Selecting a Treatment Regimen
Table 5. Influenza Antiviral Medication Dosing Recommendatio
(Current and frequently updated information on antiviral resistance and recom
Neuraminidase Inhibitors
(Brand)
Oseltamivir
(Tamiflu®)
Adults
75 mg capsule
Children
≥ 12 months
60 mg/5mL
suspension
Zanamivir
Adults
(Relenza®)
Children
(Diskhaler:
5 mg per
inhalation)
Adamantanesa
Amantadine Adults
(Symmetrel®)
Children
Rimantadineb
(Flumadine®)
a
b
Adults
Children
Treatment
Duration: 5 days
75 mg capsule twice a day
≤ 15 kg
60 mg/day
divided into
2 doses
15-23 kg
> 23-40 kg
> 40 k
90 mg/day
120 mg/day
150 mg/
divided into
divided into
divided i
2 doses
2 doses
2 dose
2 inhalations (10 mg) twice a day
≥ 7 years
2 inhalations (10 mg) twice a day
200 mg per day, either as a single daily dose or divided
into 2 doses
1-9 years
9-12 years
5-8 mg/kg/day divided into 2
200 mg/day divided
doses or as a single daily dose
into 2 doses
(maximum 150 mg/kg/day)
200 mg per day, either as a single daily dose or divided into 2 d
1-9 years
≥10 years
6.6 mg/kg/day
200 mg/day, either as a
(maximum 150 mg/kg/day)
single daily dose or divid
divided into 2 doses
into 2 doses
The adamantanes should be used only in situations when seasonal influenza A (H1N1) infection or exposure is susp
(See Antivirals for Treatment and Antivirals for Chemoprophylaxis)
Rimantadine is not FDA approved for treatment in children, but published data exist on safety and efficacy in the p
Outbreak Management in Institutional Settings
ÎÎDuring influenza season, when 2 or more institutional residents manifest
signs and symptoms of influenza-like illness within 72 hours, testing for
influenza should occur (A-II).
ÎÎWhen influenza viruses are circulating in the community, even one
laboratory-positive laboratory result in conjunction with other compatible
illnesses on the unit indicates an outbreak of influenza is occurring (A-II).
ÎÎPersons developing compatible symptoms > 72 hours after implementation
of antiviral chemoprophylaxis or among persons residing on previously
unaffected units should be tested for influenza and other respiratory
pathogens. If influenza testing is positive, consider the possibility of a
drug-resistant virus, spread of influenza to previously unaffected areas
of the facility where antiviral use has not been implemented, or multiple
introductions of influenza from the community to facility residents (B-III).
