Antiflu Capsules (Generic Tamiflu)- Active Ingredient And Chemical structure
The active ingredient contained in Antiflu Capsules is Oseltamivir Phosphate. Oseltamivir phosphate is a white crystalline solid. The structure is shown below
Generic Forms and Brand names of Tamiflu Capsules (Oseltamivir Phosphate)
Antiflu Capsules manufactured by Cipla Ltd, India has been used effectively to treat and prevent influenza A virus and influenza B virus infection. Generic Tamiflu Capsules which has the active ingredient Oseltamivir Phosphate is also sold under various other brand names.
Antiflu Capsules Preparations
Antiflu is available as capsules of 75 mg. Each capsule contains Oseltamivir phosphate equivalent to 75 mg of Oseltamivir.
Antiflu Capsules - Storage Requirements
Antiflu Capsules are to be stored at room temperature (15°C to 30°C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Uses of Antiflu Capsules (Generic Tamiflu)
Generic Tamiflu in the form of Antiflu Capsules is used to treat influenza viruses types A and B and against Swine Influenza Virus (SIV - SIV strains include influenza C and the subtypes of influenza A known as H1N1, H1N2, H3N1, H3N2, and H2N3).
Antiflu Capsules Dosage
Standard Dosage – Treatment of Influenza
Adults and Adolescents
The recommended oral dose of Antiflu for treatment of influenza in adults and adolescents 13 years and older is 75 mg twice daily for 5 days. Treatment should begin within 2 days of onset of symptoms of influenza.
Pediatric Patients
Antiflu is not indicated for treatment of influenza in pediatric patients younger than 1 year. The recommended oral dose of Antiflu for pediatric patients 1 year and older is shown in Table 1 below.Antiflu oral suspension may also be used by patients who cannot swallow a capsule.
Table 1: Oral Dose of Antiflu for Treatment of Influenza in Pediatric Patients by Weight
| Body Weight(kg) | Body Weight(lbs) | Recommended Dose for 5 Days |
|---|---|---|
| ≤15 kg | ≤ 33 lbs | 30 mg twice daily |
| >15 kg to 23 kg | >33 lbs to 51 lbs | 45 mg twice daily |
| >23 kg to 40 kg | >51 lbs to 88 lbs | 60 mg twice daily |
| >40 kg | >88 lbs | 75 mg twice daily |
Standard Dosage – Prophylaxis of Influenza
Adults and Adolescents
The recommended oral dose of Antiflu for prophylaxis of influenza in adults and adolescents 13 years and older following close contact with an infected individual is 75 mg once daily for at least 10 days. Therapy should begin within 2 days of exposure. The recommended dose for prophylaxis during a community outbreak of influenza is 75 mg once daily. Safety and efficacy have been demonstrated for up to 6 weeks in immunocompetent patients. Safety has been demonstrated for up to 12 weeks in immunocompromised patients.The duration of protection lasts for as long as dosing is continued.
Pediatric Patients
The safety and efficacy of Antiflu for prophylaxis of influenza in pediatric patients younger than 1 year of age have not been established. The recommended oral dose of Antiflu for pediatric patients 1 year and older following close contact with an infected individual is shown in Table 2. Antiflu for oral suspension may also be used by patients who cannot swallow a capsule.
Table 2:Oral Dose of Antiflu for Prophylaxis of Influenza in Pediatric Patients by Weight
| Body Weight(kg) | Body Weight(lbs) | Recommended Dose for 10 Days |
|---|---|---|
| ≤15 kg | ≤ 33 lbs | 30 mg once daily |
| >15 kg to 23 kg | >33 lbs to 51 lbs | 45 mg once daily |
| >23 kg to 40 kg | >51 lbs to 88 lbs | 60 mg once daily |
| >40 kg | >88 lbs | 75 mg once daily |
Side Effects Of Antiflu Capsules
The most common side effects of Antiflu therapy are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and headache. Rare ADRs include: hepatitis and elevated liver enzymes, rash, allergic reactions including anaphylaxis, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Less common and rarely occuring side effects that may occur are anaphylaxis and serious skin reactions including toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome,erythema multiforme, toxic epidermal necrolysis, cardiac arrhythmia, seizure, confusion, aggravation of diabetes, and haemorrhagic colitis.
