Viral Upper Respiratory Infections (Colds and Influenza) and Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and Zanamivir (Relenza)

Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) are antiviral medications. They are used in adults and children to prevent or treat infections with both type A and B influenza viruses. Like other antiviral medications, oseltamivir and zanamivir do not cure the flu, but may shorten the duration of illness if taken within 48 hours of when symptoms first appear. In addition to treating flu symptoms, these medicines may reduce the spread of the flu virus to others.

Most people with the flu do not need antiviral medicine. These medications should be used only in serious cases because they may have unwanted side effects.

Both oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) help treat the flu by interfering with specific viral chemical processes.

Read more details about Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and Zanamivir (Relenza).

Oseltamivir and zanamivir are used in adults and children to prevent or treat infections with both type A and B influenza viruses. Like other antiviral medications, oseltamivir and zanamivir do not cure the flu, but may shorten the duration of illness if taken within 48 hours of when symptoms first appear.

Zanamivir may worsen asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Some kinds of seasonal influenza virus are resistant to oseltamivir in the US. The FDA repeated its warning of possible adverse effects in patients, especially children, taking oseltamivir. In some cases, these effects (such as hallucinations, delirium, and abnormal behavior) resulted in injury and death.