Influenza and the use of oseltamivir in children

Posted by chemicals on May 23rd, 2019

Oseltamivir was approved by the FDA in 1999 for the first time for children aged older than 13 years and for adults for treatment and prophylaxis of influenza. In 2000, the age limit in treatment of influenza was reduced to one year and use of prophylaxis in this age group was also approved in 2005. In 2009 pandemic influenza period, use of oseltamivir was authorized transiently in babies aged younger than 1 year old between April the 28th, 2009 and October the 23th, 2010. Oseltamivir was approved in more than 100 countries by February 2011 and it has been used in more than 83 million patients since it was put on the market.  The World Health Organization recommends oseltamivir treatment for all patients in severe and progressive influenza and even recommends a higher dose and longer treatment depending on the clinical reponse for patients with immunosupression.

Influenza is an infectious disease which causes significant morbidity and mortality. In the USA, it is responsible of approximately 200 000 hospital admissions and 36 000 deaths annualy. Influenza is a disease caused by influenza viruses which has a sudden onset, causes respiratory tract infection with fever and generally limits itself. However, it may also lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), meningitis, encephalitis and similar life-threatening severe clinical conditions. Currently, the most important and efficient drug for severe influenza infections is oseltamivir. With initiation of this drug especially in the first two days, severe influenza infections can be brought under control and prevention of related deaths may be achieved.

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