Is Tamiflu effective? - By: Anthony Delar

Tamiflu is used for the treatment of the Influenza virus and this medication works by stopping the virus from spreading in the body and treating it at the root level. The virus that causes flu is attacked instead of just covering up the symptoms of the flu. This trade name of this drug is Oseltamivir phosphate. This medication, unlike other drugs, is effective in the treatment of both type A and type B virus strains of flu. This drug can help you reduce the duration of the flu symptoms by around 1.3 days. This drug falls under the category of neuraminidase inhibitors. Generic versions of this drug are not available.

How does Tamiflu work?

This antiviral drug is used for the treatment of Influenza virus A and B. This drug works by preventing new viruses from emerging from the cells that are infected. This is the only drug that has been proven to fight off bird flu. Tamiflu was first developed as an oral neuraminidase inhibitor. Tablets of this drug are available in 75mg capsules and as 12mg/ml tutti-frutti flavoured oral suspension for children. This drug can be taken either with or without food. It is seen that patients who use this drug with food have less chances of experiencing stomach upsets.

This drug does not treat infections such as viral infections that are similar to flu, stomach flu, RSV, or common cold. Treatment with this drug can be started with the first appearance of flu symptoms or soon after exposure to the flu virus. The sooner you start the treatment, the better it is for you to treat your body and get back to normal health. You need to take this medication twice a day for a period of five days. However, in case you want to use it for prevention of flu, you can do that too.

If your health does not get better in five days, you can take one more cycle of five days and this way, you can take a total treatment of ten days. This drug can be taken for up to six weeks. Always use this drug as prescribed. Do not overdose under any circumstances. Ensure that you take only one dose per day. In case you have taken more than one pill per day, contact the doctor immediately. The effectiveness of this medication has not been determined in people who are suffering from chronic heart disease or kidney failures.

Vomiting, abdominal pain, ear disorders, and conjunctivitis are the most common side effects of this drug. Generally, the side effects of this drug are mild to moderate and occur within the first two days of using the medication. At times, use of this medication can upset your stomach. In case you experience any of these side effects or anything unusual in your body, you should contact your doctor at the earliest opportunity. Before taking this drug, inform your doctor about all the medications and supplements that you are using. In case you are allergic to this drug, you can also use Relenza.

About the Author

Webmaster associated with online clinic "HealthExpress" this site provides various information on Tamiflu and helps people in curing Influenza, resources are available on site HealthExpress.co.uk.

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