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Tamiflu is an antiviral agent
used to treat the flu (influenza A and B) in patients who
have had symptoms for no more than 2 days. Oseltamivir is
also used to prevent the flu (e.g., in household members
exposed to a flu sufferer) in the U.S.
Tamiflu speeds recovery from
the flu. When started during the first 2 days of the
illness, it hastens improvement by at least a day. Tamiflu
also can prevent the flu if treatment is started within 2
days after exposure to a flu victim. Tamiflu is one of a
new class of antiviral drugs called neuraminidase
inhibitors.
As the flu virus takes hold in
the body, it forms new copies of itself and spreads from
cell to cell. Neuraminidase inhibitors fight the virus by
preventing the release of new copies from infected cells.
The other drug in this class, Relenza, is taken by
inhalation. Tamiflu is taken in liquid or capsule form.
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