What are the uses, benefits, and side effects of Oseltamivir?

Generally speaking, Oseltamivir is an antiviral medication, commonly available in capsule and granule forms. Its functions and benefits include treating influenza, preventing influenza, reducing the risk of complications, inhibiting virus transmission, and protecting high-risk populations. Side effects may include nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, insomnia, dizziness, and mental confusion. It is recommended to follow medical advice when using this medication. A detailed explanation is as follows:

I. Functions and Benefits of Oseltamivir

1. Treating Influenza

Oseltamivir inhibits the neuraminidase activity of the influenza virus, preventing the release and spread of the virus from infected cells. Thus, it reduces the damage caused by the virus to the human body, alleviates various flu symptoms such as fever and headache, shortens the duration of illness, and reduces the severity of the illness.

2. Preventing Influenza

After close contact with a person suffering from influenza, taking Oseltamivir can preemptively inhibit the replication and spread of the influenza virus entering the body, preventing the virus from multiplying extensively in the body, thereby reducing the risk of infection and the likelihood of developing the disease.

3. Reducing the Risk of Complications

By inhibiting the proliferation of the influenza virus in the body, Oseltamivir reduces the inflammatory response caused by viral infection, thus lowering the likelihood of complications such as pneumonia, otitis media, and sinusitis. This protective effect is particularly evident in individuals with weak immune systems.

4. Inhibiting Virus Transmission

After taking Oseltamivir, the replication and release of the influenza virus in the patient's body can be effectively inhibited, reducing the amount of virus excreted from areas such as the respiratory tract, thereby lowering the possibility of virus transmission to surrounding individuals and helping to control the spread and outbreak of influenza.

5. Protection for High-Risk Populations

For patients with underlying chronic respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and other conditions, Oseltamivir can reduce the damage caused by the influenza virus to the body, prevent a decline in physical function due to influenza infection, and thus lower the risk of exacerbation of existing conditions, providing a protective effect.

II. Side Effects of Oseltamivir

1. Nausea and Vomiting

This medication may irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, affect the normal peristalsis and digestive function of the gastrointestinal tract, trigger gastrointestinal nerve reflexes, cause strong contractions of the stomach muscles, and lead to sensations of nausea and vomiting. These symptoms generally appear at the beginning of treatment, and in some patients, the symptoms may lessen as the duration of medication increases.

2. Abdominal Pain

Oseltamivir may affect the contraction of smooth muscles in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to gastrointestinal spasms or causing inflammatory responses in the gastrointestinal mucosa, thereby causing abdominal pain. The severity and location of the pain vary among individuals and may manifest as dull pain, distension pain, or colicky pain, possibly accompanied by symptoms such as bloating and diarrhea.

3. Insomnia

Oseltamivir may affect the excitability of the nervous system, interfere with the normal balance of neurotransmitters, and cause the brain to remain in an excited state, thus leading to insomnia. Patients may experience fatigue, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating the following day, which can affect daily life and work.

4. Dizziness

The medication may affect the blood circulation of the nervous system, causing abnormal blood supply to the brain, or interfere with nerve conduction functions, thereby causing symptoms of dizziness. Symptoms may worsen when changing body positions.

5. Mental Confusion

Oseltamivir may have adverse effects on the central nervous system, interfering with the normal metabolism and function of nerve cells, leading to abnormal mental states. Mental confusion may occur, manifesting as disordered thinking, slurred speech, abnormal behavior, and impaired awareness of oneself and the surrounding environment.

When taking Oseltamivir, attention should be paid to dosage and frequency; generally, it is recommended to take the medication half an hour after meals. Individuals should not use the medication blindly without guidance. It is recommended to undergo standardized treatment under the guidance of qualified medical institutions and professional doctors to avoid delaying the condition.