Preparations against ARVI and influenza

Review of antiviral drugs in cases of influenza and influenza

Any disease, especially ARVI and the Flu is easier, cheaper and safer not to treat, but not to prevent, to prevent its occurrence. Recently, especially worried about the "point" - it's safer. Should I take antiviral pills at all? In today's complex world, how to understand the issues:

• Will the effect of using an expensive antiviral drug?
• Which drug is better for adults to take flu, children?
• Do not it cause harm to health?
• Is there the best cure for flu?
• Effective antiviral drugs - is it advertising, business, dummy or not?

Antiviral drugs for Orvy on the Russian pharmaceutical market are as follows:

Virtually all antiviral drugs for orvi and flu have no evidence base for their antiviral efficacy. Studies are very expensive, conducted by the manufacturers themselves and those interested in the positive conclusion of the parties. Today, most clinical trials of new drugs are regularly falsified in order to bring "miraculous" drugs to the market with a new price tag. Given the fabulous commercial benefits of selling expensive antiviral drugs during the epidemic, honesty and objectivity of research is not believed. As you know, pharmacological publications, even in medical journals today, are about 90 percent - these are custom-made articles of an advertising nature.

Today in the pharmacy chains an abundance of various medicines, some of which are essentially "medicines" They are not, because there are a lot of fakes, frank dummies and inefficient means. Advocates of patients' rights in Ukraine, for example, argue that in 4 drugs registered as antiviral - the active substance was not found. However, a wide advertising company allows producers to earn millions of hryvnias on them per year.

Antiviral drugs for Orvi are conventionally divided into:

• Vaccines - stimulation of the production of antibodies before infection with the virus
• Immunostimulants - drugs that temporarily enhance nonspecific immunity, which promote the production of interferons
• Antiviral drugs are agents that affect neuraminidase (a viral enzyme) by suppressing the multiplication of the virus (Oseltamivir, Zanamivir) and blockers M2-channels Amantadine, Remantadine - these drugs have proven clinical effectiveness, but as any means have a number of side effects.

Most antiviral drugs for orvi and influenza are developed and applied no more than 10-40 years. The drug should have a greater "trial period" in order to draw a conclusion about its effectiveness and side effects. As for immunostimulants, these funds can have delayed consequences (risks of autoimmune development diseases, oncological diseases of the blood, etc.) and should be prescribed according to strict indications.

Immunity modulators and antiviral agents

The immunostimulants produced today show the activation of immune reactions at the biochemical level (which is called "in test tube "), but their real benefit and long-term consequences of use are rather complex, poorly studied areas. Since information on many mechanisms of immunity has become known relatively recently, scientists are getting more and more information about its functioning every year. Therefore, there is no confidence in the safety and correctness of general stimulation of the "under-researched" immune system (see Fig. what is immunity and whether drugs are needed to improve it). Especially prudent should be the preventive use of immunostimulants and the treatment with antiviral medicines for children.

"Pharmacy immunostimulants can not only help the body, but also harm" - says Ph.D. Tatyana Tikhomirova, immunologist-allergist. Such a state as hyperactivation of the immune system, as well as immunodeficiency is extremely dangerous, the human body functions normally only with the balance of the immune system. And if a person each time stimulates ("to increase his own immunity"), then, in the presence of predisposing factors, this can result in pathological inflammation, immune aggression on healthy tissues, hyperactivation of the immune system and theoretically (in extreme cases) to the development of an autoimmune or oncological disease.

If the next of kin has an autoimmune disease (rheumatoid arthritis, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, Sjogren's syndrome, multiple sclerosis, etc.), then under no circumstances should a person use any immunostimulants. Even if a person is healthy, there is already a violation of the immune system, and you can live with them all your life, but if you are rude and persistently try to stimulate their immune system, this may end with the debut of an autoimmune disease.

Fortunately, for most healthy people, without the presence of any predisposing factors, it is difficult to "achieve" your immunity so as to seriously damage your health. Since most of the known immunostimulants either do not work at all, or almost do not work. One part of the drugs - an ordinary deception, another - ineffective means. But it should be remembered that any drug has side effects.

Drug Groups	Act	Names of drugs
Interferon preparations	Blockade of viral mRNA translation, presentation of viral antigens	Recombinant alpha / gamma interferons
Etiotropic means	Neuraminidase inhibitors	Relenza Tamiflu Peramivir
Ion channel blockers	Rimantadine (Remantadin, Orvirem)
Antiviral drugs with varying degrees of evidence of action	Enabling synthesis endogenous interferons	Kagocel Cycloferon Lavomax (Amiksin, Tyloron) Cytovir 3
Specific HA chaperone	Arbidol
NP-Protein Inhibitors	Ingavirin

Alexander Khadzhidis, Chief Clinical Pharmacologist, St. Petersburg states the following: "Some doctors for some reason first prescribe to patients antipyretic drugs, and then immunomodulators, allegedly for the production of interferon - which is illogical and generally absurd. That is, first, knocking down the temperature - "prohibit" the body to fight the virus (at high temperature antibodies are produced against the virus and infection), and then artificially "forced" to do so.

In developed countries, interferonogens (drugs that stimulate the production of interferon) are not at all. Interferons can work only with parenteral (intravenous) administration, and even then, their effectiveness is questionable. In Russia, these drugs are extremely popular, despite the fact that they are useless.

With regard to antipyretics with the virus - to knock down the temperature better with paracetamol and once with a rise in temperature, rather than 4 p / day - "just in case." Taking Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) in ARVI, especially in children under 12 years old, is contraindicated, it can cause severe lesion of the central nervous system and liver, it is not recommended to apply it to those who suffered from gastric ulcer. "

Well-known in Russia doctor Alexander Myasnikov says that all immunomodulators widely advertised in our country are a waste of money. In the United States and Western Europe, it is already unequivocally recognized and proven that these remedies are ineffective, but most Russian doctors continue to believe in the power of immunomodulators in treating Orvi.

Cytovir 3

Pharmacological action: Integratedimmunostimulating, an antiviral drug,

has an interferonogenic effect. As part of the drug - Timogen sodium, ascorbic acid, bendazole. Timogen synthetically obtained dipeptide, it enhances the nonspecific resistance of the organism. Ascorbic acid normalizes the permeability of capillaries, reducing the activity of the inflammatory process. Bendazol stimulates the production of endogenous interferon in the body.

Side effects: in people suffering from vegetative-vascular dystonia, causes a decrease in blood pressure.

Contraindications: in pregnancy, children under 1 year, thrombophlebitis, severe hypotension, diabetes mellitus, stomach ulcer, urolithiasis.

Issued: since 2001 in capsules, for children since 2006 in syrup, in powder for the preparation of solution
Research: There is no reliable information about clinical trials confirming its efficacy and safety. Often, doctors and pharmacists recommend this tool for children, but use it to treat children should be used with caution or not used at all.

References: Quite a lot of reviews in patients who use Citovir, about the effectiveness and absence of side effects. Improvement of well-being is observed on the second-third day, in single cases the drug did not help.
Price: Cytovir 3 - average240-580rub.

Kagocel

Pharmacological action: inducer of interferon synthesis, antiviral,immunomodulatingeffect. Composition: the sodium salt of the copolymer, which causes the formation of late interferon, which has high antiviral activity. The greatest effect occurs if you start treatment within the first 24 hours of the disease, but not later than the 4th day after the onset of an acute infection. With a view to prevention, it is possible to take it at any time, preferably immediately after contact with a sick Orvy or a flu.

Side effects: the emergence of allergic reactions.
Issued: Registered in 2003, since 2005 is produced in tablets, since 2011 allowed for use children over the age of 3 years for the treatment of influenza, as the prevention of children can be used for children over 6 years.

Research efficiency and safety: There is conflicting information. The active ingredient is the sodium salt of the gossypol copolymer with carboxymethyl cellulose.

And Gossipol itself is a natural polyphenol, it has been banned in the world since 1998 due to its toxicity. Gossypol for a long time and actively studied by some countries as a contraceptive, with its continued intake completely stops spermatogenesis. Chinese and Brazilian scientists say that host gossypol boys and men may suffer infertility in the future. However, Kagocel is not pure gossypol, it is the sodium salt of the copolymer, which has other properties that differ from the properties of the chemical itself.

The manufacturer actively advertises the drug and claims that the salt in Kagocel is negligible, 4 times lower than the concentration from the international standards allowed. Multiple stages of purification of the product ensure the absence of free Gossypol in the final drug, which is checked by monitoring the quality of each series of Kagocel tablets. The method used to check the availability of free gossypol is very accurate, it can reveal its content above 0.0036%. In early 2013, data were published on tests performed on rats - no changes in reproductive function were detected in animals.

That is, research on primates was not done? It is known that gossypol for different animal species has its maximum dose of toxicity, according to the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) for rats, the limiting toxic dose is2200-3300 mg / kg.,for pigs 550, for guinea pigs up to 300 mg / kg. The research carried out by the manufacturer consisted in the administration of therapeutic doses to male rats, and doses 25 times higher than therapeutic doses250 mg / kg). Can you trust the rest of the statements and "studies"?

Neither in Western Europe nor in the United States Kagocel is not used, there are no WHO medicines on the list. The effectiveness of the drug is not proven according to the representatives of the Formulary Committee of the RAMS and SDMX. There were no statistical studies on the development of side effects as of autumn 2013.

The drug is actively recommended for adults and children, but evidence of the safety of this drug for children 3-6 years of age, no, there have been no clinical studies for this age group.

Reviews: Many help, some children and adults are allergic reactions in the form of rashes, swelling, itching.
Price: Kagocel - average180-280rub. In 2012, the volume of sales amounted to - 2.64 billion. rubles

Tyloron (Amiksin, Lavomax)

Pharmacological action: active ingredient Tiloron, possesses antiviral andimmunomodulatingaction, it is a synthetic inducer of interferon that stimulates the formation of interferons alpha, beta, gamma.

Side effects: short-term chills, allergic reactions, contraindicated in breastfeeding and pregnancy.

Issued: almost 40 years ago, children under 7 years of age are strictly prohibited.

Research: The benefits of the drug are unquestionable for both treatment and prevention of viral diseases, but this can overlap with potential harm to the body. In the 80's in the US, after tests on mice, the drug was banned, as it had a highly toxic effect,in experimental animals, retinal bundle, liver lipidosis and other side effects were observed. It does not apply in the US and the European Union. In our country, continue to produce antiviral Amiksin and doctors appoint it to patients.
A small study involved 14 patients who received tilorone in a dose of 152 and 189 g, in 2 drugs caused keratopathy and retinopathy (while visual acuity did not decrease), these effects were reversible. The authors of the study concluded about the potential danger of the drug for health.
Reviews: The occurrence of allergic reactions, the high cost of medicine.
Price: Amiksin - on average500-560rub. Sales volume in 2012 amounted to 1.17 billion. rub.

Additionally! Medicines, the so-called immunomodulators - Lycopid, Polyoxidonium, Cycloferon, Proteflazide, Timogen, Panavir, Isoprinosine, Neovir, Groprinosin and others. - should not be used to treat children (for various diseases) without an immunogram and serious indications, because they do not have the proper clinical trials of efficacy and safety in the treatment of children.

Antiviral drugs

Below are just some of the antiviral medications from Orvi, reviews about them, a brief description, comments on known studies of their effectiveness, the average price in pharmacies.

Ingavirin

Pharmacological action: active substance imidazolylethanamide pentandioic acid. It is active against adenovirus infection, influenza A, B, respiratory syncytial infection, parainfluenza. It is an immunomodulator that affects the functional activity of the interferon system.

Side effects: allergic reactions

Contraindicated: children under 18 years.

Produced: as a drug for the treatment of influenza and orgi from 2008, before that, according to prof. Vlasova Vasilia Vitaglutam (imidazolylethanamide pentanedioic acid) was used in Russia before 2008 year as a stimulant of hematopoiesis in cancer patients receiving anticancer therapy.

Research: According to the producers, the idea of ​​producing Ingavirin arose in the 1980s, but only After many years of research into its safety and efficacy, the drug was submitted for registration by 2008. When Vitaglutam was used in patients with oncological diseases, there was no convincing evidence of its effectiveness. And when in 2008 Ingavirin appeared on the pharmaceutical market without full-fledged studies, the "epidemic of swine flu" began in the country, therefore Ingavirin was actively sold. The drug was recommended by the Ministry of Health and Social Development, even despite the absence of placebo-controlled studies, reasonable evidence of its effectiveness.

One study conducted at 105!!! of patients with confirmed influenza showed the following results:

• Receiving ingavirin reduced the duration of fever to 34.5 hours (if used in the first 1-1.5 days from the onset of the disease)
• In the placebo group, this is 72 hours
• In the group taking Arbidol - 48 hours

Analyzing the duration and intensity of the symptoms of influenza - weakness, headache, dizziness in the studied groups with the ingestion of Ingavirin, the severity of the disease was confirmed, no side effects were revealed.

In May 2009, Alexander Chuchalin, chief therapist of the Russian Federation, (he led a team of drug developers) gave an interview to the magazine Ogonek: "The new antiviral agent Ingavirin efficiency is much higher than that of the AmericanTamiflu. The Russian drug is quickly and easily integrated into the genome of the A / H1N1 virus, immediately destroying it. It is also effective with other dangerous viruses. "

Reviews: Most drug does not help, isolated cases confirm the reduction in the timing of the disease.

Price:380-460rub. From January to June 2010, the sales volume of Ingavirin was 220 million. rubles, 467 thousand packages were sold.

Arbidol

Pharmacological action: Antiviral, has the ability to suppress viruses of influenza A and B, SARS - severe acute respiratory syndrome, associated coronavirus. Arbidol is also used in the complex therapy of acute rotavirus intestinal infections.
Active substance: Methylphenylthiomethyl-dimethylaminomethyl-hydroxybromoindole carboxylic acid ethyl ester.

Side effects: use of children under 3 years is prohibited, individual

allergic reactions.
Produced: invented in 1974, in 1992, it began its industrial production.

Research: Until 2013 there was no convincing evidence in its effectiveness and safety. Studies conducted in the USSR have not been published. In Russia in 2008, a study of 300 people showed that Viferon was more effective than Arbidol. In 2004, in China, tests for 230 patients with symptoms of Orvi showed it was not effective, in contrast to Tamiflu and Ingaverin. In 2009, in the journal of the UK "Antiviral Research", the authors of the research stated that strains resistant to Arbidol are formed less frequently than those of Remantadine and Amantadine.

The Office of Quality Control of US Medicines denied registration of Arbidol in the United States, and WHO has never considered this drug as an effective antiviral drug.

Update on the drug: At the end of 2013, the World Health Organization registered Arbidol (umifenovir) as an antiviral drug with direct action, assigning to it the individual code J05AX13. Thus, Pharmstandard received a nominal permission for widespread use of the drug on the territory of the Russian Federation, where Arbidol is included in the standards of treatment and prevention of influenza and ARVI in children and adults.

Nevertheless, the multicenter test of the effectiveness of Arbidol, which was planned to be completed in 2013, has not been completed to this day, and its terms have been postponed to 2015. The results of this trial, which has serious sponsors and does not suffer from a shortage of patients, could put a dot over I in the arbidol epic, but for unknown reasons this does not happen. I.eevidence of effectiveness is not present until now, it remains to wait ...

Reviews: The same number of positive reviews and opinions about the ineffectiveness of its use. There are isolated cases of allergic reactions in the form of dermatitis, angioedema, pain in the epigastric region.
Price: Arbidol - on average130-710rub. In 2012, the volume of sales - more than 5 billion. rub.

At the pharmaceutical market in Belarus, an analog of Arbidol, producer of JV "Lekpharm" appeared. It is a generic drug, in the Belarusian import-substituting packaging - Arpetol. The instructions to him indicate that the active substance is: arbidol hydrochloride? Once again, the commercialization of today's pharma market and the lack of proper control is proved!

Tamiflu

Pharmacological action: an antiviral drug, which includes oseltamivir carboxylate (active metabolite), suppresses influenza A and B viruses. When Orvi is not effective.

Side effects: Nausea, insomnia, diarrhea, dizziness, lethargy, cough, headaches, with caution to pregnant women and lactation. Contraindicated for children under 1 year.

Produced: since 1996, the pharmaceutical company "F. Hoffmann-La Roche "registered the right to develop

preparations containing oseltamivir.

Research: Tamiflu has a disadvantage - it complicates the diagnosis, because side effects are similar to the symptoms of influenza. It is dangerous in the epidemic period with long-term admission. Optimum effective only short-term use - a few days at the beginning of the flu. Independent researchers demanded a standard report from the Swiss manufacturer of 4-5 research modules. To which the pharmaceutical company provided only the first modules, repeated requests for full information were never satisfied.

Since 2004, cases of neuropsychic disorders began to be registered, more often in children and adolescents who took Tamiflu during influenza - hallucinations, nightmares, confusion, convulsions, anxiety, etc.

Japanese postmarketing studies of this drug in 2006 have indicated a risk of developing impaired consciousness in humans - psychosis, depression, suicidal tendencies, especially in children. Also, 54 deaths were recorded after Tamiflu, 16 of which were in adolescents 10-19 years (15 committed suicide, 1 died, hitting the car), the rest died of kidney failure (it is possible that due to severe flu).

The latest information about this drug:Back in April 2014, the Cochrane Society (an independent health research network) represented by the Tom Jefferson group and the British Medical Journal published data from the Cochrane review of studies that did not confirm the efficacy of Tamiflu and Relenza in the treatment and prevention of influenza. Also, the efficacy of reducing influenza complications with these drugs has also been questioned. The firm attempts of Roche firm to fight back with a firm promise to provide undeniable evidence in the form of results of randomized trials have so far not been successful. Evidence is expected to present.

April 10, 2014, the Cochrane Collaboration website published the results of these 26 clinical trials Relenza and 20 clinical trials of Tamiflu, in which 2, 00 people participated.

As a result of the research it was found that:

• Oseltamivir as a preventive agent slightly reduces the risk of developing influenza in families, without reducing the ability of the influenza virus to be transmitted from person to person.
• The duration of symptoms is reduced by 16 hours (from 7 to 6.3 days), in children this effect is absent altogether.
• The drug has no effect on the risk of serious complications (sinusitis, otitis media, pneumonia, bronchitis), that is, does not reduce the likelihood of complications.
• The medicine is recognized as sufficiently toxic, increasing the risk of nausea, vomiting in both children and adults.
• When used for preventive purposes, the drug was dangerous to health, as it leads to mental disorders, kidney function, in some cases it is established that it helps to reduce the production of their own antibodies to the virus.

Based on these studies, health officials of the world's leading countries should decide to stop mass purchases of antiviral drugs with the active substance Oseltamivir due to the high risk of side effects and low effectiveness as a medicine for the therapy and prevention of influenza virus in the epidemic.

reference: only on the basis of the claims of the manufacturer Tamiflu that the drug significantly reduces the risk of serious complications and hospitalization of patients in time of the epidemic, countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States in 2009, in connection with the epidemic of swine flu, these drugs were purchased for 40 million. doses (US $ 1.3 billion dollars, Great Britain 424 million. f.St.).

Based on the latest data on the low effectiveness and non-safety of this antiviral, the international expert group on evidence-based medicine urged the governments of the world's leading countries to stop the massive purchases of drugs Tamiflu and Relenza.

Reviews: There are enough reviews about side effects in the form of vomiting, dizziness, psychosis, headache. The effectiveness of influenza is confirmed by many.

Price: Tamiflu-on average1200-1300rub.

Remantadine (Rimantadine)

Pharmacological action: antiviral drug, an adamantane derivative, suppresses various strains of the influenza A virus (swine flu including).

Side effects: contraindicated in pregnant women, children under 1 year. Reduces concentration of attention, causes dizziness, nervousness, headache, increased fatigue, nausea, vomiting, dryness in

mouth.

Produced: information on the first uses of the drug are known since 1968.

Research: The tests were conducted from 1981 to 2006, mainly they showed a lower toxicity of Remantadine in comparison with Amantadine. One study showed the effectiveness of preventing Amantadine influenza infection by 61% in comparison with a placebo group and in the event that a person falls ill, then for 1 day reduced the febrile syndrome. In the same study, he was compared to Tamiflu, he gave an efficacy of 73% of the placebo group. Rimantadine (Remantadine) is currently considered a drug with proven clinical efficacy, but the possible resistance to it of some strains of the influenza virus.

Reviews: There are reviews that Remantadin causes side effects - dizziness, tachycardia, bitterness in the mouth. In general, the reviews are positive.
Price: Remantadine - average50-150rub.

It is during the flu (including swine) with the first symptoms of therapists and pediatricians recommend: adults - Remantadin, Tamiflu. Children over 1 year old are shown by Orvir (rimantadine syrup), Viferon. Children older than 8 years can - Remantadin (in the table), Tamiflu.

Interferon preparations

Interferons are informant proteins, which are excreted by cells infected with viruses. They seem to inform other cells about the infection and the required inactivation of the virus. Alpha interferons produce lymphocytes, beta - fibroblasts. In addition to Viferon, the alpha group includes Intron, Reaferon, Kipferon.

Viferon

The creation of the drug was scientifically justified in the period 1990-1995. group of scientists of the Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology. N.F. Gamaleia under the guidance of prof. Malinovskaya V.V.
Since December 1996 on the basis of the same SRI, serial production of recombinant interferon alfa-2b in suppositories begins. Viferon - a candle with a different content of the active substance.

Application:

• Viferon-1 (150000 IU) is designed for babies from birth to 7 years. It is used in ARVI, herpetic infection, as an additional remedy for prolonged pneumonia or sepsis, including in preterm infants with intrauterine infections. The drug is given a course for 5 days. Children under 7 years are recommended 1 candle 2 times a day. Preterm, born on a period of more than 34 weeks - as children under 7 years. With a shorter gestation period - 1 candle three times a day. If necessary, after a five-day break, the course can be repeated for another 5 days.
• In children older than seven years, an adult drug in candles for 50, 00 IU is used twice a day for five days. Possible use of viferon in pregnant women.
• Candles with viferon content of , 0, 00 and , 0, 00 IU are used in the treatment of viral hepatitis and herpetic infections.
• The preparation in the form of ointment is intended for the therapy of herpes on the skin and mucous membranes in adults and children older than a year.

Side effects: the main side effect of drugs viferon may be an allergic reaction, which happens infrequently.

Research: As for the effectiveness of the drug, it is not included in list A of evidence-based pharmacology. I.e,wide randomized trials in humans consistent with international standards were not performed. However, a positive practical experience of treatment with viferon in pediatric practice is available. (By the way, nitroglycerin also does not have randomized studies that prove its effectiveness, which does not make it an ineffective first-line drug for stenocardia). Publications of these clinical trials of the drug are available only in Russian and were conducted only in domestic clinics. Value for money allows pediatricians to recommend a drug for ARVI treatment in children younger than seven years. For adults in the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections, the drug is of limited use because of rectal administration and the availability of alternative drugs.

The main arguments of the opponents of the drug:

• high molecular weight of protein molecules that can not be absorbed in the gut
• lack of clinical trials that meet international standards.

Kipferon

In candle light a little expensive for the treatment of common colds. Therefore, it is replaced by viferon. But, with severe forms of intestinal dysbiosis in children of the first two years of life, the drug shows good clinical results.

Studies: Randomized trials were not conducted, that is, the drugrefers to the list of drugs with unproven effects. The main claims:

• High molecular weight, which prevents normal absorption
• Adding to the drug components of the donor blood, which can cause fever and allergies.

Cycloferon

Cycloferon was originally registered as a veterinary drug in 1993 for the treatment of animals with viral infections, in 1995 it was already honey. a drug.

The drug Cycloferon is approved for use in adults and children older than four years. Produced in solution for injection, tablets, liniment. Refers to immunomodulating drugs, is an inducer of interferon, enhancing its production and exhibiting antiviral, anti-inflammatory and immunostimulating properties.

Application: on the territory of the Russian Federation it is used in the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections, influenza, viral hepatitis, herpes infection, viruses human papilloma and other urological and gynecological pathologies (eg, candidiasis, chlamydia).
Contraindications: The drug is not recommended for pregnant and lactating. May cause an allergic reaction.
Research: Cycloferon is an immunostimulant that stimulates the immune system and the production of interferons. To date, allclinical trialsthis drug, published in the medical literature,were conducted only in the territory of the Russian Federation and do not meet international standards.

According to tsikloferon there are no serious clinical trials that would prove its effectiveness or would be refuted absence of long-term adverse effects of this drug (development of autoimmune diseases). It is not superfluous to recall that all drugs that are on the pharma market for less than five years are still at the fifth level of pharmacological tests and it is quite possible to identify previously unknown undesirable effects from drugs of this kind. In the presence of newly identified harmful effects, the drug will be withdrawn from the pharmacy chains and discontinued, and the majority those who have been treated with this drug and have earned some disruptions in health are unlikely to receive at least some compensation.

Conclusions:

Ineffectiveness of antiviral agents due to the stability of strains of the virus

The lack of a positive effect with the use of some antiviral drugs for influenza is possible, and because of the appearance drug-resistant viruses and a specific influenza strain may already be resistant to a particular drug (eg, Remantadine).

Other treatments and placebo effect

It is also possible that patients whose reviews indicate the efficacy of such remedies were quickly recovered by other methods of symptomatic treatment, and the placebo effect is not excluded (cf. amazing facts about placebo).

Strong immunity

In a healthy organism, after 2-3 days, the immune system produces enough protective antibodies against the virus, it does not need additional medicines. It is enough to comply with all the known rules - bed rest, plentiful hot drink, vitaminized foods and drinks, clean air in the patient's room, gargling, etc.

Rapid recovery with antiviral drugs

In different life situations, reducing the duration of the disease even for one day can be very important, to example - wedding day, urgent business trip, important business deal, exam, interview, etc. It is in such cases that the use of antiviral drugs, which reduce the duration of the illness by 2-3 days, may make sense.

There are no adequate studies

The lack of benign research on the study of efficacy and side effects (on a large group of people, different ages, for a long time time), the majority of antiviral agents from Orvi and influenza suggest the caution of their use or even the rejection of them.

Do not spend money on pacifiers

Spending money, in some cases, considerable, on drugs with unproved efficacy, side effects, questionable safety, perhaps, is not advisable. Any medicine, even useless or empty, can damage the body.

Video transmission: How the placebo effect works

• from : 4 min. - about what means are usually prescribed by doctors
• from 2: 0 - about the effect of placebo on the functioning of the immune system
• from 3: 7 - about the high effect of placebo in children
• from 3: 5 - about preparations-pustachki, appointed or nominated at ORVI
• from 3: 0 - about homeopathy and antiviral drugs in ARVI
• from 4: 7 - about how modern research is conducted

zdravotvet.ru

Drugs used in ARVI and influenza

In the treatment of influenza and acute respiratory viral infections (ARI), different groups of drugs are used. They can be classified as follows:

1. Antiviral drugs.
2. Interferons and interferon inducers.
3. Homeopathic and herbal remedies.
4. Combined preparations.
5. Symptomatic drugs.

Antiviral drugs

First-generation drugs - the so-called M2-channel blockers - suppress the multiplication of the virus after it enters the cell. Remantadine is effective against influenza A viruses, as well as pathogens of some forms of tick-borne encephalitis. Remantadine is not used to treat acute respiratory infections.

It is used for the prevention of influenza in the period of epidemics in adults and children, starting from the age of 7 years, as well as for the treatment of the disease that has arisen. Remantadine can disrupt the functioning of the digestive system, the nervous system. It is contraindicated in diseases of the liver and kidneys, thyrotoxicosis, pregnancy and lactation, children under 7 years. With great care, this drug should be used in people with hypertension, epilepsy and atherosclerosis of cerebral vessels.

The second generation of antiviral drugs against influenza is neuraminidase inhibitors. These include, in particular, oseltamivir (Tamiflu). This tool acts on all known varieties of the influenza virus. Its use helps reduce the mortality and frequency of complications from influenza, and also reduces the risk of developing a secondary bacterial infection. This drug is very effective, therefore it is usually recommended only in the period of pandemics in case of severe epidemiological situation. For the treatment of normal viral infection, this remedy is not recommended.

Tamiflu can be used for the prevention and treatment of influenza in children older than 1 year and adults. Especially it is shown in closed collectives where the probability of an epidemic outbreak is high (for example, in military units).

The drug is fairly well tolerated. It is contraindicated in the severe stage of renal failure. It can be administered with caution to pregnant and lactating women.

Arbidol is a domestic preparation with direct activity against influenza viruses. It is also an immunomodulator. It can be used by people over the age of 3 to prevent and treat influenza and ARVI. The drug has virtually no side effects. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, it is not desirable to take it.

Interferons and interferon inducers

One of the most widely advertised means for ARVI and influenza is interferons and interferon inducers. Interferon - a protein produced in the human body, aimed at fighting the virus. Specific action he does not. The mechanism of action of the drugs of this group is based on the direct administration of interferon or on the stimulation of its formation in the body.

Grippferon contains interferon alfa-2b, it is available as a spray and ointment in the nose. It is used to treat and prevent ARVI and influenza in adults and children of any age, as well as in pregnant and lactating women. It is believed that the drug has an antiviral, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulating effect, but there are no serious scientific studies supporting these facts.Anaferon, Ergoferon - preparations related to immunostimulants. After ingestion, they increase the antiviral protection of a person. They are indicated for the prevention and treatment of ARVI and influenza, as well as other viral infections in children of any age, adults, pregnant and lactating. For people under the age of 18, Anaferon child is produced. The effectiveness of these drugs is not proven enough. Reviews of consumers and doctors about them are diametrically opposed.

They do not cause any serious side effects. They are contraindicated for lactose intolerance and an individual allergic reaction.

Kagocel enhances the production in the body of its own interferon. It is believed that the drug has a direct antiviral effect. Apply it for the prevention and treatment of colds in people older than 3 years. The drug is contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation. Side effects are mainly individual intolerance.

Homeopathic and herbal remedies

Oscillococcinum is a homeopathic drug used for the prevention and treatment of acute respiratory viral infections and mild influenza. You can use it at any age. Pregnant and lactating women need to be careful, but there are no direct contraindications for this medicine. It is not indicated only for patients with lactose intolerance.Immunal is a herbal remedy based on Echinacea herb. This medicinal plant stimulates immunity, has a direct antiviral effect. It is used primarily for the prevention of acute respiratory viral infection and influenza during the epidemic, is released in the form of tablets and in the solution for oral administration. Immunal can be taken to children older than 1 year (in the form of a solution) and older than 4 years (in the form of tablets). The duration of the course should be from one week to two months.

The drug is well tolerated, but can cause an allergic reaction. It is contraindicated in severe systemic diseases (tuberculosis, blood diseases, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, connective tissue diseases). During pregnancy and breastfeeding, use of the drug is possible with caution.

Aflubin is a homeopathic drug used for the prevention and treatment of viral infections. It removes inflammation, improves immune defense, fights against fever and intoxication, destroys viruses. The drug accelerates the disappearance of symptoms - a cold, cough, sore throat and others. You can take it at any age, including pregnant and lactating mothers. Side effects include only individual intolerance to the components.

Combined preparations

The best remedy for treating colds is to quickly relieve symptoms, improve health, be safe and convenient to use. Such requirements are met by modern combined means for ARVI and influenza. They usually include antipyretic agents (paracetamol), vitamins (ascorbic acid, rutin), decongestants (phenylephrine), antihistamines (phenyramine, dimedrol).

There are a lot of combined cold medicines on the market:

• Antigrippin
• Antiflu
• Vix asset
• Grippostad
• Grippoflu
• Cobweb
• Coldrex
• Lempipe
• Maxikold
• Pentaflucine
• Prostudox
• Rince
• Rinzasip
• Stopgripan
• Teraflu
• Fervex and others

Usually in one line of drugs there are means for children, with different tastes, with an increased content of individual substances, which allows you to choose the best option.

Most of the combined products are available in sachets containing powder for making a hot beverage. It is not recommended to take more than 3 sachets a day, as this may lead to an overdose of the components.

Side effects include disorders of the digestive system (abdominal pain, nausea), allergic reactions, in rare cases, changes in blood.

Use in pregnant and lactating mothers is often limited. It is necessary to consult with a gynecologist before using such combined aids.

Symptomatic means

To relieve some of the symptoms of colds, individual drugs are used.

Of antipyretics, paracetamol, ibuprofen, is well established. Adults are allowed to use acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin). Do not forget about the possible side effects of such drugs - irritation of the stomach and oppression of hematopoiesis.

One of the most popular in ARVI means - decongestants. These drugs in the form of drops or sprays in the nose help to remove the swelling of the mucosa, restore normal nasal breathing. Do not forget about getting used to such drugs. When using them, frequent moistening of the nasal cavity with the help of means based on sea water is recommended.

With dry nauseous cough, antitussive drugs of central action help, suppressing this reflex reaction. Use them only if prescribed by a doctor. Many of them contain codeine and are sold by prescription (Terpinkod). One of the effective drugs for eliminating cough without codeine is Libexin.

When a cough with phlegm occurs, mucolytics should be prescribed. One of the most popular drugs of this group is lazolvan. It reduces the viscosity of sputum, reduces the elasticity of its filaments, makes it difficult to stick to the walls of the respiratory pathways, splits sputum into small parts, stimulates the development of a protective factor - surfactant. The medicine accelerates the movement of the cilia of the epithelium, contributing to their self-purification, stimulates local immunity, reduces the multiplication of viruses on the mucous membrane. You can use it both inside and for inhalations in adults and children.

Lazolvan can cause nausea, pain in the abdomen, a change in taste. It is contraindicated in the first trimester of pregnancy and during breastfeeding. Caution should be used in people with impaired liver and kidney function.

Deserves attention to the drug Ascoril - a combination of mucolytic, expectorant and bronchodilator. It expands the bronchi and facilitates the excretion of sputum from them. Especially shown Ascoril in viral bronchitis in children. When used in high doses, the medicine can cause an increase in heart rate, headache, nausea and vomiting, exacerbation of gastric ulcer. Ascoril is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation, with diseases of the heart and thyroid gland, diabetes, stomach ulcer and duodenal ulcer, glaucoma, hypertension.

Thus, the high frequency of viral infections and the variety of their symptoms cause the emergence of a large number of drugs designed to cope with the disease. In order not to damage your health and prevent the development of complications, it is recommended to consult a doctor when the first signs of a cold appear.

ingalin.ru

Antiviral drugs for ARVI. Comparison of drugs and reviews

A person is constantly surrounded by microorganisms. They can provoke ARVI. Viruses penetrate the body through the respiratory tract. To quickly stop unpleasant symptoms, you have to take antiviral drugs in ARVI. However, not every time when you come into contact with microorganisms, a person develops a disease. The immune system can perfectly resist them. But if the body's own defense does not cope, then the ailment can develop in all its might and even provoke serious lesions of the lungs, bronchi, and exacerbation of chronic pathologies.

Tactics of treatment

Most of the population, with the slightest cough and sneezing, takes out different medications from the medicine cabinet and begins to struggle intensively with the disease. In this case, the choice of many people with ARVI stops on antibiotics. For the first days of treatment, this tactic is wrong.

Antibacterial drugs have an effect on bacteria. The source of ARVI is a virus. Bacterial flora can only join on the 5th-7th day of the common cold. In this case, the appointment of an antibiotic is advisable. And for the prevention of such drugs are completely meaningless.

It is antiviral drugs in ARVI that are the means of choice. If the disease is mild, with high immune protection, then you can cope with the common cold even without medication. But if the disease "rewarded" the patient with all the unpleasant symptoms - a strong cough, a sudden runny nose, high fever, then it is just necessary to treat ARVI. Antiviral means will quickly stop the painful signs of a cold.

However, it is necessary to know that such medications are effective only at the initial stages of the disease. On the 3-5th day, such therapy will not bring the desired effect. If there is a multiplication and active distribution of a pathogenic agent through the body, then antiviral agents are not able to overcome the common cold.

Classification of drugs

In medical practice, there is a certain separation of all drugs according to the mechanism of exposure and origin. According to him, antiviral agents are classified as follows:

1. Interferons. Such preparations contain certain substances of protein nature. Their main task is to prevent the spread of microorganisms. Interferon is an excellent protection against a viral infection provoked by ARVI. Treatment with these drugs helps to speed up recovery, greatly facilitates the therapeutic task. Initially, interferon medicine scientists received from the blood of a donor. Later, effective drugs were developed by artificial means - genetic engineering. The most effective medicines are "Interferon human leukocyte", "Viferon", "Grippferon". However, it should be remembered that any of these medicines should be prescribed by a doctor.
2. Interferon inductors. This group of drugs works somewhat differently. The medicine, acting on the human body, actively stimulates the production of its own interferons. Thanks to this tactic, the drugs are widely used for cold pathologies, including ARVI. Treatment of colds with interferon inducers is very effective. Such funds allow you to stop the symptoms of influenza. The most common drugs are: Amiksin, Levomax, Arpefly, Arbidol, Immustat, Arbivir.
3. Cyclic amines. The mechanism of action of this group is directed towards the suppression of the virus. Drugs, getting into the human body, contribute to the violation of the formation of the shell of the microorganism. Due to this effect, a high therapeutic effect of these medicines is achieved. The most effective representatives of the group are funds Remantadin, Remavir.
4. Inhibitors of neuraminidase. Such antiviral agents affect only the influenza virus. Their action is based on inhibition of the neuraminidase enzyme. Thus, the virus is released from the infected cells. This allows to stop influenza in the initial stages and does not allow the viruses to escape from the respiratory tract. Medications excellently reduce the severity of symptoms and the patient quickly recovers. The most effective medicines are Zanamivir and Oseltamivir.
5. Medicines of vegetable origin. Such group of antiviral medicines is united by one. They contain components of plant origin. The most famous drugs are "Proteflazid", "Flavazid", "Altabor", "Immunoflazid."
6. Other antiviral drugs. Such a group includes medicines used for etiotropic treatment of influenza, ARVI, which are not included in any of the categories described above. These include Amizon, Engistol, Novirin, Groprinosin, Inosin.

How to choose a drug?

No one is immune from a cold. Therefore, with the first symptoms, everyone is trying to find a good antiviral drug. What do doctors advise? Doctors recommend using the following tools:

1. Medicines that affect the viruses. Such drugs contribute to the disruption of the process of reproduction of microorganisms. As a result, the patient quickly recovers. These antiviral drugs in acute respiratory infections are highly effective and have a rapid effect on the body. But they have a drawback. Most of them affect certain types of microorganisms. With other viruses, they can be useless. Such drugs of direct action are "Arbidol", "Tamiflu", "Remantadin", "Ingavirin".
2. Interferon preparations. Under the protection of such substances, cells of the body become insensitive to viruses. Drugs are quite effective in ARVI, influenza. The effect of these drugs is aimed at increasing the artificial level of interferon. Such means are "Kipferon" and its analogs.
3. Medications that enhance the synthesis of interferon. These are highly effective antiviral medicines, the impact on the body of which is the most physiological. Such drugs are "Tsikloferon", "Kagocel".

It is important not only to choose the right antiviral drug, but also to start it in time. Be sure to follow the instructions. Each of the medicines must be taken as many days as it is written in the annotation, even if the symptomatology of ARVI has already passed. Only then can we expect that the medicine will fully relieve the disease.

Research of medical scientists

Comparative characteristics of medicines were of interest to many doctors. Doctors have set a goal to determine a good antiviral drug. To do this, they conducted a controlled study of several drugs on their effectiveness for preventive purposes. In this experience, more than 70 thousand people took part. The results of the study are presented in the table.

Name of the medicine	Efficiency index
Amiksin	,
Arbidol	,
Reaferon	,
"Cycloferon"	,
Polyoxidonium	,
Anaferon	,

The study found:

1. Admission of antiviral drugs for preventive purposes reliably protects the patient from ARVI.
2. People who still had ARVI, flu, transferred them in mild form. In such patients, mild symptoms and a brief increase in temperature were observed.
3. Complications after the disease did not occur.

Let us consider which antiviral drugs in ARVI are most in demand among the population.

Tamiflu Medicine

This drug refers to the medicines of the latest generation. Doctors consider the drug Tamiflu to be effective enough in the fight against acute respiratory infections. The price, unfortunately, is high for this product, and many patients can not afford it.

The drug can not be used for prevention, since it has a pronounced toxicity. In addition, doctors do not recommend long-term use of the drug "Tamiflu." Since, according to the latest research by Japanese doctors, the remedy can lead to:

• to the disturbance of the psyche;
• depressive state;
• propensity to suicide;
• psychosis.

The preparation is available in the form of powder for the preparation of suspension and in the form of capsules. The main impact of this tool is the successful suppression of virus growth and replication.

The drug has the following contraindications:

• allergy to the components of the product;
• renal failure, occurring in acute form.

It is strictly prohibited to use the drug for children under 12 years old. Before using Tamiflu, pregnant and lactating mothers, it is necessary to consult a doctor.

The drug has many side effects:

• nausea, vomiting;
• insomnia, headache;
• cough;
• stomach ache;
• acute sinusitis, otitis media, pneumonia (such complications can be observed in children).

Be sure to consult a doctor if you have decided to use Tamiflu to fight ARVI.

The price of this medication, as noted above, is quite high, and varies between 1000-1400 rubles.

The effectiveness of the drug and its safety have been carefully studied to this day. It should be emphasized that the drug is indeed recognized as toxic. However, doctors who practice the treatment of viral infections with the drug Tamiflu, speak about it very positively. Many clinics have proven the effectiveness of this drug in fighting some strains of influenza. But at the same time one can not rule out the high probability of side effects.

The drug "Amiksin"

The medicine is an excellent immunomodulatory, antiviral agent. This medication refers to artificially created interferon inducers. The highest concentration of the necessary substance in the blood, intestines and liver is observed 4-24 hours after the drug "Amiksin." The price of the drug is quite acceptable. Therefore, such a tool is often used to prevent and treat ARVI.

The medication is available in the form of coated tablets.

The main contraindications for taking medication are:

• sensitivity to components;
• pregnancy;
• lactation period;
• children under 7 years.

The drug "Amiksin" is perfectly combined with antibiotics, which can be prescribed by a doctor for the treatment of infection.

The medicine can provoke the following side effects:

• dyspepsia;
• an allergic reaction;
• short-term chill.

In general, the drug "Amiksin" is quite safe. The price of the medicine is about 500 rubles.

Means of "Kagotsel"

This medicine belongs to the inducers of interferon. It is effective in the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections, influenza. To get a favorable result from the treatment, it is necessary to apply the drug "Kagocel" in the first day after the onset of the illness. The price for this drug is low enough that it allows the use of the drug to almost any patient.

Contraindications to the use of the medicine are:

• individual sensitivity;
• intolerance to galactose;
• pregnancy;
• lactation period;
• age up to 6 years;
• lactose insufficiency.

The drug is well tolerated by patients and very rarely causes side effects. In isolated cases, an allergic reaction to the Kagocel drug may develop. The price of the drug is about 200 rubles.

The medicine "Ingavirin"

The drug is highly effective against many viruses. It is widely used not only for the treatment of colds, but also for preventive purposes. This drug should not be combined with drugs that have antiviral activity.

The effect of this drug on the human body is due to its ability to inhibit the reproduction of viruses. Thus, the drug suppresses the development of the common cold at the initial stage. It reduces febrile, intoxication periods, significantly reduces the risk of various complications.

The drug is available only in the form of capsules.

The medicine practically does not cause side effects and most people are well tolerated. Very rarely there may be allergic reactions.

Contraindications to the use of the drug are:

• pregnancy;
• age to 18 years;
• individual sensitivity to the ingredients of the drug.

Doctors confirm that if you were prescribed Ingavirin for ARVI, the application (the price of the medicine is 412.50 rubles) will be very effective.

The drug "Arbidol"

The drug is very popular. After all, this medicine is an effective antiviral agent of a wide spectrum of action. It can suppress a wide variety of viruses. Its effectiveness is explained by the ability to reduce the painful period and reduce the severity of cold symptoms.

The drug is low toxicity. During the treatment, he practically does not cause any serious complications. The medicine is in the form of capsules.

Contraindicated this remedy:

• children under three years;
• pregnant women;
• Persons suffering from hypersensitivity to the active substance.

Despite the fact that there are practically no negative reviews about the drug, the instruction gives the following side effects that may arise during the use of these capsules:

• stomach pain;
• angioedema;
• dermatitis of different types.

The price of the medicine is 140-600 rubles (depending on the dosage and packaging).

Remantidine remedy

Medication has been used for many years to treat and prevent viral infections. It effectively slows the reproduction of the virus after penetration into the cell. Remantadine is used for colds since the 1970s. Since then, he has passed many tests and various studies, as a result of which his excellent antiviral properties were fully confirmed.

Contraindicated drug under the following factors:

• kidney pathologies (acute, chronic);
• pregnancy;
• lactation period;
• acute liver diseases;
• individual sensitivity to the components of the drug;
• thyrotoxicosis;
• children under 7 years.

The medication is well tolerated by patients. But sometimes it can provoke the development of side effects:

• various rashes;
• diarrhea, indigestion;
• hoarseness of voice;
• decreased attention, drowsiness;
• depression;
• hyperkinesis;
• violation of gait;
• noise in ears.

It is extremely undesirable to combine the use of Remantadine with alcohol-containing beverages. This combination can provoke unwanted phenomena from the nervous system. The effect of the drug on the body reduces the funds "Paracetamol", "Aspirin".

Despite its high effectiveness, Remantadine is an inexpensive antiviral agent. Its cost varies from 50-170 rubles.

Drops "Derinat"

The drug is a new medicine that allows you to quickly and effectively treat ARVI. The medicine is available only in the form of nasal drops. The drug "Derinat" is an effective immunostimulant. This drug, entering the body, very quickly begins to fight with microorganisms. It provides excellent and timely synthesis of interferon.

Antiviral drops "Derinat" do not have age-related contraindications. They can be used even for the treatment of babies. In this case, the therapeutic task is greatly simplified. Since it is much easier for the babies to use the medicine in the form of drops.

The facility will cost the buyer 230-300 rubles.

Patient Reviews

Concerning the effectiveness of the drug Amiksin, the opinions of consumers are divided. Some argue that the drug quickly enough to put on your feet, if you start treatment in time. Other consumers advise not to throw money away.

Most people agree that the drug "Kagotsel" is quite effective. This tool allows you to quickly and easily recover from viral infections. In addition, patients especially note the minimum number of side effects. This indicates the safety of the drug.

The drug "Ingavirin" refers to a fairly effective means. Thus patients emphasize, that 3-4 days after the beginning of the use of the given medicine the symptoms of the disease completely disappears. But if the initial stage of the common cold is missed, the drug, like other antiviral medicines, is completely ineffective.

Despite the fact that the price is not available for everyone on Arbidol, the reviews about this drug are mostly positive. Many patients who use the drug for several years, show that the medicine really helps to quickly and easily eliminate the initial stage of the disease. However, there are always opponents. Some people argue that the drug is ineffective and almost does not help with viral infections. In most cases, these are patients who have already developed the disease in full force.

Popular among the population is the remedial medicine Remantadin. Its high efficiency is verified by time and various studies.

Widespread popularity deserved drops "Derinat". Customer feedback confirms the effective use of this medication. It is allowed to apply to pregnant women, infants. With timely-begun therapy, ARVI completely recedes.

No matter how great the antiviral medicine does not seem, do not forget that the drug should be used as directed by the doctor and strictly follow the instructions.

syl.ru

Effective drugs for ARVI and influenza

At the time of worsening epidemiological situation, the question of how to effectively treat ARVI and influenza is very acute; drugs, which offers modern pharmacological industry, help not only to eliminate the symptoms of viral diseases, but also to influence the mechanisms of their development, which makes them the main means of treating viral infections.

Influenza is a part of the ARVI group, so this type of illness is similar in its symptoms. The difference is the duration of the incubation period, the course of the disease and the complications of advanced forms of the disease. The similarity of the symptoms makes it possible to apply an identical remedy for cold and flu for therapeutic therapy.

Features of viral infections

To select the effective treatment of viral respiratory diseases, the doctor focuses on such symptoms as:

• fever, chills;
• pain in the muscles;
• headache;
• general malaise, weakness;
• high body temperature;
• change in the condition of the lymph nodes;
• inflammatory processes in the airways.

In some cases, there may be swelling of the larynx mucosa, coughing and lacrimation. Influenza begins suddenly and has more severe symptoms than SARS or ARI. With a typical manifestation of these types of viral infection and their course for more than 7 days, the doctor prescribes effective medications for cold and flu. Especially it concerns small children, if begun ORVI is complicated by additional symptoms from other organs. Of great importance in this case is antiviral therapy, which consists of three main areas:

• influence on the cause of the disease and directly on the virus-causative agent with the help of etiotropic drugs;
• influence on the mechanisms of the development of the disease;
• elimination of painful symptoms.

The most effective remedies for colds and flu are etiotropic drugs that have an effect on viruses. In the treatment of colds and influenza, they are given special attention when the first symptoms appear, but already for 5-7 days, When the bacterial flora can join the disease, doctors recommend taking antibiotics. Etiotropic drugs are not used as preventive agents. If the disease has an easy form of leakage, antiviral drugs doctors do not recommend using, because the body itself is able to cope with the infection under normal immunity.

When new symptoms appear in the form of a cough, runny nose, fever, only the use of antiviral medicines helps. During this period, active propagation of the virus-agent occurs, therefore, as soon as the patient began to observe these symptoms of a cold, these medications must be taken immediately. After a few days, taking these medicines will be useless.

Classification of antiviral agents

Drugs from influenza and colds are divided into several groups:

• interferons and their inducers;
• antiviral antibiotics;
• antiviral phytopreparations;
• stimulants of immunity - immunomodulators.

Interferons are a protein group of substances that are produced by virus-infected cells.

Due to their effectiveness, the multiplication of viruses in cells ceases, which allows us to further protect the body from a virus attack.Interferon is a powder that is dissolved in boiled water.

It is taken immediately before contact with the infected person and before leaving for places with a large population of people. Use the drug as follows: dissolved powder is injected into each nasal canal for 5 drops for 2 times a day.

For today it is the best remedy for viral diseases. The earlier his reception is begun, the more effective he will show himself. When the infection begins, the dosage of the drug is changed. The drug is administered 5 drops every 2 hours (5 times a day).

Treatment continues for three days. You can treat the disease with Interferon, using it as a substance for inhalation: in 10 ml of warm water dilute 3 ampoules. The thermal procedure is carried out 2 times a day for 3 days.

To this group of drugs is another means for influenza and viral infections - Grippferon, which is a combined preparation of preventive and curative action. The drug is instilled in the nasal passages every 4 hours for 3 drops. If the patient is sensitive to the components of the drug, its use is discontinued. It is contraindicated for pregnant women, especially in the early stages.

ARI and influenza are treated with Viferon. Recently, doctors recommend it for treatment of young children as the best tool to help stimulate the formation of interferons in the body. They have a depressing effect on different groups of viruses such drugs from influenza and ARVI, as Amiksin, Lavomax, where the active substance is Tyloron.

Arpeflus, Arbidol, Immustat - a group of drugs that help increase the body's resistance to viral infections. The main substance in them is Umifenovir.

Other antiviral agents

Treatment for colds and influenza is also carried out with the help of other drugs that inhibit the process of reproduction of the virus by affecting its shell. These medications include Remavir, Rimantadine.

For children this type of medicine is prescribed for treatment and prevention. Packaged powders are diluted in water and given in the scheme. As a preventive tool, it is recommended to drink the medicine for two weeks with 1 diluted bag (the dosage varies according to the age of the child).

All these groups of drugs have side effects and contraindications. To avoid severe consequences, it is necessary to carry out a sensitivity test and strictly observe the dosages for the treatment prescribed by the doctor. The most common side effects are nausea, dizziness, stools, hypertension, allergies. Especially cautiously should take these drugs to people with kidney disease.

Other types of drugs that act solely on the influenza virus are neuraminidase inhibitors. These include Zanamivir, Relenza. These drugs are used only as inhalants as a curative and preventive agent. Preparations in which the active substance is Zanamivir, have a high degree of toxicity, which demonstrates a large number of side effects. Very carefully it should be taken to people with kidney diseases and prone to allergic reactions.

Preparations of the natural group

Inhibiting the activity of influenza virus neuraminidase and helping the body to produce its own interferon are antiviral drugs of plant origin.

Effective among them are Proteflazide, Flavozid, Altabor, Immunoflazid, in which the extract is an active alder. This type of medicines has not only antiviral, but also antibacterial action. For medicinal and prophylactic purposes, the medicine is taken three times a day, dissolving two tablets. The course of treatment is 7 days.

If a patient has increased sensitivity to this group of drugs, the doctor appoints others. Against the background of long-term use of drugs in this group, there may be an allergic reaction. When pregnancy and breast-feeding, they are also not recommended.

To reduce and stop the multiplication of viruses, the administration of Proteflazide, Flavozide, Immunoflazide, which are made on the basis of medicinal herbs of pike and turtle, terrestrial.

This group of medicines is also characteristic of its immunomodulating feature. Doctors appoint them as a curative and preventive agent. Immunoflazid - syrup, which is used for two weeks twice a day for 9 ml. With a preventive purpose, it is consumed within a month.

The drug Flavozid is taken according to the scheme: 5 ml twice a day from the first to the third day of the disease, starting with the fourth - 8 ml. Preparations made on the basis of phytocomponents almost never show side effects. Their reception is contraindicated only to pregnant women in the first trimester, as well as during lactation.

Complex homeopathic antiviral drugs that suppress the active action of viruses are Engistol, Sagrippin, Amizon, which have antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, interferonogenic properties.

Treatment of children

In acute respiratory viral diseases, pediatricians recommend the use of homeopathic medicines - candles, powders, syrups. These types of drugs actively suppress viral attacks and increase the protective properties of the child's body. These include Viburkol and Aflubin, Gripp-Heel, EDAS-903 and others. Significant effectiveness of these drugs with simple forms of viral diseases.

Some pediatricians are inclined to believe that not all phyto-drugs have an effective antiviral effect, so they advise not to experiment with the health of the child. If the drug does not begin to show therapeutic effect within 24 hours, it should be replaced with a drug of another group.

Treatment of influenza and colds in children is carried out with drugs such as Arbidol, Rimantadine, Ribavirin, Tamiflu. In some cases, it is recommended to take Acyclovir, which acts on many types of viruses. Rimantadine, as a rule, is used only to neutralize the influenza virus, it does not have the proper effect on other types of viruses.

This drug is considered the most in demand during the flu epidemic as a preventive. It is shown in the treatment of children and Ribavirin, which in its spectrum of action is very similar to Rimantadine. In addition, it has a depressing effect on the virus that causes pneumonia in infants. If there is a decrease in the effectiveness of rimantadine, it is advised to replace it with Ribavirin.

The spread of the virus in the child's body delays Arbidol. Despite its popularity in ARVI, it can only have a curative effect on influenza viruses. Of all antiviral drugs for children, Tamiflu is recognized as the most effective.

Its activity is observed not only in the early stages of the disease, but also in the period of exacerbation. Its effect is several times stronger than other drugs. Tamiflu has side effects, so it is prescribed only to children who are 12 years old.

Assign drugs and interferon group with a child's dosage - suppositories Viferon, drops Grippferon, suppositories Kipferon. The drug of the new domestic pharmacy Derinat, despite its recent existence on the pharmacological market, has won many positive reviews.

It is available in the form of drops. This helps start an active fight against the viruses through the nasopharynx, preventing them from penetrating further into the body. The drug helps to strengthen the effect of drugs that treat a child in conjunction with Derinatom. It is allowed to use this medicine for infants from the first days of life.

Sometimes children are prescribed immunostimulating agents - Riboxin, IRS 19, Imudon, Bronhomunal, Metiluracil. There are separate types of these medicines, prescribed by the pediatrician as a preventive medicine, and those that can appoint only physicians immunologists after a special diagnosis of the immune characteristics of the child's body. It must be remembered that immunostimulants do not have a therapeutic effect during the active development of the disease. They are used before the infection begins to multiply in the body.

respiratoria.ru

Antiviral drugs for colds

Antiviral drugs for colds - the main tool in the fight against this category of ailments.

As is known, during the period of activation of catarrhal diseases it is better to be engaged in their prevention, and not to bring them to conditions when treatment is already needed. Activating immunity in the cold season is the most effective measure to protect yourself against colds. Then the disease will not develop or, at least, the situation will not take on a serious form.

If the disease has a viral nature - acute respiratory viral disease (ARVI) - then there can not be no treatment without treatment. And it is best in this case to cope with the problem of antiviral drugs. The essence of their action is in the impact on the virus itself, which is an etiological factor.

Antiviral drugs are used to treat ARVI and influenza. These drugs affect the replication of the virus in such a way as to stop its reproduction. Antiviral drugs are synthetic or natural. They are used both in the fight against the disease, and for its prevention. Different stages of the common cold can be exposed to antiviral drugs. To date, modern science knows about five hundred pathogens of different kinds of colds. Antiviral drugs to fight them quite a bit.

In general, viral diseases are treated with three types of drugs:

• drugs for a wide spectrum of influenza;
• drugs for the treatment of herpes infections.
• means for controlling cytomegalovirus.

In the case of severe disease, antiviral drugs are taken, with the use of interferons is easy. Within a day and a half after the appearance of the first symptoms, it is urgent to begin taking an antiviral drug. If we allow the multiplication of the virus to such a scale that it will occupy the entire body, then it can be brought to the conclusion that taking medications will not have any effect.

Effects of antiviral drugs for colds

With the help of antiviral drugs, the causes of the onset and development of acute respiratory disease are eliminated. The results of this action are:

• reduction of risks of exacerbations of chronic diseases (chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, etc.);
• shortening the course of the cold for several days, alleviating its symptoms;
• a reduction in the risk that severe complications will appear after acute respiratory illness.

Antiviral drugs for colds are also used as an emergency prophylaxis in the event that one of the family members becomes ill and needs to reduce the risk of infection of healthy people.

Antiviral tablets for colds

In a class where there are synthetic antiviral drugs that cope well with the influenza virus, there are two groups of effective remedies. The essence of the action of M-channel blockers in the blocking of the virus so that it can not penetrate into cells and multiply. One of the tested preparations against viruses of this category is Amantadine (Midantan), and also Rimantadine (Remantadin). For the desired effect, they should be taken as soon as the disease begins to manifest itself. Another of their drawbacks is that it is not always possible to understand what kind of virus a person has become. And these antiviral drugs are shown in the epidemic from the influenza A virus. In addition, avian and swine flu are resistant to them. It is important to remember that taking an antiviral drug for a cold should be done not only by the sick person himself, but by all members of his family.

Effective antiviral agent for colds

But neuraminidase inhibitors act on influenza A and B viruses. The essence of their action in suppressing the enzyme, which is responsible for the multiplication of the virus. Representatives of this group of drugs are "Oseltamivir" ("Tamiflu") and "Zanamivir" (Relenza). You can start taking them within two days from the initial manifestations of the disease.

List of antiviral drugs for colds

• Tamiflu;
• "Relenza";
• "Grippferon";
• Anaferon;
• "Amiksin";
• Kagocel;
• Remantadin;
• "Viferon";
• Arbidol;
• "Ribavirin";
• "Amizon";
• "Cycloferon."

Antiviral drug for cold "Zanamivir"

"Zanamivir" is prescribed for influenza in adults and children over 5 years of age for 5 mg of inhalation twice a day for 5 days. The total daily dose reaches 10 mg. The drug is not combined with other inhalation medications (including bronchodilators), because, that possible exacerbations in patients with bronchial asthma and other nonspecific lung diseases. In a number of people without pulmonary pathology, there may be signs of nasopharyngeal irritation, reaching in rare cases before the appearance of bronchospasm.

Antiviral drug for cold "Oseltamivir"

For influenza for adults and children over 12 years, the recommended dose of "Oseltamivir" is 75 mg 2 times a day for at least 5 days. "Oseltamivir" is prescribed for children older than 1 year - with a body weight of less than 15 kg of 30 mg, 15 to 23 kg of 45 mg, 23 to 40 kg of 60 mg, more than 40 kg - 75 mg twice daily for five days.

The drug is administered with caution in renal failure, it can cause nausea and vomiting during admission.

Antiviral drugs for a cold of a wider spectrum of action - "Ribavirin" ("Ribarin") and "Inosin Pranobeks" ("Grosprinozin").

Antiviral drug for cold "Ribavirin"

"Ribavirin" acts on influenza A and B-viruses, parainfluenza, respiratory syncytial virus, coronaviruses, rhinoviruses. The specificity of the drug is its high toxicity, therefore it is used only if a respiratory syncytial infection is confirmed that often leads to bronchiolitis in children.

"Ribavirin" is used to treat influenza in adults over 18 years (200 mg 3-4 times daily during meal for 5-7 days) in the absence of pregnancy, kidney failure and hemolytic anemia.

Antiviral drug for cold "Inosin pranobeks"

"Inosin pranobeks" fights against viruses of influenza, parainfluenza, rhinoviruses, adenoviruses. This antiviral drug for cold stimulates the defenses of the human body. To treat influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections it is recommended to take: adults 2 tablets 3-4 times a day at regular intervals throughout 5-7 days; children a daily dose of 50 mg per kilogram of body weight.

The daily dose should be taken at 3-4 times at regular intervals. The duration of treatment is 5-7 days.

Interferons and interferon inducers

Another large group of antiviral drugs for colds are interferons and interferon inducers. Interferons are protein substances that synthesize the body as a response to infection, due to them the body is more resistant to viruses. They have a wide spectrum of action, which favorably differ from many other synthetic drugs. But some experts say that they are not very effective in ARVI. In the case of colds, they are prescribed as drops in the nose and rectal suppositories. The native leukocyte interferon is digested four or six times a day, Reaferon (interferon alfa-2a) two drops twice-four times a day. Viferon (alpha-2b interferon) usually goes like a candle, adults usually use Viferon 3 and 4.

There are also inducers of interferon. These are drugs that stimulate the body to produce its own interferons. Catarrhal diseases are treated with "Tyloron" ("Amiksin"), "Meglumina acridonacetate" ("Cycloferon") and a number of other antiviral drugs for colds.

Antiviral drug for cold "Amiksin"

For treatment of influenza and acute respiratory disease, "Amiksin" is prescribed inside after eating two tablets of 0.125 g for adults and 0.06 g for children over 7 years on the first day of illness and then 1 tablet every other day.

The course of treatment - up to 6 tablets. Contraindicated in pregnant women and children younger than 7 years.

Antiviral drug for cold "Cycloferon"

"Cycloferon" is used to treat influenza and ARI in the form of intramuscular injections at a dose of 250 mg (12.5% ​​per 2 ml) for two consecutive days, then every other day or 1 tablet 0.15 g every other day for 20 days.

Antiviral drug for cold "Kagocel"

"Kagocel" is an inducer of interferon with direct antiviral and immunomodulating action.

Usually it is prescribed for influenza and ARI adults 2 tablets 3 times a day for the first two days (daily dose is 72 mg), then 1 tablet 3 times a day (daily dose of 36 mg). A total of 18 tablets per 4-day course.

Antiviral drug for cold "Arbidol"

Effective in treating the common cold is an antiviral drug, like Arbidol. It acts against viruses A, B, it also treats parainfluenza, syncytial infections, adenoviruses. The essence of the drug in stimulating the production of endogenous interferon, it has an antioxidant effect, strengthens the immune system.

Arbidol for colds without complications appoint: children from 3 to 6 years - 50 mg, from 6 to 12 years - 100 mg, over 12 years and adults - 200 mg 4 times a day (every 6 hours) for 5 days. With the development of complications (bronchitis, pneumonia, etc.) children from 3 to 6 years take Arbidol 50 mg, from 6 to 12 years - 100 mg, older 12 years, adults - 200 mg 4 times a day (every 6 hours) for 5 days, then a single dose once a week for a month.

Antiviral drug for cold "Amizon"

Antiviral drug for cold "Amizon" is an inducer of endogenous interferon, has antiviral, immunomodulating and anti-inflammatory action.

Adults take "Amizon" 2-4 times a day after a meal with an average flu and acute respiratory infections of 0.25 g, with a heavy - for 0.5 g for 5-7 days; the course dose of treatment is 3-6.5 g. Children aged 6-12 years drink 0.125 grams 2-3 times a day for 5-7 days.

Antiviral drug for cold "Anaferon"

"Anaferon" refers to homeopathic remedies with antiviral and immunomodulating effect. It is also used to treat colds and flu. Usage for adults: 1 tablet, sublingually from three times a day to six, depending on the severity of the disease.

Treatment begins with the first respiratory symptoms. After improving the condition, it is recommended to switch to taking the drug once a day, for 8-10 days. Children from six months to three years, one tablet dissolved in 15 ml of water and give a drink. For prevention, Anaferon is prescribed one tablet once a day, for one to three months.

Antiviral drug for colds "Grippferon"

"Grippferon" is an immunomodulatory, antiviral and anti-inflammatory drug for intranasal use. The duration of the course of application and dose of the drug "Grippferon" is usually determined by the doctor in charge.

The recommended dose for children younger than 1 year is 500 IU (1 drop of the drug) 5 times a day; for children from 1 to 3 years of age is 1000 IU (2 drops of "Grippferon") 3-4 times a day; from 3 to 14 years is 1000 IU (2 drops of the drug "Grippferon") 4-5 times a day. The recommended adult dose is 1500 IU (3 drops) 5-6 times a day. The course duration is 5 days.

Herbal antiviral drugs for colds

Some herbs also have an antiviral effect. The effect of many herbal medicines is directed against viruses belonging to the herpes family. Catarrhal diseases are often accompanied by herpes rash, in addition, the course of cytomegalovirus infection also often occurs with the same symptoms as ARVI. This category of drugs includes "Alpizarin". The active substance in it is an extract of such plants as an alpine penny, a yellow penny, mango leaves. The antiviral preparation "Flacoside" has in its composition an active substance, which is obtained from velvet Amur and velvet Laval. For external use, the ointments "Megozin" (cottonseed oil), "Helepin" (ground part of the cheesecake), "Gossipol" (are obtained when processing the cotton seeds or the roots of cotton).

Antiviral drugs that are used for colds also include Altabor. It is based on an extract of stems of gray and black (sticky) alder.

The pendulous shank and ground reed give life to the drug "Proteflazidu", it is also used in the treatment of colds, influenza and for their prevention. Antiviral and immunomodulating action is possessed by the German preparation "Imupret". It consists of field horsetail, walnut leaves and oak bark.

The price of antiviral drugs for colds

The run-up of prices for antiviral drugs for colds is quite wide - from 20 to 200 hryvnia (of course, it still depends on the packaging and the number of tablets). In any case, it is better to consult with the attending physician who will prescribe the drug, which in the particular case will prove to be the most effective.

If you call the approximate prices for the main antiviral drugs used to treat colds, in pharmacies in Ukraine they are: "Amizon" - from 20 UAH, "Arbidol" - from 50 UAH, "Amiksin" - from 30 UAH, "Anaferon" - from 40 UAH, "Remantadin" - from 11 UAH, "Kagocel" from 70 UAH, "Viferon" - from 70 UAH - from 110 UAH.

Inexpensive antiviral drugs for colds

Inexpensive antiviral drugs for colds, often prescribed by doctors and commonly used - Amizon, Amiksin, Anaferon. For 20-40 hryvnia you can buy 10 tablets. But once again pay attention: before making a decision to purchase an antiviral drug for a cold, it is worth consulting with the treating doctor.

With the help of antiviral drugs, it is not the consequence, but the cause of the catarrhal disease that is eliminated. This is the great advantage of antiviral drugs in the treatment of colds, which also explains their effectiveness. Antiviral drugs shorten the cold for two to three days, ease its course. As a result of taking antiviral drugs for colds, the risk of other chronic diseases worsening (exacerbation of the bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis and other diseases), there will also be no various complications, as is often the case with other drugs. In addition, antiviral drugs for colds give excellent effect in the prevention of acute respiratory viral infections, influenza, including among healthy family members when the patient is at home.

ilive.com.ua

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