This article describes Tamiflu’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Tamiflu. If you want to know more about Tamiflu, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Tamiflu is a brand-name medication that comes as an oral capsule and an oral suspension (a type of liquid mixture) that you swallow. It’s available in a generic version called oseltamivir phosphate. This article describes dosages of Tamiflu.
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Forms and strengths of Tamiflu
Tamiflu comes in these forms and strengths expressed in milligrams (mg) and milliliters (mL):
| Form | How to take | Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| oral capsule | take by swallowing | • 30 mg • 45 mg • 75 mg |
| oral powder that is mixed with water to make a suspension* | take by swallowing | • 6 mg per 1 mL |
* A suspension is a type of liquid mixture that has solid particles of active ingredient dispersed within it. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) These solid particles do not dissolve in the liquid, so an oral suspension should be shaken or stirred to fully disperse the active ingredient before swallowing it.
Dosage of Tamiflu
This article describes the recommended dosages for Tamiflu. The drugmaker provides these dosages. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those shown below.
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 Tamiflu without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of Tamiflu in adults
Doctors prescribe Tamiflu to either prevent or treat the flu.
Tamiflu can be prescribed to treat influenza A and influenza B in adults who have had symptoms for less than 48 hours.
Tamiflu can also be prescribed to help prevent influenza A and influenza B in adults who have had close contact with someone who has the flu. This includes if there is an influenza outbreak within a community.
Your doctor will adjust your dose of Tamiflu if you have a history of kidney disease or are receiving any type of dialysis.
Tamiflu can be taken with or without food at any time of day. (Note: If taken with food, this may reduce stomach upset.)
If you are unable to swallow capsules, your doctor may recommend that you open the capsule and mix the contents with a sweetened liquid. If you have questions about opening Tamiflu capsules, talk with your pharmacist.
| Purpose | Recommended dose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| influenza treatment | 75 mg | twice per day for 5 days |
| influenza prevention | 75 mg | once per day for 10 days* |
*The recommended duration of Tamiflu for influenza prevention in adults who’ve had close contact with someone who has the flu is 10 days. For community outbreak influenza, the recommended duration is up to 6 weeks.
Dosages of Tamiflu in children
Tamiflu can be prescribed to treat influenza A and influenza B in children ages 2 weeks and older who have had symptoms for less than 48 hours.
Tamiflu can also be prescribed to prevent influenza A and influenza B in children ages 1 year and older. Dosages are expressed in kilograms (kg) and pounds (lb). 1 kg = 2.2 lb
Dosage for influenza treatment and prevention in children
| Age | Body weight in kg | Body weight in lb | Recommended dosage: TREATMENT | Recommended dosage: PREVENTION |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 years and older | Not applicable | Not applicable | 75 mg twice per day for 5 days | 75 mg once per day for at least 10 days* |
| 1 year to 12 years old | 15 kg or less | 33 lb or less | 30 mg twice per day for 5 days | 30 mg once per day for 10 days* |
| 15.1 to 23 kg | 33.3 lb to 50.7 lb | 45 mg twice per day for 5 days | 45 mg once per day for 10 days* | |
| 23.1 to 40 kg | 51 lb to 88 lb | 60 mg twice per day for 5 days | 60 mg once per day for 10 days* | |
| 40.1 kg or more | 88.2 lb or more | 75 mg twice per day for 5 days | 75 mg once per day for 10 days* | |
| 2 weeks to less than 1 year old | Not applicable | Not applicable | 3 mg/kg twice per day for 5 days | Not applicable |
*The recommended duration of Tamiflu for influenza prevention in children who have had close contact with someone who has the flu is 10 days. For community outbreak influenza, the recommended duration is up to 6 weeks.
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Tamiflu and its dosage.
Is Tamiflu available over the counter?
No, Tamiflu is not currently available as an over-the-counter medication in the United States. Your doctor must write a prescription for Tamiflu if you need this drug.
Is Tamiflu taken long term?
No, doctors don’t typically prescribe Tamiflu as a long-term treatment. Instead, it’s usually recommended for short-term use.
If you have questions about how long you should take Tamiflu, talk with your doctor.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose of Tamiflu, take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s within 2 hours of when you should take your next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose of Tamiflu when it is due. Do not take two doses of Tamiflu at the same time.
If you have questions about missed doses of Tamiflu, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Tamiflu coupon
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