Tamiflu is a prescription medication that can be used to treat or prevent the flu and other viral infections. It will not kill the virus, but it will reduce the duration of symptoms or prevent them from developing in people exposed to the flu. To be effective, Tamiflu must be taken within two days of developing flu symptoms. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the drug be used only in children older than 1 who have severe flu symptoms or in high-risk children, such as those with asthma, heart disease or other conditions that compromise the immune system.
Nausea and Vomiting
Some children prescribed Tamiflu to reduce symptoms of a viral infection will experience bouts of nausea and vomiting. However, this side effect develops in only about 10 percent of kids taking Tamiflu, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Stomach pain and diarrhea may also develop, although none of these symptoms is cause for concern.
Headaches
Another potential side effect of Tamiflu is headaches, according to MedlinePlus. Some kids may also experience dizzy spells. However, these effects are no cause for concern either. In some cases, the side effects may also be symptoms of the viral infection a child has.
Behavior Changes
In rare cases, you may notice your child is exhibiting some unusual changes in his behavior while taking Tamiflu. These changes can include hallucinations, delirium and engaging in behaviors that can cause him or others harm, according to Drugs.com. It is not understood whether the drug itself can cause these behavior patterns to develop, but if your child exhibits any of these behaviors while taking Tamiflu, stop using the drug and contact your pediatrician immediately.
Allergic Reactions
As with all drugs, children taking Tamiflu can suffer allergic reactions, although this is rare. Signs of an allergic reaction include hives; a rash; skin blisters; swelling of the mouth, face or tongue; wheezing; hoarseness; or difficulty breathing, MedlinePlus reports. Because allergic reactions can be severe and potentially life-threatening, they require emergency medical attention. If your child experiences any signs of an allergic reaction while taking Tamiflu, seek immediate medical attention.
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