Use of oseltamivir in children.
OBJECTIVE
Because of the recent outbreak of pandemic H1N1 2009, I am anticipating a large number of children with influenza-like symptoms or children diagnosed with influenza. Is oseltamivir effective and safe when used for children?


CONCLUSIONS
Oseltamivir is effective for prevention of complications associated with influenza A (including H1N1) in children. Oseltamivir also reduces the duration of influenza by a median of 36 hours, with nausea and vomiting as the primary reported adverse effects. The World Health Organization recommends oseltamivir as first-line treatment for H1N1, with the use of zanamivir only for suspected or confirmed oseltamivir resistance. Recently, in preparation for the influenza A (H1N1) 2009 pandemic, Health Canada published an interim order permitting the expanded use of oseltamivir for treatment or prophylaxis for children younger than 1 year of age.
Jamieson
Blake
B
BC Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Room K4-226, Ambulatory Care Building, 4480 Oak St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3V4.
Jain
Rini
R
Carleton
Bruce
B
Goldman
Ran D
RD
D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002170:Canada; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D053118:Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype / Q000187:drug effects; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000821:virology; D053139:Oseltamivir / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D053139:Oseltamivir