Tamiflu for Children
Tamiflu is an FDA-approved prescription flu medicine indicated for children 2 weeks of age and older.
Tamiflu has been clinically proven to help children 1-12 years of age get better up to 26% (1.5 days) faster when taken within 48 hours of their first symptoms.8 Tamiflu is approved for prevention in children who are 1 year of age and older.
Tamiflu attacks the flu virus itself, not just the symptoms, helping to limit the flu’s ability to spread in the body. This may help keep flu symptoms from getting worse.1
Tamiflu must be prescribed by a doctor, so if your child has sudden fever, aches, chills, or extreme fatigue, call your doctor right away.1
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Who can take Tamiflu1
Tamiflu is a prescription medicine used to treat the flu (influenza) in people 2 weeks of age and older who have had flu symptoms for no more than 2 days. Tamiflu can also reduce the chance of getting the flu in people 1 year and older. Tamiflu is not a substitute for an annual flu vaccination.
Before administering Tamiflu, please tell your doctor if your child:
- Has any type of kidney disease or other serious health condition.
- Has received a nasally administered influenza virus vaccine like FluMist®* during the past 2 weeks.
- Is currently taking any over-the-counter or prescription medicines.
- Has a family history of fructose intolerance. Tamiflu for Oral Suspension contains sorbitol, which may cause upset stomach and diarrhea in patients with a family history of fructose intolerance.
*FluMist® is a registered trademark of MedImmune, LLC.
How to administer Tamiflu1
- Tamiflu is available in a fruit-flavored liquid form called Tamfilu for Oral Suspension (6 mg/mL) with a dosing dispenser.
- Tamiflu is also available in capsule form.
Flu treatment for children 2 weeks of age to 12 years old
- Take 1 dose, twice daily, for 5 days (see Tamiflu dosage chart below for dose amount).
- You should complete the entire treatment of 10 doses, even if your child feels better.
| Weight (lbs) | Weight (kg) | Treatment dosing for 5 days | Volume of oral suspension (6 mg/mL) for each dose* | Number of bottles of oral suspension to dispense | Number of capsules and strength to dispense†† |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Children from 2 Weeks to Less Than 1 Year | |||||
| Any weight | Any weight | 3 mg/kg twice daily | 0.5 mL/kg** | 1 bottle | Not applicable |
| Children 1 to 12 Years of Age Based on Body Weight | |||||
| 33 lbs or less | 15 kg or less | 30 mg twice daily | 5 mL | 1 bottle | 10 capsules, 30 mg |
| 33.1 lbs to 51 lbs | 15.1 kg to 23 kg | 45 mg twice daily | 7.5 mL | 2 bottles | 10 capsules, 45 mg |
| 51.1 lbs to 88 lbs | 23.1 kg to 40 kg | 60 mg twice daily | 10 mL | 2 bottles | 20 capsules, 30 mg |
| 88.1 lbs or more | 40.1 kg or more | 75 mg twice daily | 12.5 mL† | 3 bottles | 10 capsules, 75 mg |
* A 10-mL oral dosing dispenser is provided with the oral suspension. In the event that the dispenser provided is lost or damaged, another dosing dispenser may be used to deliver the volumes. ** For patients less than 1 year of age, remove the provided 10-mL oral dosing dispenser from the packaging, and provide an appropriate dosing device that can accurately measure and administer small volumes. † Delivery of this Tamiflu for Oral Suspension dose requires administering 10 mL followed by another 2.5 mL. †† Oral suspension is the preferred formulation for patients who cannot swallow capsules. | |||||
- You can administer Tamiflu with or without food. There is less chance of stomach upset if you give your child Tamiflu with a light snack, milk, or a meal.
Follow your doctor’s advice on how long to take Tamiflu.
Flu prevention for children from 1 to 12 years old
- Take 1 dose, once daily, for 10 days or as long as prescribed (see Tamiflu dosage chart below for dose amount).
| Weight (lbs) | Weight (kg) | Prevention dosing for 10 days | Volume of oral suspension (6 mg/mL) for each dose** | Number of bottles of oral suspension to dispense | Number of capsules and strength to dispense†† |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33 lbs or less | 15 kg or less | 30 mg once daily | 5 mL | 1 bottle | 10 capsules, 30 mg |
| 33.1 lbs to 51 lbs | 15.1 kg to 23 kg | 45 mg once daily | 7.5 mL | 2 bottles | 10 capsules, 45 mg |
| 51.1 lbs to 88 lbs | 23.1 kg to 40 kg | 60 mg once daily | 10 mL | 2 bottles | 20 capsules, 30 mg |
| 88.1 lbs or more | 40.1 kg or more | 75 mg once daily | 12.5 mL† | 3 bottles | 10 capsules, 75 mg |
* Tamiflu is not approved for prophylaxis of patients less than 1 year of age. ** A 10-mL oral dosing dispenser is provided with the oral suspension. In the event that the dispenser provided is lost or damaged, another dosing dispenser may be used to deliver the volumes. † Delivery of this Tamiflu for Oral Suspension dose requires administering 10 mL followed by another 2.5 mL. †† Oral suspension is the preferred formulation for patients who cannot swallow capsules. | |||||
- You can take Tamiflu for up to 6 weeks if there is an outbreak in your area. Always follow your doctor’s advice on how long to take Tamiflu.
How to administer liquid Tamiflu1
If you are administering Tamiflu for Oral Suspension, your pharmacist will give you a dosing dispenser. Follow your healthcare professional’s (HCP’s) instructions on which dose to take or how to combine them for the proper dose for you. In order to be sure you receive the proper dose, it is important that you use the dispenser provided.
What to do if your child misses a Tamiflu dose1
If you forget to administer your child’s medicine, give the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is 2 hours or less before the next scheduled dose. Then continue to administer Tamiflu at the usual times. Do not administer 2 doses at a time to make up for a missed dose. If you miss several doses, tell your child’s doctor and follow the advice given to you. If you lose or damage the dispenser and cannot use it, contact your HCP or pharmacist for advice on the proper dose.
Taking Tamiflu with other medications1
Your doctor may recommend taking over-the-counter medications to reduce severity of symptoms while the antiviral action of Tamiflu takes effect on the flu virus.
As with any medication, be sure to discuss with your doctor any over-the-counter or prescription medicines your child is currently taking before beginning Tamiflu therapy.
How to store Tamiflu1
- Store Tamiflu capsules at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
- Store Tamiflu for oral suspension in the refrigerator for up to 17 days between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C).
- Store Tamiflu for oral suspension for up to 10 days at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
- Safely throw away any unused Tamiflu that is out of date or no longer needed.
Please see the Tamiflu full Prescribing Information for complete safety information.
If you lose or damage the dispenser and cannot use it, contact your HCP or pharmacist for advice on the proper dose.
Tamiflu must be prescribed by a doctor, so if you start feeling flu symptoms, call your doctor right away.
Help Reduce Your Family’s Chance of Getting the Flu
Tamiflu may help prevent the flu in young children. In a study of kids 1-12 years old who were exposed to the flu, taking Tamiflu reduced their chance of getting the flu by 82%.23
Tamiflu is not a substitute for the flu shot. Vaccination is still the first line of defense for flu protection.2
Quick Fact
A fever of 100°F or greater is a common symptom of the flu. If you or a family member feels flu symptoms such as a fever, call your doctor right away and ask how Tamiflu may help keep your symptoms from getting worse.1