Opening and Mixing Tamiflu® Capsules with Liquids if Child Cannot Swallow Capsules
October 20, 2009 5:30 PM ET
Is there a shortage of oral suspension (liquid) Tamiflu®? The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the maker of Tamiflu® (Roche ) have said that available supplies of liquid Tamiflu® for children are limited.
What is being done about this? There are child doses of Tamiflu® in capsules (30 mg and 45 mg). It also is possible for a pharmacist to create a liquid children’s dose using adult doses of Tamiflu®. CDC is alerting pharmacists, doctors, and parents about these options. (Note: Children weighing more than 88 pounds would receive a 75 mg dose Tamiflu®, which is the adult dose.)
What can I do if my child cannot swallow capsules? If your doctor prescribes Tamiflu® capsules for your child and your child cannot swallow capsules, the prescribed capsules may be opened and mixed with a sweetened liquid, which may be sugar-free, that the child will consume completely.
What liquids can I use? A thickened and sweet liquid that masks the flavor of the medicine can be mixed with the contents of the Tamiflu® capsule. Sugar-free sweetened liquids are available. The child should consume the liquid mixture entirely. Examples are: applesauce, corn syrup, pudding, or chocolate/caramel/butterscotch syrup. Honey may be used if the child is older than 1 year.
If my child can’t swallow capsules, how do I open Tamiflu capsules and mix the medicine? Carefully open the Tamiflu® capsule and mix the powder inside the capsule with regular or sugar-free chocolate syrup. Use only the prescribed dose.
What will I need to do this? You will need:
The prescribed Tamiflu® capsule A small bowl or cup and a spoon 1-2 Teaspoons of sweetened liquid
How do I mix the ingredients? Holding one capsule over a small bowl, carefully pull the capsule open and pour the complete contents of the capsule into the bowl. Add 1-2 teaspoons of the sweetened liquid that the child will consume completely. Stir the mixture and give the entire dose to the child.
Should my child take all of the mixture? Yes, make sure your child takes all of the medicine mixture.
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