Osetlamivir (Tamiflu) is an oral drug that can be used to treat or prevent influenza A or B. Sufficient drug needs to be dispensed to provide for the prescription.
NOTE: Determining the drug regimen for oseltamivir is discussed in 25.10.05.
Dosing forms:
(1) 75 mg capsules
(2) oral pediatric suspension with 12 mg/mL (25 mL with 300 mg)
The suspension outdates in 10 days after reconstitution.
Factors determining amount dispensed:
(1) dosing form (capsule or liquid suspension)
(2) size of dose (75 mg or based on patient weight)
(3) number of doses per day (1 or 2) or once every other day (used for prophylaxis when the creatinine clearance is 10-30 mL per minute)
(4) number of days received
(4a) 5 days for treatment
(4b) 7 days to 6+ weeks for prophylaxis
Dosing in children:
(1) by the table below (from the PDR)
(2) 2 mg per kg up to a maximum of 75 mg
(3) for prophylaxis in child >= 13 years, one 75 mg capsule
Pediatric Body Weight |
Dose |
Volume Suspension |
<= 15 kg |
30 mg |
2.5 mL |
15.01 to 23 kg |
45 mg |
3.75 mL |
23.01 to 40 kg |
60 mg |
5.0 mL |
> 40 kg |
75 mg |
6.25 mL |
number of 75 capsules to dispense =
= (number of doses per day) * (number of days to treat)
volume of drug suspension to dispense in mL =
= (dose in mg) * (number of doses per day) * (number of days to treat) / 12
number of bottles of drug suspension to dispense =
= (dose in mg) * (number of doses per day) * (number of days to treat) / 300
Specialty: Pharmacology, clinical