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Swine flu : Treatment
Oseltamivir under trade name of "Tamiflu" is recommended for children above 1 year. Zanamavir is another drug under thetrade name of "Relenza" which can be used above 7 yrs. These drugs have to be used within 48 hrs of onset of symptoms to be effective for 5 - 7 days. Adverse drug reactions include nervousness, poor concentration, nausea, vomiting. Zanamavir is not recommended in asthmatic patients. Osteltamivir is more accepted in treatment.
Oselatmivir phosphate ( Tamiflu ) is available in tablets of 30, 45 and 75 mg for oral use and can be taken with or without food. For children, Tamiflu oral suspension is available at a strength of 15mg/ml. Dosage for adults and children above 40 kgs is 75 mg BD for 5 days.
Dosage of Oseltamivir in children is as follows ( for 5 days ):
- 15 - 23 kgs : 45 mg BD
- 24 - 40 kgs : 60 mg BD
- > 40 kgs : 75 mg BD
- between 3 - 5 months : 20 mg OD
- 6 - 11 months: 25 mg OD
The recommended dose for prophylaxis is 75 mg OD ( for adults and children above 40 kg ) to be started within 2 days of exposure following close contact with infected individual. For children below 40 kg, the dosage is OD dose of the therapeutic dose given above according to body weight. Oseltamivir prophylaxis is provided till 10 days after last exposure (maximum of 6 weeks).
Supportive treatment is given with Paracetamol / Brufen for fever, myalgia and headache. Salicylates / Aspirin are contraindicated.Patients are monitored for clinical / radiological evidence of LRTI, hypoxia ( with level of conciousness, SPO2 levels, Respiratory rate )
Close contacts are adviced voluntary home quarantine for at least 7 days after last contact with case.
Adult patients are discharged at 7 days after their symptoms decrease and children after 14 days of relief of symptoms as they shed the virus for longer periods.
More details regarding Tamiflu is found at http://www.rxlist.com/tamiflu-drug.htm
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