Antimicrobials
oseltamivir

oseltamivir

None
Excellent
$0.75(30mg CAP) $1(75mg CAP)

Spectrum of Activity

General Information

Treatment and prophylaxis of influenza

  • GI upset common

  • Rare - Stevens Johnson

  • Neuropsychiatric side effects reported

Influenza Virus Vaccine: Antiviral Agents may diminish the therapeutic effect of live influenza virus vaccine (LAIV) vaccine

Management: Avoid anti-influenza antivirals during the period beginning 48 hours prior to and ending 2 weeks after LAIV vaccine

30 mg CAP: $0.75

75 mg CAP: $1

Antimicrobial class: Antiviral - Neuraminidase inhibitor

Pregnancy category: C

Average serum half life: 2 hours

Lung penetration: Therapeutic

Oseltamivir is not a substitute for the influenza virus vaccine. It has not been shown to prevent primary or concomitant bacterial infections that may occur with influenza virus. Antiviral treatment should begin within 48 hours of symptom onset; however, the CDC recommends that treatment may still be beneficial and should be started in patients with severe, complicated or progressive illness, and in hospitalized patients if >48 hours. Treatment should not be delayed while awaiting results of laboratory tests for influenza. Outpatients who are not at high risk for developing severe or complicated illness are not likely to benefit if treatment is started >48 hours after symptom onset.

ODB Coverage: LU (CAPs)

Adapted from the Markham Stouffville Hospital Antimicrobial Stewardship Program