3850 Grand View Blvd. - Los Angeles, CA 90066 - Phone:(310) 391-6741 - Fax:(310) 391-6744 - Email: MarVistaAMC@gmail.com
(310)391-6741
www.marvistavet.com
OSELTAMIVIR (for veterinary information only)
BRAND NAME: TAMIFLU
AVAILABLE IN
BACKGROUND
Viruses are responsible for Herpes, Influenza, HIV, the Common Cold and numerous other infections with which we are familiar. It has only been relatively recently that we have had the technology to attack viral biology. Oseltamivir represents such an effort.
Recently, veterinary interest has turned to oseltamivir in the treatment of Canine Parvovirus, a life-threatening infection characterized by vomiting and bloody diarrhea. Because the parvovirus does not use neuraminidase in its replication, one might not expect oseltamivir to have value but it turns out that neuraminidase is an important enzyme used by pathogenic bacteria invading through the protective mucous barrier of the GI tract. This invasion through the mucous barrier is biochemically similar to the budding of virus from the cell membrane and oseltamivir is able to inhibit it. Invasion of intestinal bacteria into the bloodstream is an important cause of death in parvoviral infection and this is where oseltamavir appears to be helpful though there is still controversy surrounding its use. Use of oseltamivir in parvovirus infection has shown to improve both weight gain and white blood cell counts in parvo infected dogs.
HOW THIS MEDICATION IS USED To assist in the treatment of canine parvovirus infection, oseltamivir is typically given orally twice a day for approximately 5 days. The medication should be obtained as soon as the parvovirus diagnosis is confirmed. If a puppy has been exposed to canine parvovirus but is not ill it may be possible to circumvent the clinical disease by giving a course of oseltamivir. Usually an oral suspension is compounded or the human product is given. If a dose is accidentally skipped, do not double up on the next dose. Simply give the dose when it is remembered and time the next dose accordingly. Tamiflu suspension should be refrigerated and is only good for 10 days after it has been reconstituted. Capsules may be stored at room temperature. In recent years, canine influenza infection Canine influenza infection has become an important infectious disease of dogs in the U.S. At the present time, oseltamivir use has been discouraged for this infection for two reasons. First, canine influenza infection is not readily detectable early enough in its course to be vulnerable to oseltamivir. Second, oseltamivir is considered part of the first line of defense in human influenza pandemic and overuse or inappropriate use could create influenza drug resistance, potentially leading to human influenza death. Oseltamivir is not approved for use in animals.
SIDE EFFECTS In pets, side effects have not been appreciated; however, veterinary experience is limited. The following is taken from human patient information sheets on oseltamivir: Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or healthcare professional as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
We include this information as general information but if you are using oseltamivir on a pet and think you may be seeing indications of any of the above, report them to your veterinarian.
INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER DRUGS Oseltamivir can interfere with concurrent influenza vaccinations administration.
CONCERNS AND CAUTIONS The most important caution is to recognize that canine parvovirus is a life-threatening infection for which there is no substitute for hospitalization. One should never attempt to diagnose parvovirus infection on one's own nor treat it without veterinary supervision. Puppies that have advanced parvo symptoms (such as septicemia or severe dehydration) may not respond to oseltamivir (or to any treatment for that matter). This medication works best early in the course of infection before the patient is already combating large amounts of infectious organisms. If pathogenic bacteria have already invaded, the effectiveness of oseltamavir will be blunted.. Reconstituted oseltamivir does not last longer than 10 days and must be disposed of thereafter. If a patient seems to have an upset stomach on oseltamivir, this effect can be mitigated by giving the medication with food. It is important to remember that human influenza is a significant disease with potential to cause human death under certain circumstances. Unnecessary use of anti-viral medications leads to resistance within the influenza virus population so it is important that medications such as oseltamivir not be used for infections which are not life-threatening in nature or which are likely to resolve with routine supportive care. For more details on canine parvovirus, see the Parvovirus Information Center on this site. Short version (to help us comply with "Lizzie's Law") Page last updated: 9/4/2020 |