Antimicrobials
Oseltamivir

Oseltamivir

None
Excellent

Spectrum of Activity

Dosing

General Information

Pregnancy:

  • Compatible.
  • Reports describing the use of oseltamivir during human pregnancy do not suggest a significant risk of developmental toxicity.
  • Influenza infection in pregnancy is a high-risk condition, the maternal benefit far outweighs the unknown risk, if any, to the embryo or fetus.

Breastfeeding:

  • Compatible.
  • Oseltamivir and its active metabolite are poorly excreted into breastmilk.
  • Maternal dosages of 150 mg daily produce low levels in milk and would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants.
  • Therapeutic doses of oseltamivir are given to newborns with influenza.

Treatment and prophylaxis of influenza A and B.

  • GI upset common
  • Rare - Stevens Johnson Syndrome
  • Neuropsychiatric side effects reported

No significant drug interactions.

Will only treat Influenza A and B. Does NOT treat RSV, parainfluenza, human metapneumovirus, adenovirus, or other common viral pathogens. Discontinue if influenza test results return negative.

Note that pregnant and postpartum (up to 4 weeks) are considered high risk of complications from influenza and treatment is recommended in this population.

Greatest benefit is seen if treatment is started within 48 h of symptom onset, however, treatment may still be beneficial and should be started in high risk patients, and hospitalized patients with severe, complicated or progressive illness if > 48 hours.

Antimicrobial class: Antiviral - neuraminidase inhibitor.