Printable reference
Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) seasonal dosing
Quick-reference dosing table for pediatrics with safety checks. Use local protocols and the full calculator for age cutoffs, renal adjustment, and edge cases.
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Verify before giving
- Confirm influenza scenario: treatment vs post-exposure prophylaxis (not for every exposure).
- Confirm weight (kg) and age (infant dosing differs from weight-band dosing).
- Confirm timing from symptom onset or exposure; start as early as feasible per protocol.
- Check kidney function or known CKD; adjust per local guidance if needed.
- Verify formulation: capsule strength or suspension concentration (mg/mL).
- Double-check mg dose, then convert to mL using the confirmed mg/mL concentration.
- Use an oral syringe (not a household teaspoon) and review the dosing device with caregivers.
- Confirm frequency and duration; write the stop date and missed-dose plan.
Weight bands (common reference for ≥1 year)
Suspension reference: 6 mg/mL. For infants (<1 year), premature infants, or renal adjustment: use the full calculator.
| Weight band (kg) | Typical mg per dose | mL per dose (6 mg/mL) |
|---|---|---|
| ≤15 kg | 30 mg | 5 mL |
| >15–23 kg | 45 mg | 7.5 mL |
| >23–40 kg | 60 mg | 10 mL |
| >40 kg | 75 mg | 12.5 mL |
Quick conversion rule: mL = mg ÷ (mg/mL). Example: 60 mg ÷ 6 mg/mL = 10 mL.
Typical seasonal scenarios
Common patterns, not prescriptions. Confirm eligibility and duration with your local protocol.
| Scenario | Typical frequency | Typical duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Treatment (suspected/confirmed influenza, selected cases) | Typically twice daily | Typically 5 days | Start as early as feasible per local protocol (benefit is greatest early). |
| Post-exposure prophylaxis (selected exposures) | Typically once daily | Typically 7–10 days (protocol dependent) | Not for every exposure. Eligibility/timing varies by pathway and outbreak setting. |
Safety notes (quick)
- Benefit is greatest when started early (protocol-dependent), especially in higher-risk children.
- Nausea/vomiting are common; giving with food may help.
- This sheet does not include renal adjustments or infant-specific dosing details.
Red flags
Seek urgent evaluation (examples)
- Trouble breathing, blue/gray lips, or severe chest retractions
- Severe allergic reaction (swelling, hives with breathing trouble)
- Seizure, severe confusion, or concerning behavior changes
Call your clinician/pharmacy (examples)
- Questions about mg dose, mL conversion, or bottle concentration
- Missed-dose questions, or the child cannot keep doses down
- New rash, severe headache, or symptoms worsening instead of improving
Full calculator and medication page
For age cutoffs, mg/kg dosing (infants), renal adjustments, and detailed safety notes, use the full dose-by-weight guide: