Pharmacist's Antidote | Oseltamivir, is it really that magical?

Many people regard oseltamivir as a "magic drug" for preventing and treating colds. Whenever the flu season comes, they start to stock up on it, even causing some hospitals and pharmacies to be out of stock. So, is oseltamivir really as magical as the legend says? How should it be used?

Identify the indication as influenza

Influenza is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by influenza virus, with an incubation period of 1-7 days, usually 2-4 days. Its clinical symptoms are severe, mainly with fever, headache, myalgia and general discomfort, and the body temperature can reach 39℃~40℃. For those without complications, the body temperature gradually returns to normal 3-5 days after the onset of the disease, and the general symptoms improve, but coughing and physical recovery often take a long time.

Oseltamivir is used for the prevention and treatment of influenza, and its indications include:

1

For the treatment of influenza A and B in adults and children aged 1 year and over (oseltamivir phosphate can effectively treat influenza A and B, but there is not much clinical data on its use in the treatment of influenza B). Patients should take the medicine within 48 hours of the first onset of symptoms.

2

For the prevention of influenza A and B in adults and adolescents aged 13 years and over. However, oseltamivir is not effective against the common cold! It is not effective against the common cold! It is not effective against the common cold!

Standardized medication is the key

Oseltamivir is a prescription drug. It must be dispensed by a pharmacist based on a doctor's prescription and used strictly in accordance with the drug instructions or medical advice under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist. If influenza is suspected and confirmed, the sooner you take oseltamivir after symptoms appear, the better. Taking it within 48 hours of symptom onset (ideally within 36 hours) can shorten the duration of symptoms; however, severe patients with onset of symptoms exceeding 48 hours can still benefit from antiviral treatment.

In terms of usage and dosage, when oseltamivir is used to treat influenza, it is taken twice a day for 5 consecutive days; when used for prevention after close contact with influenza patients, it is taken once a day for 7-10 days.

Common adverse reactions to oseltamivir include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, insomnia, etc. Some serious allergic reactions and mental disorders such as abnormal behavior, delirium, hallucinations, and mental confusion may also occur. Irrational use of oseltamivir is not only likely to cause adverse gastrointestinal reactions, but may also produce drug resistance, so do not use it blindly.

These matters should be noted

Oseltamivir can be taken with or without food. For some patients, taking the drug with food can reduce gastrointestinal effects.

Oseltamivir is a prescription drug and should not be used blindly or abused. Vaccination is an important means to prevent influenza.