In recent years, drug manufacturers have been developing unique drugs to treat the flu. Some drugs are taken orally in the form of tablets, others are administered by rectal use. On the shelves of pharmacy stalls you can see the most diverse compositions. One of the new drugs that is still undergoing a massive dispute is Zanamivir. Reviews, instructions, analogues of this medication will be presented to your attention in the article.
What it is?
Before you know what kind of medicine Zanamivir (zanamivir) analogues have, it is worth making a description of it. The medication has a pronounced antiviral effect. It is made in the form of a powder. The bulk product is to be diluted and introduced into the human body through inhalation.
The medicine is dispensed exclusively by prescription. It can be purchased in almost every pharmacy chain. The drug costs within 1,500 rubles. Its trade name is Relenza. For the indicated amount, you can get 20 doses, each of which contains 5 mg of the active substance.
"Zanamivir": analogues of the drug
The described active substance is an inhibitor of neurominidase. It blocks the negative compounds that are released after the virus contacts the cell in the human body. Also, the medication prevents the further growth of the disease.
Has "Zanamivir" analogue, which is known to all. This is Tamiflu. Its active ingredient is oseltamivir. This component works in exactly the same way as its predecessor. The main objective of oseltamivir is the elimination of neurominidase released after contact of the virus and cells of the human body. The drug is available in the form of tablets for oral use.
Other substitutes
The drug "Zanamivir" has no absolute analogue. To date, no drugs with the same active substance have been created. However, there are many antiviral agents that come to grips with the virus through another action.
The simpler and safer substitutes for Zanamivir include: Isoprinosine, Arbidol, Ergoferon, Ingaron, Derinat, Irs-19, and many others. These compositions have a different method of administration. If we talk about the means that can be taken by inhalation, the following drugs can be attributed to the analogues of the Zanamivir drug: Derinat, Interferon, Ingaron. You can buy them at a more affordable price than the original drug. Also, for a purchase you do not need a prescription from a doctor.
Indications and limitations
The drug "Zanamivir", analogues of this medication and substitutes are prescribed for the treatment of viral diseases. Most often, these compounds are used for different types of flu. Less commonly, medications are prescribed for herpes, hepatitis of viral origin, chickenpox and other diseases. Before using the product, you should always pay attention to its contraindications.
Do not use the medication "Zanamivir" with increased sensitivity to it. It is also forbidden to carry out treatment during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Do not give medication to children under the age of 5 years.
"Zanamivir": instructions for use
As you already know, the described medication is administered exclusively by inhalation. For treatment, two servings of the drug are prescribed twice a day. If it comes to the need for prevention, then the composition is taken once a day, the duration of therapy usually does not exceed 7 days. Preventive correction can last 10 days.
Substitutes for the described drug have different uses. Some must be taken one-time, others must be drunk every hour. The duration of therapy may also vary significantly. A more detailed algorithm for taking the drug should be studied in the annotation. Also always ask your doctor questions.
Reviews about the drug "Zanamivir"
Most consumers who took the medicine were satisfied with it. The drug is well tolerated. Only in some exceptional situations can an allergy or bronchospasm occur.
Consumers say that the sooner treatment is started with the indicated drug, the more noticeable effect is observed. It is optimal to take the medicine at the first symptoms of the disease. Patients report that the instructions for use are rather poorly described for the Zanamivir preparation. That is why when prescribing a medication, it is worth learning in detail about its use by a doctor.
Some drugstores sell Zanamivir at an overpriced price. However, they do not require a prescription. Such a purchase of medicine is unacceptable. Remember that you should not buy goods from dubious sellers and clandestine manufacturers. Before use, consult your doctor. I wish you good health!