A healthy person is not at all interested in the causes of disease. But the first "sneezing" or "sniffing" makes him rush to the pharmacy. Here the question arises: "Which drug to choose?" The source of the common cold is a bacterial or viral infection. The first is perfectly eliminated by antibiotics. But often a cold causes a viral infection. Antibacterial therapy is useless here. Only an antiviral agent for colds can help.
Expediency of reception
The protective barrier against viruses is, as you know, the immune system. It is she who is able to withstand many of them, preventing the disease from developing. Unfortunately, weakened immunity is not able to protect the body. In this case, the best antiviral agents come to the rescue . They should be started immediately. Then it is possible to avoid severe complications and exacerbation of chronic ailments.
An antiviral for colds can reduce inflammation, lower fever and help the body recover. These medications are also recommended for prevention of seasonal colds.
It is difficult to determine what type of virus caused the disease, so doctors advise using an antiviral agent for colds with a wide range of effects. Important. The doctor should prescribe the necessary medications after the examination.
Consider the best antiviral agents. Each of these drugs can quickly defeat the common cold. And at the same time prevent the development of unpleasant complications.
The medicine "Kagocel"
This is an immunomodulating antiviral medication. The composition of the drug contains the sodium salt of the copolymer. This component contributes to the production of late interferon. Thus, an antiviral effect occurs.
The medicine "Kagocel" is most effective if its use is started on the first day of the disease.
Side effects are rare. It manifests itself in the form of allergic reactions. The medicine "Kagocel" is approved for use by children from three years old. For pregnant and lactating, this tool is not recommended.
The medicine "Tsitovir 3"
An effective antiviral agent, characterized by a complex effect. The drug includes ascorbic acid, bendazole, which stimulates the production of endogenous interferon in the body.
The medicine is available in several forms:
- capsules intended for adults;
- syrup allowed for children from 1 year old;
- powder for making a solution.
There may be side effects, such as a decrease in pressure in those individuals who suffer from VSD.
The medicine is contraindicated in patients with diagnoses:
- hypotension;
- urolithiasis disease;
- stomach ulcer;
- diabetes.
The drug is not recommended for pregnant women. Extremely carefully should be used for children.
The therapeutic effect occurs already on the second or third day.
The drug "Amiksin"
Good antiviral. It has excellent immunomodulatory properties. In addition, he is an inducer of interferon. The drug "Amiksin" perfectly fights colds viral ailments. It is effective in a wide range of diseases of this group. Use the medicine "Amiksin" not only for treatment. It is advisable to use for the prevention of viral diseases.
For children under 7 years of age, no medicine is prescribed. It should not be used by pregnant women, as well as nursing.
Side effects can be relatively rare. The only manifestation is an allergic reaction.
Means "Ingavirin"
The drug is in demand for the treatment of influenza A, B, parainfluenza, adenovirus infection and many other ailments. This is a great immunomodulator. It activates the body's defense against viral pathogens.
The product is intended exclusively for adults. Up to 18 years of age, its use is not recommended. Pregnant women and lactating women can take the drug "Ingavirin" only as directed by the doctor.
Possible adverse reactions are allergies.
The drug "Tamiflu"
A fairly effective antiviral for colds. It is used to combat influenza A, B viruses. In relation to other colds (ARVI), the drug is ineffective. The drug is not intended for prevention.
The tool can be used for children over 1 year old. An important condition is the correct dosage. The medicine "Tamiflu" is allowed to use during lactation and pregnancy. In this case, you should be careful and carefully monitor your well-being.
The use of this tool can cause side effects:
- insomnia;
- diarrhea;
- headache;
- nausea.
The medicine is forbidden to use for a long period without a break. Since it can provoke depression and psychosis in a patient.
The medicine "Arbidol"
Popular antiviral pills for the common cold. They are effective in treating a number of viral ailments. This drug is not prescribed for babies up to 3 years. Pregnant women can use the drug, but only under the supervision of a doctor.
Side effects from taking the medicine include:
- headache;
- individual allergic reaction.
This drug was invented in 1974. Until today, it remains in demand. Since the medicine "Arbidol" is an effective and safe agent that has a wide range of effects.
The drug "Anaferon"
This is a homeopathic medicine that can stimulate antiviral immunity. The drug is used to treat flu. In addition, it is prescribed for preventive purposes. The drug can reduce the risk of complications.
The medicine "Anaferon" is allowed to be used by nursing and pregnant women. In addition, choosing effective antiviral drugs for colds for children, the choice of most parents and doctors dwells on this tool. For crumbs, manufacturers have released a special form of medicine.
The drug "Anaferon" is contraindicated in individuals who do not tolerate lactose. Basically, the drug does not cause complications. It is very effective.
The medicine "Oscillococcinum"
Homeopathic medicine, which is produced in granules. The tool provides effective prevention. It cures well for colds and flu. The drug has almost no contraindications. The one exception is lactose intolerance. The tool is allowed to be used by newborns from the first days. It is prescribed for lactating and pregnant.
A medicine is most effective if it is started at the first symptoms of an onset disease. The drug "Oscillococcinum" helps to suppress the activity of the influenza virus, protects against possible complications.
Treating children
The best antiviral agents have provided us with nature. These are lemon, garlic, ginger, honey, aloe, rose hip. Regularly supporting the baby's immunity with such affordable and simple means, the need for drugs will disappear by itself.
But if the crumbs have all the symptoms of the disease, then drug therapy can not do.
The following are the antiviral drugs for children with colds:
- Homeopathic remedies. In these drugs, the content of active substances is extremely small. How they affect the body is still not clear. But the positive effect is often denied. Doctors recommend using the one-day rule. If a homeopathic medicine during the day did not give a beneficial effect, there is no need for further admission. Such drugs are: Oscillococcinum, Aflubin, Anaferon, Ergoferon, Vibrukol (candles).
- Interferon Inductors. These are effective immunostimulants. They force the body to independently produce interferon. They are prescribed extremely carefully. In this case, it is recommended to use these funds for a short time. Because long-term use depletes resources. In this connection, the effectiveness of drugs is significantly reduced. This group includes drugs: “Tsitovir”, “Kagocel”, “Viferon” (candles), “Grippferon” (drops). The drug “Derinat" of a new generation is very effective. It is noted that under its influence the body produces its own interferon much faster. Antiviral suppositories (eg, Viferon) deserve special attention. Studies have confirmed that rectal administration can increase the bioavailability of interferon to 80%.
- Drugs of combined exposure. These are excellent antiviral agents, and at the same time, excellent interferon inducers. These include drugs: Cycloferon, Amiksin, Arbidol, Ingavirin, Isoprinosine, Panavir. All drugs act on viruses and at the same time stimulate the production of interferon. Children under two years of age do not use them, because the drugs have side effects.
- Influenza. This group includes drugs: Tamiflu, Remantadin, Relenza. Their effects apply only to influenza viruses. In relation to other diseases, they are ineffective.
The use of drugs for children
It must be remembered that an antiviral for colds is a powerful weapon. If used incorrectly, it will not cure ARVI, flu. And even capable of harming. Therefore, use the medicine only in the prescribed dosages and according to the indicated schemes.
The following list of funds will allow parents to navigate which children's antiviral drugs for colds are suitable for their crumbs.
For newborns, the following medicines may be prescribed:
- Aflubin (drops).
- Interferon
- Oscillococcinum.
- Viferon (candles).
- "Grippferon."
- KIPferon.
- "Genferon Light" (rectal suppositories).
- "Acyclovir."
Babies who are 1 month old are allowed to use Anaferon Children's. For six-month-old infants, the use of Ergoferon is acceptable.
From 1 year old babies can be treated with drugs:
- "Remantadine."
- "Tsitovir 3".
- Tamiflu.
The two-year-old children can be prescribed Isoprinosine.
For babies whose age reaches 3 years old, medicines are suitable:
For four-year-olds, the use of the Cycloferon preparation in tablet form is allowed.
Five-year crumbs can already use drugs:
- Relenza.
- Aflubin (in tablets);
Seven-year-old children can be treated with Amiksin. And from 13 years old, children are allowed to use the drug "Ingavirin".
Important warning
In conclusion, it should be said that take any antiviral drugs you take very carefully. You should not do this often. Continuous stimulation of the immune system depletes the system. The body's own defense begins to work less efficiently. Doctors advise that no more than 3-4 courses of antiviral medication be given over the course of one year. A person who uses these drugs more often is very at risk. Since it is quite dangerous for the immune system.