The international drug classification system divides all medicines into groups. The basis for this is the pharmacological action of substances. This article will tell you about one of these groups. It includes neuraminidase inhibitors. You will find out which active substances are their basis, as well as get acquainted with their trade names.
Neuraminidase Inhibitors
Before talking about drugs, it is necessary to characterize this pharmacological group. Neuraminidase is a kind of enzyme. It is present on the membrane surface of all influenza viruses. After contact with the cell of the human body, toxic substances are released. It is they that cause the appearance of the symptoms of the disease: fever, weakness, headache, and so on.
Neuraminidase inhibitors penetrate the virus. They inhibit the activity of pathogenic microorganisms, preventing their subsequent reproduction and contact with healthy cells. The development of such drugs began in the 1960s. The first products produced made it possible to study in detail their effect on viral infections.
Neuraminidase inhibitors: drugs and their active ingredients
Modern pharmacology proposes to purchase two main drugs that can be characterized by a similar effect. Their trade names are Tamiflu and Relenza. Both drugs are used to prevent and treat flu of different strains. Neuraminidase inhibitors are sold only as directed by your doctor. It is also allowed to use medicines in a hospital according to indications. It is not recommended to take such medicines to pregnant women and nursing mothers. Contraindications to use will be children under 5 years old. Renal and liver failure is a reason for a separate consultation before use.
The active substances of these drugs differ in name and method of administration. The medicine "Tamiflu" contains oseltamivir. The medication is available in the form of capsules with loose contents for internal use. The drug "Relenza" is an inhalation agent. The active ingredient is zanamivir.
Method of use of drugs
How are neuraminidase (flu) inhibitors used? You already know that both medicines are prescribed by a doctor. To purchase drugs, you will need an appropriate prescription. Therefore, the dosage and duration of use are usually chosen by a specialist. But the instructions also contain information about this:
- The drug "Tamiflu" in adult patients and children after 12 years of age is used twice a day, one tablet. The duration of the course is 5 days. For babies up to 12 years, it is preferable to use a suspension in an amount of 30-75 mg of oseltamivir (depending on body weight) twice a day.
- Relenza medicine is delivered by inhalation. The instruction recommends the use of 10 mg of the substance (2 inhalations) twice a day. The therapy lasts 5 days. For prevention, 10 mg of the drug is used once a day for 10 days.
Efficacy and adverse reactions
Experts say that influenza neuraminidase inhibitors will be more effective the sooner treatment is started. Therefore, you need to consult a doctor at the first symptoms. The doctor will prescribe you the necessary studies that will help determine further tactics of action. Both drugs are effective in combating influenza viruses (including mutated ones). Unlike other antiviral agents, neuraminidase inhibitors show high performance. A few hours after the first application, the patient becomes easier.
It is important that Relenza and Tamiflu can be combined with other drugs to treat the flu, its symptoms and complications. By the way, medicines also have side effects. For example, a Relenza inhaler can cause shortness of breath and bronchospasm. Rarely is an allergy in the form of edema. The drug "Tamiflu" is taken orally. Therefore, it has more negative consequences: abdominal pain, allergies, exacerbation of renal and hepatic diseases, neuropsychiatric disorders.
To summarize
Neuraminidase inhibitors are an excellent tool in the fight against influenza viruses. During epidemics, they can be taken for prevention. But experts do not recommend using these medications without special need. In addition, you cannot purchase drugs of your own free will. If the pharmacist offers you to buy the drug "Tamiflu" or "Relenza" without a prescription, then know that it can be fake. The use of such medications not only worsens the course of the disease, but can be life threatening. Be healthy!