This article describes oseltamivir oral capsule’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for oseltamivir. If you want to know more about oseltamivir oral capsule, talk with your doctor.
Oseltamivir oral capsule is a generic version of the brand-name drug Tamiflu. Oseltamivir also comes as an oral liquid suspension, but this form isn’t described in this article. To learn more about this form, talk with your doctor.
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Form and strengths of oseltamivir
Oseltamivir oral capsule comes as follows:
- Form: capsule that you swallow
- Strengths: 30 milligrams (mg), 45 mg, 75 mg
Dosage of oseltamivir
This article describes the recommended dosages for oseltamivir oral capsule. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of oseltamivir oral capsule without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of oseltamivir in adults
Oseltamivir should be started within 48 hours of exposure to the flu or when you start having symptoms.
The usual dosage of oseltamivir to treat the flu is:
- Dose: 75 mg
- Frequency: twice per day for 5 days
The usual dosage of oseltamivir to help prevent the flu is:
- Dose: 75 mg
- Frequency: once per day for 10 days
Your doctor may prescribe oseltamivir for up to 6 weeks if there’s a community outbreak of the flu. This occurs when the flu cases are higher than usual, and transmission is high within the community.
Usual recommended dosages of oseltamivir in children
Oseltamivir is approved for use in children ages 2 weeks and older who have had the flu symptoms for less than 48 hours.
The dosage of oseltamivir for the flu in children ages 2 weeks to 1 year is based on the weight in kilograms (kg). 1 kg is about 2.2 pounds (lb). The usual dosage is 3 mg/kg of body weight twice per day for 5 days.
For treatment and prevention of the flu in children ages 1–12 years, the usual dosage is based on body weight shown below:
| Body weight in kg | Approximate body weight in lb | Recommended treatment dosage for 5 days | Recommended prevention dosage for 10 days |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 kg or less | 33 lb or less | 30 mg twice per day | 30 mg once per day |
| 15.1–23 kg | 33.1–50 lb | 45 mg twice per day | 45 mg once per day |
| 23.1–40 kg | 51–88 lb | 60 mg twice per day | 60 mg once per day |
| 40.1 kg or more | 88.1 lb or more | 75 mg twice per day | 75 mg once per day |
For treatment and prevention of the flu in children ages 13 years and older, the dosage is the same as for adults. For more information, see “Usual recommended dosages of oseltamivir in adults” above.
Dosage adjustments for oseltamivir
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of oseltamivir oral capsule based on several factors. These include:
- your age
- other health conditions you may have
- whether you’re taking the drug to treat the flu or help prevent it
- body weight in children
Missed dose of oseltamivir
If you miss a dose of oseltamivir, take it as soon as you remember. If your next dose is within 2 hours, do not take the missed dose. You should not take 2 doses at the same time.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of oseltamivir oral capsule. They may advise you to take the missed dose or may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.
For tips on how to plan your doses of oseltamivir oral capsule and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about oseltamivir oral capsule and its dosage.
How does the dosage of oseltamivir compare with the dosage of Xofluza?
Oseltamivir is usually taken once or twice per day for 5–10 days. Xofluza is a single-dose drug that’s taken just once. Doctors use both oseltamivir and Xofluza to treat and help prevent the flu, and they belong to the same group of drugs called antivirals. But they work differently and have different dosages depending on what you’re taking the drug for, your age, and your body weight.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about which medication may be best for you and what your dosage will be. For details about oseltamivir’s dosages, see the “Dosage of oseltamivir” section above.
Is oseltamivir taken long term?
No, doctors don’t typically prescribe oseltamivir oral capsule long term. Instead, it’s usually recommended for short-term use.
If you have questions about how long you should take oseltamivir oral capsule, talk with your doctor.
How oseltamivir is taken
You’ll swallow oseltamivir oral capsule once or twice per day. You can take it with or without food. But taking it with food can help prevent stomach upset.
Your doctor may advise that you take this medication around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And it can help the drug work more effectively.
If it’s hard for you to swallow capsules, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.
Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.
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