Professional paper
Oseltamivir: pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy and importance in influenza pandemic
I. Kuzman
I. Curić
Abstract
Oseltamivir, an orally-administered neuraminidase inhibitor, is licensed for the treatment and prophylaxis of influenza A and B in adults and children aged 1 year or older. Therapy and prophylaxis should begin within 48 hours of exposure. Oseltamivir (75 mg twice daily for 5 days) is safe and effective for the treatment and prevention of all known influenza subtypes, reducing the severity and duration of symptoms, as well as complications arising from influenza infection (bronchitis, otitis media, pneumonia). Treatment with oseltamivir also reduces the frequency of antibiotic use, hospital admission and mortality rate. Postexposure prophylaxis with oseltamivir, 75 mg once daily for 7 days, gave 89 % protection. Similarly, seasonal prophylaxis in elderly people provided 92 % protection. Results of numerous clinical studies around the world indicated that oseltamivir is a very well tolerated drug, with few patients reporting transient, and mostly mild gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea or vomiting). Since oseltamivir has been shown to be effective against pandemic strains of influenza, the World Health Organization has recommended the stockpiling of oseltamivir in the event of an influenza pandemic.
Keywords
Influenza; neuraminidase inhibitors; oseltamivir – pharmacokinetics; treatment; prophylaxis
Hrčak ID:
12708
URI
Publication date:
24.3.2006.
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