Tamiflu, the scientific name is Oseltamivir Phosphate and it is neuraminidase inhibitor which is basically designed to attack the neuraminidase protein, one of the two major surface structures of the influenza virus. It is available as a capsule containing 75 mg oseltamivir for oral use, in the form of oseltamivir phosphate, and as a powder for oral suspension, which when constituted with water as directed contains 12 mg/ml oseltamivir base.

It is white crystalline solid with the chemical name (3R,4R,5S)-4-aetylamino-5-amino-3(1-ethylpropoxy)-1-cyclohexene-1-carboxylic acid, ethyl ester, phosphate (1:1). The chemical formula is C16C28N2O4 (free false).

Tamiflu, the first neuraminidase inhibitor in pill form, is effective in preventing the spread of both the A and B strains of the virus within the body. This is contrary to earlier drugs which were effective in treating only one strain.

Influenza A virus isolates with reduced susceptibility to oseltamivir carboxylate has recovered in vitro by passage of virus in the presence of increasing concentrations of oseltamivir carboxylate.

Tamiflu is indicated for the treatment of uncomplicated acute illness due to influenza infection in adults who have been symptomatic for no more than two days. Tamiflu may contribute to prevention of the virus; it is strictly advised that this drug is not a substitute of any influenza vaccine, but rather a supplement to it. Tamiflu may be a viable alternative for those people who cannot be a vaccinated for medical reasons.

Tamiflu is approved in Europe, Japan and the United States as a prescription treatment for seasonal flu.

Roche says children are three times more likely to get sick with the flu - on average, one in 10 adults and one in three children are affected by influenza annually.

Tamiflu is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for stockpiling by governments seeking to protect their population in the event of an avian flu outbreak.

This article is the property of and this article is written only for educational and information purpose so that our reader can get more knowledge about flu and influenza. Tamiflu is FDA approved prescribed medication which is taken in the case of influenza. For more information about Tamiflu, please go through this page; If you find any mistake and error in the article, we suggest you to feel free and send us your feedback at barbaracamie@gmail.com