Presently, Oseltamivir phosphate is very popular drug across the world and many people are thanking this drug for saving their lives. The popular brand of Oseltamivir drug is Tamiflu and it is marketed by Roche. Oseltamivir is only anti-viral drug present worldwide which is effective against deadly Swine Flu (H1N1) virus. Other anti-viral drugs are complete failure against this virus; therefore, Oseltamivir has become a life saving drug which is saving lives of millions of people from H1N1 virus.
All world governments are stock piling Oseltamivir capsules to face any Swine Flu epidemic. Chemical name of Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) is (3R,4R,5S)-4-acetylamino-5-amino-3(1-ethylpropoxy)-1-cyclohexene-1-carboxylic acid, ethyl ester, phosphate (1:1). The mechanism of action of Oseltamivir phosphate is a pro drug and selective inhibitor of influenza virus neuraminidase enzyme. Viral neuraminidase is essential for the release of recently formed virus particles from infected cells; therefore, stop further spread of virus. Oseltamivir is readily absorbed from gastrointestinal tract after oral administration.
Plasma concentration of active metabolite of drug is measurable within 30 minutes of administration and it reaches maximum level in 2 to 3 hours. This drug is not suitable for children below 12 years because studies are available to show safety of this drug on children. Standard dosage of drug is Oseltamivir phosphate 75 mg BID for 5 days. Presently in India, this drug is only available in govt hospitals and few private hospitals (It is not available on common drug stores). Load on this drug will decrease once Swine Flu (H1N1) vaccines will be available in India and worldwide.
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