Pattern of oseltamivir ingestions reported to Texas poison centers

Abstract

During serious influenza outbreaks, the number of oseltamivir exposures reported to poison centers might be expected to increase. This investigation describes the pattern of oseltamivir ingestions reported to Texas poison centers during 2000—2008. Of 298 total ingestions, 91.9% occurred in December—March, 76.8% involved patients aged 0—19 years, 72.5% resulted from therapeutic error, 90.0% were managed on-site, and 80.0% had no effect. The most frequently reported adverse clinical effects were vomiting (7.5%), nausea (3.8%), and abdominal pain (3.8%). Oseltamivir ingestions were reported to Texas poison centers primarily during periods of influenza outbreak. Most involved children, resulted from therapeutic error, and were managed on-site without serious outcome.