Children have a sudden onset of influenza. Should they take oseltamivir? Pay attention to these medication contraindications!

Every year when the flu season comes,

Oseltamivir seems to have become a "miracle drug".

Is it still safe to take oseltamivir?

What should I pay attention to when using it?

Can children take oseltamivir?

Oseltamivir can be used relatively safely to treat influenza in children over 1 year old . In addition, since children under 5 years old are more likely to develop severe cases after being infected with influenza virus, influenza virus nucleic acid testing and other necessary tests should be performed as soon as possible, and oseltamivir should be taken in time for treatment after diagnosis.

It should be noted that the adverse reactions of oseltamivir to the central nervous system mostly occur in children and adolescents. Therefore, during the oral administration of oseltamivir, parents should closely observe whether their children have abnormal behavior, hallucinations, delirium, etc. Once abnormalities are found, protective measures should be taken in time.

Can it be used with other medicines?

Current studies have not shown any evidence to support significant, clinically significant interactions between oseltamivir and other drugs. Therefore, oseltamivir can be used in combination with the above drugs without affecting efficacy or causing adverse reactions.

It should be noted that due to the interaction between oseltamivir and live attenuated vaccines, oseltamivir should not be taken within two weeks of taking live attenuated vaccines, and live attenuated influenza vaccines should not be used within 48 hours after taking oseltamivir. The trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine can be used at any time before or after taking oseltamivir.

When to take

For patients with severe illness or high risk factors for severe influenza (children, the elderly, pregnant women, and patients with certain chronic diseases), taking the drug within 48 hours of onset can reduce complications, lower mortality, and shorten hospitalization time. Even if it is taken more than 48 hours later, it can still benefit from treatment. However, for patients with non-severe illness and no high risk factors for severe influenza, the risks and benefits should be fully assessed to consider whether to give them oseltamivir treatment.

Avoid abuse

Strictly follow the indications of oseltamivir. Oseltamivir is only effective against influenza viruses, and is ineffective against adenoviruses, rhinoviruses, etc., so oseltamivir cannot be used to treat the common cold . It also has no therapeutic effect on other viral infectious diseases, such as chickenpox (herpes virus infection).

Do not blindly use it for prevention. During the peak influenza season, some people may take oseltamivir to prevent influenza on their own for fear of getting sick. This practice is highly undesirable. Preventive use is only recommended for close contacts with high-risk factors for severe influenza (who have not been vaccinated or have not yet gained immunity after vaccination), and is generally used for 7 days. Blind abuse or long-term preventive use may cause adverse drug reactions.

Finally, I would like to remind my friends that taking oseltamivir cannot replace vaccination. Flu vaccination is the most effective way to prevent influenza.

Text: Wei Ting, Chief Pharmacist of Harbin Children's Hospital Source: Student Health Newspaper Official Account