Attached to each sugar ring is a nucleotide base, one of the four bases Adenine (A), Guanine (G), Cytosine (C), and Thymine (T). The first two (A, G) are examples of a purine which contains a six atom ring and five atom ring sharing two atoms. The second two (C, T) are examples of a pyrimidine which is composed of a single six atom ring. A base pair is one of the pairs A-T or C-G. Notice that each base pair consists of a purine and a pyrimidine. The nucleotides in a base pair are complementary which means their shape allows them to bond together with hydrogen bonds. The A-T pair forms two hydrogen bonds. The C-G pair forms three.
Tamiflu is an antiviral medication used to treat flu symptoms caused by influenza. Learn about side effects, interactions and indications.
The two other antivirals commonly prescribed for the flu are Relenza (zanamivir) and Rapivab (peramivir). Because it's been the most studied, Tamiflu is usually the treatment of choice for pregnant women. Antiviral drugs work best if taken in the first 48 hours after you show symptoms. They can make your illness less severe, help you feel better sooner, and prevent serious flu complications such as pneumonia.