Tamiflu Uses

How Does Tamiflu Work?

Tamiflu works by attacking the flu virus inside the body, thus preventing it from spreading. This is different from other flu medicines, which just treat flu symptoms.

 

Tamiflu is part of a class of drugs called neuraminidase inhibitors. Neuraminidase (an enzyme found on the flu virus) allows the virus to spread. By blocking this enzyme, Tamiflu prevents the virus from spreading.

 

Are There Tamiflu Uses for Children?

Tamiflu has been approved for the prevention and treatment of the flu in children 1 year of age and older. The Food and Drug Administration has authorized emergency use of Tamiflu for infants under one year of age for the 2009-2010 H1N1 flu season. However, Tamiflu is not recommended for very young infants (under three months of age) unless the situation is critical, since there is very little information about how to properly dose this medication in young infants.

 

Are There Off-Label Tamiflu Uses?

On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend a drug for something other than the conditions it is licensed to treat. This is called an "off-label" use. At this time, there are no off-label uses for Tamiflu. However, Tamiflu is actively being studied to learn how effective it is at treating bird flu (avian flu).