Influenza is an acute respiratory disease of an infectious nature. Periodically, it spreads in the form of pandemics and epidemics. Currently, about 2,000 variants of the influenza virus have been identified .
Many people mistakenly believe that, like a common cold, it is very easy to cure such a disease. However, experts argue that this is not very simple.
With untimely treatment of influenza, it can lead to complications or even death.
Today we will tell you about such an antiviral drug as Tamiflu. Reviews of doctors about the effectiveness of this popular tool will be presented below. You will also learn how to take it, whether it has analogues, etc.
Form, composition
What form is typical for Tamiflu? Reviews of doctors talk about the following types of this drug:
- Capsules They contain oseltamivir, as well as starch, sodium fumarate stearyl, croscarmellose sodium, talc, titanium dioxide, gelatin, dyes, povidone K30.
- Powder for suspension. It contains oseltamivir phosphate, as well as titanium dioxide, monosodium citrate, xanthan gum, sorbitol, sodium saccharin, Permutil Tutti-Frutti.
Drug action
What are the properties of the drug "Tamiflu"? Reviews of experts report that this is a prodrug. Its active ingredient is a selective inhibitor of influenza B and A neuraminidase . It activates the release of viruses, and is also responsible for the spread and reproduction of harmful agents throughout the body.
The considered drug significantly facilitates the course of the disease, reduces the time of its course, reduces the likelihood of bronchitis, sinusitis, otitis media or pneumonia.
What is more remarkable for the Tamiflu medication? Reviews of the drug say that in children under 12 years of age, while taking it, there is a decrease in the duration of the disease by 2 days.
Kinetics of medication
Oseltamivir phosphate is absorbed from the digestive tract, where it is converted into an active metabolite. You can detect it in the blood after 30 minutes. He reaches the peak of his concentration after three hours.
The pharmacokinetic parameters of this medication are independent of food intake.
The active substance of this medication is found in the mucosa of the bronchi and nose, lungs, middle ear and trachea. It is excreted through the kidneys and along with feces.
Indications
In what cases can Tamiflu be prescribed? Reviews of doctors report that it is used for the treatment and prevention of influenza.
The drug is most effective when taken within two days after infection.
It should also be noted that this medicine can be used as a prophylactic, including after contact with an infected person, in pandemics and epidemics.
According to experts, taking this medication does not replace influenza vaccination.
Contraindications
In what cases is it forbidden to take the drug "Tamiflu"? Reviews (this drug is prescribed to children from one year old) states that this medication is contraindicated in:
- allergies to its ingredients;
- chronic renal failure.
In addition, pregnant women and nursing mothers should be especially careful.
How is Tamiflu medication taken?
Reviews of doctors say that without consulting a doctor, taking this drug is prohibited. It can be used with meals or at any other convenient time.
The standard dosage of this drug is 75 mg per day. It can be divided into 2 parts.
Treatment with this drug is better to begin in the first days of the disease, that is, immediately after the onset of the first signs.
Upon contact with a patient, “Tamiflu” is recommended to be taken within two days.
The duration of treatment with this tool is 10 days.
The drug in the form of a suspension is intended for children. Before taking such a medicine, the contents of the vial should be shaken vigorously.
Side effects
Most often, when taking this remedy, nausea, headache and vomiting are manifested (especially in the first days of treatment). Also in adult patients were observed:
- dizziness;
- pneumonia, otitis media, sinusitis;
- insomnia, cough, convulsions, runny nose, hallucinations;
- nausea, bronchitis, epigastric pain, weakness, diarrhea, conjunctivitis, indigestion;
- respiratory tract infections;
- skin rashes, nosebleeds, eczema, asthma, dermatitis, hearing impairment, urticaria, and more.
Analogs and cost
The cost of ten capsules of the drug in question with a dosage of 75 mg is about 1200 rubles. In the form of a powder, this product in a 30 g vial can be purchased for 1300 rubles.
At the moment, there are no structural analogues of this medicine. Close, but slightly inferior in effectiveness, are the following drugs: "Arbidol", "Flustol", "Relenza", "Oseltamivir".
Tamiflu medicine: reviews
Analogues of this medication were presented above. It should be noted that they are much inferior to the tool we are considering.
According to experts, this is the number 1 anti-flu drug. Taking it in the early days of the disease, the patient quickly recovers and transfers the disease literally "on his feet."
As for patients, they completely agree with this opinion. This medication is equally effective both in the treatment of adults and in the treatment of small patients.
Of the side effects, this medicine most often causes nausea and loose stools. As a rule, such reactions are manifested mainly in children.