Tamiflu for children. Reviews, instructions for use, where to buy, dosage, price

The drug Tamiflu is considered the most an effective antiviral drug. It is used to treat and prevent seasonal flu in children. The drug does not have an immunostimulating effect and does not affect the production of antibodies. Reviews say that therapy with them reduces the incidence of morbidity.

Release form and composition of the drug

Tamiflu is produced by the Swiss pharmaceutical holding Roche. The drug is available in the form of hard opaque capsules in a gelatinous shell. It is delivered to pharmacies in blisters made of medical plastic and aluminum foil.

Each block contains 10 units of antiviral medicine. Capsules in gray shade with an engraved manufacturer's name contain an indication of the dosage - 30, 45 or 75 mg. Inside the gelatinous shell there is a finely dispersed powdery composition of a pale lemon color.

Tamiflu for children (parental reviews emphasize the good therapeutic effect and safety of the drug) is available in the form of a granular powder intended for dilution with water.

In pharmacies, it can be purchased in tinted glass bottles with a volume of 30 g. The kit includes a polymer adapter and a special syringe with a measuring cup for easy dispensing. The set is placed in a cardboard box with compartments.

The powdery composition for preparing a drinking suspension has a white or yellowish tint, a pleasant fruity aroma and taste. Medicinal substance - large granules, which, when combined with water, form an opaque liquid mass.

The pharmacologically active component of the antiviral drug is oseltamivir phosphate.

The auxiliary ingredients of the medicinal composition are:

• sodium stearyl fumarate - chemically inert hydrophilic compound, which has high bioavailability, provides strength and uniformity of the dosage form;
• low molecular weight povidone - has improved detoxification properties, enhances renal blood circulation and glomerular filtration;
• purified medical talc - an adsorbent mineral capable of inhibiting some types of pathogenic bacteria;
• croscarmellose sodium - a component that increases the rate of absorption of the drug;
• pregelatinized starch - has good binding characteristics and hypoallergenicity.

The composition of the Tamiflu casing contains dyes based on iron oxide, titanium dioxide and natural gelatin of animal origin. 1 g of powder for the preparation of a drinking suspension contains 30 mg of oseltamivir phosphate, xanthine gum, monohydric alcohols.

Special natural flavors are added to the chemical formula of the medicinal composition, giving it a fruity taste and aroma, as well as sodium benzoate and sodium dihydrogen citrate.

Pharmacological properties

Tamiflu has a pronounced anti-influenza effect, significantly reducing the frequency of manifestations of infectious infection and suppressing typical symptoms. It reduces the risk of complications such as bronchitis, pneumonia, acute diseases of the upper respiratory tract.

The active component of the drug in the process of metabolism is transformed into oseltamivir carboxyclate, which has a specific influence on viral neuraminidase - a special tetrameric protein of the pathogenic membrane responsible for the release and distribution virions.

The drug has no effect on the synthesis of immunocompetent antibodies to the strain of the causative agent of respiratory diseases. Due to the detoxification properties of Tamiflu, poisoning of the blood and body tissues with viral products is significantly reduced.

Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics

Oseltamivir is classified as a proactive chemical compound. Its main metabolite is an inhibitor of viral neuraminidase of influenza strains of genotypes A and B. It prevents the release of virions from infected cells and reduces the severity of the respiratory syndrome.

Tamiflu for children has collected a lot of reviews. In them, pediatricians note a significant improvement in the epidemiological situation after the massive use of the drug among schoolchildren. Oseltamivir stops the replication of viral strains.

The drug reduces the pathogenesis of seasonal flu, which attacks the epithelial cells of the respiratory tract, provoking the development of acute respiratory syndrome. No cases of viral resistance to Tamiflu have been reported.

Oseltamivir phosphate is quickly and fully introduced into the bloodstream, easily overcomes the enterological barrier and is transformed into a physiologically active metabolite.

In the process of biochemical transformation, hepatic and gastrointestinal esterases are involved. Oseltamivir carboxyclate is detected in blood plasma after 30 minutes. after oral administration of the medication.

The maximum concentration is reached after 2-3 hours. The hematological content of the active metabolite is 20 times higher than the saturation of the unchanged active ingredient Tamiflu. Pharmacokinetic properties of the drug do not depend on food intake.

Oseltamivir carboxyliclate is found in tissues:

• trachea;
• pulmonary organ;
• nasopharyngeal epithelium;
• walls of the bronchial cavity;
• the middle part of the auricle.

Physiologically active metabolic product binds to protein fragments of plasma by 3%. The chemical interaction of unchanged oseltamivir with them is recorded at a level of about 50%.

This does not affect the elimination of the main component and excipients of the drug and their pharmacokinetic parameters. The withdrawal of Tamiflu from the body is carried out by the kidneys and urinary tract.

About 10% of the drug is eliminated through the liver and gastrointestinal tract during bowel movements. The half-life varies over a time interval of 5-10 hours. In patients with renal insufficiency, it may be difficult to remove the components of Tamiflu from the body.

Their AUC value (pharmacokinetic curve reflecting the ratio of plasma concentration with the elimination period) is inversely proportional to the degree of inhibition of organ functions. In patients with hepatic impairment, this relationship is not observed.

In children under 12 years of age, an accelerated metabolism of the main active substance of the drug is observed. In terms of speed, it is 2 times higher than that for adult patients. Sometimes a dosage adjustment is required taking this factor into account.

Indications for use

The antiviral drug is used exclusively for the treatment and prevention of seasonal outbreaks of influenza genotypes A and B, which differ in biological characteristics and antigenic spectrum.

Prescribe the drug when the epidemiological situation worsens and when manifestation of the corresponding symptoms, which include:

• increased body temperature;
• general weakness;
• sore throat;
• redness of the nasopharyngeal cavity;
• cough syndrome;
• runny nose;
• chills.

Tamiflu is effective exclusively against socially significant strains of influenza genotypes A and B. The Swiss drug for children does not affect other seasonal viruses that cause respiratory syndrome, which is especially emphasized in the reviews of experts.

Despite some biological differences between influenza A and B strains, the drug effectively suppresses both. The first monotypic species most often provokes seasonal outbreaks of respiratory diseases.

There are 2 types of this viral pathogen, designated by the codes H1N1 and H3N2. Influenza of genotype A is characterized by increased mutational characteristics in terms of antigenic shift and drift.

Its biological variation is distinguished by the combination of the protein hemagglutinin and neuraminidase. Tamiflu successfully inhibits all variations, of which there are 18. Influenza type B is known in 2 modifications.

Its genome contains 8 RNA fragments, and the envelope of virions contains 4 contact proteins, with the help of which the pathogen is introduced into epithelial cells. Microscopic examination of influenza A and B strains reveals their anatomical similarity. The first is of greater epidemiological significance.

Contraindications

Tamiflu is not prescribed for patients with established hypersensitivity to oseltamivir and other components of the drug formula.

With extreme caution and under medical supervision, medication should be given to children with:

• kidney failure;
• severe disorders in the liver;
• inflammatory process in the urinary system;
• dysfunctions of the heart;
• chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Tamiflu is not prescribed for patients on chronic peritoneal dialysis or continuous hemodialysis.

At what age can the drug be used?

In pediatric practice, a medication in the form of a drinking suspension is used to treat children over 6 months of age. This dosage form has an established safety profile for infants, but the drug should be given to the child under conditions of constant medical supervision.

The encapsulated drug is prescribed exclusively for children who have reached the age of 12 and have gained a body weight of at least 40 kg. For patients younger, this dosage form is allowed to be used in emergency cases and only in dissolved form.

Instructions for use, dosage

The drug is taken orally, regardless of food intake. Administration of the medication with meals improves tolerance and metabolism of oseltamivir. Therapy should be started no later than 2 days after the detection of symptoms of viral infection.

Tamiflu is used for standard and post-exposure prophylaxis during the circulation of influenza in the population. The feasibility of using an antiviral drug is determined on a case-by-case basis by a pediatrician. Medicine is not a substitute for vaccination.

The dosage of Tamiflu depends on the body weight.

Adjusted intake rates recommended for treatment and post-exposure prophylaxis in children from one year old:

Child's weight, kg	Average therapeutic dose for 5 days	Standard preventive rate for 10 days
Up to 15	30 mg suspension 2 times a day	30 mg once a day
15-23	45 mg suspension 2 times a day	45 mg once a day
24-40	60 mg suspension 2 times a day	60 mg once a day
Over 40	75 mg 2 times a day	75 mg once a day

Children from 12 years old are given Tamiflu in capsules, younger - only a suspension. The most appropriate daily dose is 150 mg. Above this volume, the clinical effect does not increase.

Tamiflu for children (reviews especially note the preventive value of the drug) over 8 years old and weighing more than 40 kg can be used in the form of 75 mg capsules. The maximum duration of treatment is 5 days.

In a seasonal epidemic, a therapeutic course can be up to 6 weeks. A reduced dosage of the antiviral drug is used. The preventive effect of the drug is equal to the duration of its administration.

Method for preparing a drinking suspension:

1. The vial with the medicinal composition is slightly shaken to distribute the contents evenly.
2. 52 ml of water is collected in a complete measuring beaker.
3. The liquid is poured into a vessel with powder, hermetically closed with a polymer cap and vigorously shaken for 15 seconds so that the suspension becomes homogeneous.
4. Then the cap is removed from the vial and the adapter is inserted. To ensure its correct position, the container with the medicinal solution is tightly closed with the complete cap.

Dosing of the drug is carried out with a special syringe with a printed scale. The suspension must be shaken before each use. If a child has difficulty swallowing capsules, pour their contents into a teaspoon and mix with any sweet product to hide the bitter taste of the medicine.

Suitable for breeding Tamiflu:

• honey;
• yogurt;
• fruit puree;
• any syrup;
• table sugar.

The mixture should be used immediately after preparation. No dose adjustment is required for hepatic dysfunctions. For patients with impaired renal organ function, the volume of the drug is set individually.

If the creatinine absorption rate is 10-30 ml / min. the maximum daily dosage of the drug is reduced by 2 times from the standard recommended. With the prophylactic use of Tamiflu, the estimated volume of the drug is 30 mg per day for the suspension and 50 mg for the encapsulated drug.

For patients with immunodeficiency states, a compensatory prolongation of the prophylactic course up to 12 weeks is permissible. Children with underlying chronic diseases tolerate oseltamivir well. The only effect is observed on the clearance and elimination of the drug.

Side effects

Tamiflu after taking the first dose can cause undesirable effects, which are explained by the body's habituation to new chemical compounds. They disappear with physiological adaptation and do not require discontinuation of the course of treatment.

Nausea and vomiting are clearly transient. These are the most common side effects caused by irritation of the stomach walls by the active ingredients of the drug.

In 1% of clinically reported cases, initiation of treatment with an antiviral drug is accompanied by:

• slight dizziness;
• weakness;
• sleep function disorder;
• spontaneous headaches;
• bronchial spasm;
• dyspepsia;
• rhinorrhea.

Exacerbation of sinusitis and pneumonia, epistaxis were recorded. Perhaps a short-term increase in lymph nodes, an allergic rash on the skin, accompanied by itching. Side effects associated with an increase in the activity of liver enzymes, which are similar in symptoms to hepatitis, are rarely observed.

Tamiflu for children (parental reviews confirm this) during the period of biological addiction can provoke allergies. Among anaphylactic reactions, urticaria, eczema, Quincke's edema are distinguished. They occur only in children with an innate tendency to allergies.

Overdose

Even with a significant excess of the recommended daily allowance, typical signs of drug intoxication are not observed. There is no specific antidote to oseltamivir.

Overdose is expressed in increased side effects. Symptomatic therapy is carried out and the daily intake of the medicinal composition is adjusted downward.

special instructions

Some preschool and adolescent patients who took Tamiflu against the background of a viral load developed seizures. muscle readiness and a change in mental state in the form of delirium - disturbances in mindfulness, disorders of emotional perception and thinking.

For complicated forms of liver failure, it is recommended to adjust the dose. A bottle of powder for preparing a suspension contains sorbitol in a volume of 25.713 g, which exceeds the daily norm for children with congenital biological insensitivity to fructose. Before using the drug, you need to consult a specialist.

Drug interactions

There are no restrictions on the combination of Tamiflu with other medicines. The probability of the entry of the active components of the suspension or capsules into a chemical bond with the active substances of various drugs is negligible.

Analogs

Some available medications contain oseltamivir and can be used as alternatives to Tamiflu. The domestic analogue of the Swiss medicine is Nomidex, which is available in capsules of an identical dosage. It is indicated for children from 3 years old for the treatment and prevention of seasonal flu. A pack of 10 capsules of Nomidex costs 600 rubles.

Other popular and affordable Tamiflu analogues:

• Relenza. Antiviral drug based on the active ingredient zanamivir. Like Tamiflu, it inhibits the synthesis of parasitic neuraminidase. It is produced in the form of a powder packed in rotadisks. Designed for inhalation. Price - 875 rubles.
• Isoprinosine. A pill medication that enhances the immune response to the invasion of viral pathogens. Inhibits the mechanism of replication of intracellular parasites. Effective for seasonal flu, herpes, measles. Designed for children weighing over 15 kg. Isoprinosine in pharmacies costs about 590 rubles.
• Orvirem. Anti-influenza medication based on rimantadine. Available as a fruity syrup. Designed for the treatment and prevention of seasonal flu epidemics in children over a year old. Approximate price in pharmacies - 245 rubles. for a bottle of 100 ml.
• Arbidol. The drug contains a chemical compound, umifovenir, which blocks the reproduction mechanism of influenza. It is produced in the form of a suspension for children from 2 years of age and in capsules for adolescents. Arbidol costs 120 rubles.
• Amiksin. Antiviral drug based on tyrolone, which inhibits the protein synthesis of strains, which prevents their intracellular reproduction and spread. Additionally, Amiksin stimulates the production of interferon and other immunoglobulins. Designed for children from 7 years old. The approximate price is 510 rubles.

The selection of the appropriate antiviral drug is the responsibility of the pediatrician. Such medications should not be used chaotically and haphazardly, since influenza has the ability to develop resistance to them.

Terms, conditions of sale and storage

Tamiflu is available in pharmacies only with a prescription. The preparation in capsules is suitable for use for 7 years from the date of production. The suspension powder should be applied within 24 months from the date of issue. It is necessary to store the medicine in a dry place at temperatures up to + 25 ° C.

Price

Swiss flu medicine in capsules costs about 1,080 rubles in pharmacies. For Tamiflu for children in powder form, you need to pay about 900 rubles. Reviews say that the medicine is well tolerated by children of the very young age.

Video about Tamiflu

Review of the drug Tamiflu: