Tamiflu Medication
By: Tania Aziz
Introduction
Tamiflu medication (Oseltamivir Phosphate) is a prescription medication used for the prevention or treatment of the flu.
Tamiflu medication is used for treating adults, adolescents, and pediatric patients 1 year of age or older with the flu whose flu symptoms started within the last day or two. Tamiflu medication is also used to reduce the chance of getting the flu in people aged 1 year and older who have a higher chance of getting the flu because they spend time with someone who has the flu.
Tamiflu can also reduce the flu if there is an outbreak in the area. For example an outbreak of the flu influenza can occur in your community or even within your own home. The use of Tamiflu to reduce the chance of getting the flu has been studied up to 42 days in adults and up to 10 days in children.
Tamiflu has not been shown to treat flu-like illnesses caused by any virus other than influenza A and B (e.g., stomach flu, common cold, or other respiratory illnesses not caused by influenza). Other kinds of infections can appear like influenza or occur along with influenza, and need different types of treatment.
Chemical Equations
Oseltamivir phosphate is a white crystalline solid with the chemical name (3R, 4R, 5S)-4-acetylamino-5- amino-3 (1-ethylpropoxy)-1-cyclohexene-1-carboxylic acid, ethyl ester, phosphate (1:1). The chemical formula is C16H28N2O4 and the empirical formula Tamiflu is C16H28N2O4 ● PO4
Tamiflu medication in action
Oseltamivir is readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration of oseltamivir phosphate (Tamiflu medication) and is extensively converted predominantly by hepatic esterases (enzymes located in your liver) to oseltamivir carboxylate. At least 75% of an oral dose reaches the systemic circulation (enters your blood) as oseltamivir carboxylate.
Once this has happened the medicine beings to bind with the plasma protein in the blood....