best. The drug blocks up the action of neuraminidase enzymes and thus offers great relief from the annoying influenza.

What Tamiflu is formulated for?
The marvel preparation is contrived for the seamless treatment of unfussy flu infection in grown-ups who have had flu signs for not more than two days. Besides, it also comes handy in the prevention of flu in adults and children who are above one year.

How Tamiflu functions?
Tamiflu prevents the spread of influenza by jamming the action of enzyme called neuraminidase which supports flu virus while its extension. Thus by minimizing the expansion of influenza virus, tamiflu consequently reduces the period and symptoms of the flu infection. In general, the drug (Tamiflu) lessens the duration of flu signs by one and a half days if influenza symptoms get noticed within the forty-eight hours of their commencement.

Directions for usage
Tamiflu must be taken orally as it is an oral prescription. Commonly Tamiflu is taken twice a day for five days. The drug, Tamiflu can be consumed with or without food. In case of any doubt regarding the dosage, immediately consult your doctor. Any modification in the dosage quantity can lead to severe repercussions. So to reap better results, follow all the directions outlined by your physician.

Tamiflu Side effects
The common side-effects experienced by most people while tamiflu usage:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Bronchitis
• Abdominal pain
• Headache
• Dizziness

Precautions to be followed
Before the commencement of tamiflu treatment, these precautionary measures should be duly implemented for the effective prevention of flu:

• In case you are allergic to tamiflu, make you doctor aware of this fact.
• Do not forget to inform your doctor, if you are making use of the medicine affecting the immune system like azathioprine (Imuran) and cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), cancer chemotherapy medicines, oral steroids like methylprednisolone (Medrol), and prednisone (Deltasone).
• Also do inform your physician if you already have undergone the tamiflu treatment.
• Besides if you are suffering from HIV, heart, liver or any kidney disease, timely inform your doctor.

Drug interactions
When it comes to interactions, Tamiflu has no identified interactions with other drugs. The formulation does not form any interaction with flu vaccine. Thus vaccinated people can easily rely upon the drug. Besides, it has not been examined in pregnant and feeding women. So women who fall under this specific category should keep distance from Tamiflu.

Overdose
In case of Tamilfu overdose, immediately call your doctor for the medical aid.

Missed dose
If you have missed a dose and still there is 2 hours gap between your last and the next dose, consume the missed dose as soon as possible. And leave the missed dose if the gap between the last and next dose is not more than 2 hours and stick to your normal dose schedule.

Directions for storage
Store the tamiflu capsules in a container away from moisture and heat at room temperature. In case, you are making use of liquid, keep it in the refrigerator and throw away the liquid preparation after the period of 10 days.