Management of Influenza in Children

Antiviral Medications

• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends oseltamivir (Tamiflu) for treatment of influenza in children, with weight-based dosing of 45 mg twice daily for 5 days for children weighing 15-23 kg, and 60 mg twice daily for 5 days for those weighing >23-40 kg, based on evidence from Clinical Infectious Diseases and MMWR Recommendations and Reports 1, 2
• Oseltamivir is FDA-approved for treatment in children as young as 2 weeks of age, and is the preferred antiviral for this age group, according to Pediatrics 3
• Zanamivir (Relenza) is not approved for treatment in children under 7 years old, as stated in Clinical Infectious Diseases and MMWR Recommendations and Reports 1, 2