Fluvir Oral Suspension 75 Ml

FLUVIR ORAL SUSPENSION 75 ML

FLUVIR ORAL SUSPENSION 75 ML is an antiviral medication manufactured by Hetero Drugs Ltd, primarily used for the treatment and prevention of influenza, commonly known as the flu.

• Name:

  • Brand Name: Fluvir Oral Suspension 75 ML
  • Common Name: Oseltamivir Oral Suspension

• Composition:

  • The active ingredient is Oseltamivir Phosphate, typically at a strength of 12 mg/ml.

• Uses: FLUVIR Oral Suspension is prescribed for:

  • Treating and preventing influenza (flu), including swine flu (H1N1 virus) and bird flu.
  • Alleviating flu symptoms such as cough, stuffy nose, sore throat, chills, fever, tiredness, body aches, and headache.
  • It is effective against both influenza A and B viruses. The medication works by inhibiting the neuraminidase enzyme, which is crucial for the influenza virus to spread within the body by preventing new viral particles from detaching from infected cells.

• Dosage and Administration:

  • Always take as prescribed by your doctor.
  • Shake the bottle well before each use.
  • Measure the dose accurately using the provided measuring cup; do not use household spoons.
  • Can be taken with or without food, but taking it with food may help reduce stomach upset, nausea, and vomiting.
  • For treatment, it is most effective when initiated within two days of flu symptom onset.
  • Complete the full prescribed course of treatment even if symptoms improve, to prevent relapse or increased resistance.
  • Typical Dosing (for treatment of flu):
    • Adults and teenagers: 75 mg (or 12.5 mL) twice a day for 5 days.
    • Children (1 year and older) and infants (2 weeks to less than 1 year): Dosage is weight-based and determined by a doctor.
  • Typical Dosing (for prevention of flu):
    • Adults and teenagers: 75 mg (or 12.5 mL) once a day for at least 10 days.

• Side Effects:

  • Common Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, and stomach upset. These often occur after the first dose and may subside with continued treatment.
  • Serious Side Effects (less common or in overdose): Allergic reactions, changes in consciousness, convulsions, heart rhythm abnormalities, signs of liver function disorders, skin reactions (redness, itchiness), eardrum disorders, and neurological/psychiatric symptoms (confusion, hallucinations, abnormal behavior, seizures).

• Precautions:

  • Inform your doctor if you have known allergies to Oseltamivir Phosphate or any other components of the suspension.
  • Exercise caution and inform your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, heart problems, a weakened immune system, or breathing difficulties, as dosage adjustments or close monitoring may be necessary.
  • Report any unusual changes in mood or behavior, especially in children and adolescents, to your doctor.
  • Consult your doctor before use if pregnant or breastfeeding. While generally considered safe if prescribed during breastfeeding, its safety in pregnancy requires careful assessment of benefits versus risks.
  • May cause dizziness; avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medicine affects you.
  • Avoid or limit alcohol consumption, as it may increase the risk of dehydration or liver damage.
  • FLUVIR is not intended for the common cold, sinus infections, or sore throat not associated with influenza.

• Storage:

  • Store in a cool and dry place, protected from direct sunlight.
  • Typically, store below 25°C or 30°C.
  • Once reconstituted or opened, it can often be stored at room temperature (25°C) for up to 10 days or in a refrigerator (2-8°C) for up to 17 days.
  • Keep out of the sight and reach of children and pets.

Frequently Asked Questions about Fluvir Oral Suspension 75 ML

What is Fluvir Oral Suspension used for?

Fluvir Oral Suspension is an antiviral medicine primarily used to treat and prevent influenza (flu) caused by type A and B viruses. It helps alleviate flu symptoms such as cough, stuffy nose, sore throat, chills, fever, tiredness, headache, and body aches. It is most effective when treatment is started within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. The suspension can also be used to prevent the flu in individuals who have been exposed to the virus or during community outbreaks.

How does Fluvir Oral Suspension work?

Fluvir Oral Suspension contains Oseltamivir Phosphate, an antiviral medication. It works by blocking an enzyme called neuraminidase, which is found on the surface of the flu virus. This enzyme is crucial for the virus to enter uninfected cells and spread throughout the body. By inhibiting this enzyme, Oseltamivir stops the proliferation of the virus, thereby reducing the duration and severity of flu symptoms and helping the body clear the viral infection.

What is the usual dosage for Fluvir Oral Suspension?

The correct dosage and duration of Fluvir Oral Suspension are determined by your doctor based on factors such as your age, body weight, and the severity of the infection. For treating the flu, adults and adolescents typically take it twice a day for 5 days. For preventing the flu, the usual dosage for adults and adolescents is once a day for at least 10 days. Always shake the bottle well before each use and use the provided measuring device to ensure an accurate dose.

What are the possible side effects of Fluvir Oral Suspension?

Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, and stomach upset. These usually occur within the first two days of treatment and often subside as treatment continues. More serious, though less common, side effects can include confusion, hallucinations, unusual behavior (particularly in children and adolescents), seizures, and severe allergic reactions such as skin rash, itching, hives, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Is Fluvir Oral Suspension safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

During pregnancy, Fluvir Oral Suspension should be used only if it is considered clearly necessary by your doctor, and if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks. Available data have not indicated an increased risk of birth defects. For breastfeeding mothers, it should also be used only if considered necessary, as small amounts of the medication may pass into breast milk. However, limited data suggest it is unlikely to harm a nursing infant.

Can Fluvir Oral Suspension be taken with other medications?

It is important to inform your doctor about all other medications you are currently taking. Fluvir Oral Suspension may interact with certain medicines, including chlorpropamide, methotrexate, phenylbutazone, and probenecid. Probenecid can increase the concentration of the active component of Fluvir. You should avoid receiving a live attenuated influenza vaccine (nasal mist flu vaccine) within two weeks before or 48 hours after taking this medicine. While direct interactions with alcohol are not fully established, it is generally advisable to avoid alcohol consumption while taking medication for an illness.

What precautions should be taken while using Fluvir Oral Suspension?

Do not take Fluvir Oral Suspension if you are allergic to Oseltamivir Phosphate or any other ingredients in the medicine. Inform your doctor if you have a history of kidney problems, heart disease, long-term lung disease, a weakened immune system, suicidal thoughts, or confusion, as these conditions may require dose adjustments or careful monitoring. Patients with kidney problems may require a adjusted dosage. The oral suspension contains sorbitol, so caution is advised for individuals with hereditary fructose intolerance. If you experience dizziness or lightheadedness, avoid driving or operating machinery.

What happens if a dose of Fluvir Oral Suspension is missed?

If you miss a dose of Fluvir Oral Suspension, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose (e.g., within two hours), skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the forgotten one.

How should Fluvir Oral Suspension be stored?

Store Fluvir Oral Suspension in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. It should be stored at temperatures below 25°C or below 30°C. Always keep the medicine out of the sight and reach of children.

Is it important to complete the full course of Fluvir Oral Suspension?

Yes, it is crucial to complete the entire course of Fluvir Oral Suspension exactly as prescribed by your doctor, even if your symptoms improve or disappear quickly. Stopping the medication too soon can lead to the return of the flu infection or may reduce its effectiveness in preventing the flu.