First-lineTamiflu
Oseltamivir
Neuraminidase inhibitor
First-line for influenza in pregnancy — start within 48 h, but treat any pregnant case.
Oral
First-line for
- Influenza (suspected/confirmed) in pregnancy or up to 2 weeks postpartum
Mechanism
Inhibits viral neuraminidase → prevents virion release from infected cells.
“Pregnant + flu = treat regardless of T”
- Pregnancy is a high-risk group
- Start empirically — don't wait for swab
Dosing
- Treatment
- 75 mg BD x 5 d
- Prophylaxis
- 75 mg OD x 10 d
Contraindications
- CautionSevere renal impairment — adjust
- AbsoluteHypersensitivity
Side effects
- Nausea, vomiting
- Neuropsychiatric (rare)
Fetal & maternal notes
- • Compatible across pregnancy — benefit > risk in maternal flu
- • Compatible with breastfeeding
Key interactions
Live attenuated flu vaccine
CautionReduces efficacy
Probenecid
Caution↑ levels
Clinical pearls
- 💡 UKHSA: treat pregnant women with influenza-like illness empirically
- 💡 Vaccinate next pregnancy
Content last reviewed: REPLACE_ME (e.g. 2026-07)
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