Oseltamivir

Oseltamivir is an antiviral medication that inhibits influenza neuraminidase. It is used to treat influenza and reduce the risk of infection after exposure.

Neuraminidase inhibitor: A drug that blocks neuraminidase, an enzyme used by some viruses to release progeny particles from infected cells. Oseltamivir belongs to this drug class and acts by inhibiting influenza neuraminidase.
Influenza treatment: Medical care intended to shorten illness, relieve symptoms, or prevent complications caused by influenza. Oseltamivir is prescribed to treat influenza, with greatest benefit when started promptly.
Zanamivir: An inhaled antiviral medication that inhibits influenza neuraminidase. Zanamivir targets the same viral enzyme but is delivered by inhalation rather than orally.
Oseltamivir clinical trials: Studies evaluating oseltamivir’s benefits and harms in people with influenza or at risk of infection. Trial findings inform estimates of symptom reduction, complications, and preventive benefit.
Influenza neuraminidase: A viral surface enzyme that cleaves sialic acid and helps influenza virions detach from infected cells. Oseltamivir binds this enzyme and prevents efficient release of new virions.
Post-exposure prophylaxis: Preventive treatment given after a known or suspected exposure to an infectious disease. Oseltamivir can reduce the chance of influenza after close exposure.
Baloxavir marboxil: An oral influenza antiviral that inhibits the viral cap-dependent endonuclease required for viral gene transcription. Baloxavir acts at a different stage of viral replication than oseltamivir.
Cochrane Collaboration: An international organization that produces systematic reviews of health-care research. Its reviews have assessed evidence for oseltamivir treatment and prophylaxis.
Sialic acid: A family of acidic sugars found at the ends of many cell-surface glycans. Influenza neuraminidase cleaves sialic acid, the substrate whose removal oseltamivir blocks.
Influenza-like illness: A symptom pattern resembling influenza that can be caused by influenza or other respiratory infections. Symptoms alone do not establish influenza, the infection oseltamivir is intended to treat.

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