Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Talk to your doctor about the possibility of getting a flu shot if you have not had one yet.

This medicine is best taken before exposure, or as soon as possible after exposure, to people who have the flu.

To help keep yourself from getting the flu, keep taking this medicine for the full time of treatment.

If you already have the flu, continue taking this medicine for the full time of treatment even if you begin to feel better after a few days. This will help to clear up your infection completely. If you stop taking this medicine too soon, your symptoms may return. This medicine should be taken for at least 5 to 7 days.

This medicine works best when there is a constant amount in the blood. To help keep the amount constant, do not miss any doses. Also, it is best to take the doses at evenly spaced times day and night.

Shake the oral liquid well before each use. Measure the medicine with a specially marked measuring spoon or other device to measure each dose accurately. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For oral dosage forms (suspension or tablets):
    • For treatment of flu:
      • Adults and teenagers 17 years of age and older—100 milligrams (mg) two times a day for 7 days.
      • Older adults—100 mg once a day.
      • Children up to 16 years of age—Use is not recommended.
    • For prevention of flu:
      • Adults and teenagers 17 years of age and older—100 milligrams (mg) two times a day.
      • Older adults—100 mg once a day.
      • Children 10 to 16 years of age—100 mg two times a day.
      • Children 1 to 9 years of age—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is 5 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight once a day. Children in this age group should not receive more than 150 mg per day.
      • Children younger than 1 year of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Store the oral liquid at room temperature for 14 days.