Dee asked
Can I mix Tamiflu with juice for a 3 year old?
Answer
Tamiflu (oseltamivir) is an antiviral medication used for the treatment and prophylaxis of influenza (i.e. the flu). It is available in two product forms:
- Tamiflu Capsules (30 mg, 45 mg, 70 mg)
- Tamiflu Suspension (6 mg/ml)
Whether or not juice (or another sweetned liquid) can be mixed with Tamiflu depends on the specific product form.
Mixing Tamiflu Capsules With Juice
According to Roche, the manufacturer of Tamiflu, the capsules can be mixed with juice or other sweetened substances by following the below directions:
- Hold one capsule over a bowl and open the capsule by pulling on one end. Pour the entire contents of the capsule into the bowl.
- Add a small amount of a sweetened liquid (e.g. chocolate syrup) to the contents of the capsule.
- Stir the mixture and give/take the entire dose.
- It may be necessary to "wash" the bowl contents with additional amounts of sweetened liquid/water in order to consume the full dose.
Mixing Tamiflu Suspension With Juice
Tamiflu suspension is sweetened with sorbitol. If the taste is not palatable, the given dose can be "chased" with a sweetened liquid or it can be mixed immediately prior to taking the dose.
It is not recommended to mix the Tamiflu suspension with any liquid and then store the medication. This could reduce the efficacy of the drug. In addition, Per the prescribing information for Tamiflu: "Dispense directly into mouth. Do not mix with any liquid prior to dispensing." This is recommended to ensure accurate dosing of the medication as well as to ensure drug stability.
However, if you can ensure the entire liquid dose can be consumed immediately after mixing, then Tamiflu suspension can be combined with a sweetened liquid and then consumed. A Tamiflu sweetened mixture will not cause a loss in drug efficacy if it is consumed immediately. There are no reported interactions when Tamiflu is given at the same time as food.
It is important to note that Tamiflu is better tolerated in terms of taste when chilled. In fact, Tamiflu suspension should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain drug stability.
Lastly, Tamiflu can be given with food in general if there are any problems with nausea or diarrhea. Food does not change the effectiveness of the medication and may help lessen GI effects.
