New Delhi, Sep 16 - Tamiflu, the drug used in the treatment of swine flu, will be available in the open market within a week, a health ministry official said Wednesday.

The ministry of health and family welfare issued a notification Tuesday allowing 'restricted sale' of tamiflu (Oselatamivir) and Zanamivir, the only available drugs that are used for the treatment of Influenza A(H1N1).

'It is expected that within the next five to seven days both the drugs would be available in the retail market through identified chemists against proper medical prescriptions,' the official said.

'Taking into account the current spread of the Influenza A(H1N1) in the country, the health ministry has decided that retail sale of tamiflu and Zanamivir should be allowed in the country but in a regulated manner,' he said.

The retail sale of tamiflu was banned by the central government and its distribution was permissible only through public health institutions. However, there was no restriction on the sale of Zanamivir.

A 10-tablet strip of tamiflu costs Rs.280.