oseltamivir

noun

osel·​tam·​i·​vir ˌō-ˌsel-ˈta-mə-ˌvir 

: an antiviral drug that is taken orally in the form of its phosphate C₁₆H₂₈N₂O₄·H₃PO₄ and is a neuraminidase inhibitor used in the treatment and prevention of influenza A and B

The current countermeasures against seasonal influenza are the use of annual vaccines and antiviral drugs, such as oseltamivir.

—Charles J. Russell

Research has shown that taking a prescription antiviral, such as oseltamivir or zanamivir, in the first 48 hours after contracting the flu virus can speed recovery.

—Francesca Castagnoli

Examples of oseltamivir in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Antiviral drugs that treat variant flu infections in humans are oseltamivir (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza) and peramivir (Rapivab). —Cnn Editorial Research, CNN, 6 June 2021

Drugs like oseltamivir inhibit the spread of viral infection in a host by blocking the neuraminidase. —Gemma Tarlach, Discover Magazine, 10 Dec. 2013

Word History

Etymology

oselt- (of undetermined origin) + -ami-, infix denoting a neuraminidase inhibitor (from neuraminidase) + -vir, combining element denoting an antiviral compound (from virus)

Note: According to the prescriptions of the U.S. Adopted Names Council, the initial element in generic drug names is to be meaningless.

First Known Use

1998, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

oseltamivir

noun

osel·​tam·​i·​vir ˌō-ˌsel-ˈtam-ə-ˌvir 

: an antiviral drug administered orally in the form of its phosphate C₁₆H₂₈N₂O₄·H₃PO₄ in the treatment and prevention of influenza A and B