Oseltamivir

Mechanism of action:

• Selectively inhibit neuraminidase activity due to sialic acid analog characteristic. Neuraminidase is deployed by viruses to enable the release of virions. As neuraminidase is inhibited, newly formed virions accumulate at the internal cell surface
• Keep in mind that oseltamivir needs to be metabolized by hepatic metabolism to oseltamivir carboxylate  first as it is administered as a prodrug

Adverse effects:

Adults:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Bronchitis
• Insomnia
• Vertigo
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Unstable angina ( Crescendo angina )
• Anemia
• Pseudomembranous colitis
• Pneumonia
• Pyrexia
• Peritonsillar abscess
• Elevated liver enzymes
• Hepatitis
• Aches and pains
• Dyspepsia
• Rhinorrhea
• Upper respiratory tract infections

Children:

• Vomiting
• Gastrointestinal disturbances
• Asthma 
• Bronchitis
• Conjunctivitis
• Dermatitis
• Epistaxis
• Ear-disorders
• Otitis media
• Lymphadenopathy
• Pneumonia
• Sinusitis

Fatal adverse effects ( may occur to both adults and children ):

• Anaphylaxis
• Severe dermatologic reactions

Therapeutic uses:

• Treatment of Influenza A and B infections
• Prophylaxis of Influenza A and B

Pharmacokinetics:

• Readily absorbed in the gastrintestinal tract after oral administration
• 3% protein binding (carboxylate) and 42% parent drug
• Extensive hepatic metabolism to oseltamivir carboxylate
• Renal excretion via urine

Drug interactions:

• With probenecid, probenate and probenecidum. All three increase toxicity levels of oseltamivir

Special precautions:

• Moderate renal impairment
• Hepatic impairment
• Pregnancy and lactation
• Chronic cardiac disorders
• Respiratory disorders
• Immunocompromised patients

Contraindications:

• Severe renal impairment
• Hypersensitivity

Administration:

• Oral administration, preferably with food to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort

Pregnancy class:

• C