During the height of the flu epidemics, we often hear her being asked in pharmacies. High hopes are placed on this ointment, it is considered reliable protection.
In the article we will tell you what oxolinic ointment is, what it is used for, how to use the product correctly, and why it is bought up so quickly in pharmacies when flu epidemics are rampant.
What is oxolin ointment?
This is an ointment, the main active ingredient of which is oxolin. It is believed that this component has an antiviral effect. The ointment was first released in the seventies of the last millennium in Russia. Until recently, it was not in the list of international codes.
What is oxolin ointment for? The effectiveness of the drug has not yet been proven, tests are only planned. Nevertheless, for this "miracle ointment" in winter there is a huge rush of demand in pharmacies. She is considered a panacea for the flu. Many are satisfied with the result of using the product and say that it really helps. Is it so? And what are the functions of the ointment? We will try to figure it out below.
What is oxolin ointment for?
Options for using the tool can be divided into two areas: treatment and prevention. Ointment has an antiviral effect. Viruses are considered susceptible to it, including those causing herpes, lichen, and certain types of flu.
When treating, the ointment should be used strictly according to the doctor’s instructions. The same applies to prevention, because this drug is not as simple as it seems, and also has side effects and contraindications.
Oxolinic ointment (for what it is used, we will tell below) gained its popularity and fame in 2009, when news of the so-called bird flu sowed panic. The ointment was then called a good prophylactic, and in pharmacies it was simply brushed off the shelves, and even in such a quantity that people who really needed it (for example, to treat the same herpes or depriving) had to order it and wait for weeks to replenish supplies.
Why is this tool so bought up? It was believed that if the drug "Oxolinic ointment" smear the nose, it will save from the flu. There is a reason for this, because it is through the nasal mucosa that the virus enters our body. When this sheath is coated with a virus killing agent, this will reduce the chance of infection. But there are some nuances here. For example, an ointment is ideal as a protective agent when going to the clinic, but it is not very rational to use it every day when going to work. The manufacturer recommends such prophylaxis during the peak of epidemics, but no longer than twenty to twenty-five days. With a longer use, the active substance overdries the nasal mucosa, making it vulnerable. Remember the rule that everything needs a measure. It also applies to the use of ointment.
Instructions for use
Indications for the use of ointments are such diseases:
- Viral infections of the skin, eyes.
- Rhinitis of viral etiology.
- For the treatment of lichen (herpes zoster and vesiculate).
- Flu Prevention
Its effect is due to the presence of oxolin, to which viruses are sensitive. Apply the ointment externally to the affected areas (or to the conjunctiva for eye infections) several times a day.
At the first application to the nasal mucosa, a short burning sensation and itching is possible.
The ointment penetrates the blood pretty quickly, while it is also quickly excreted from the body, does not accumulate in the organs.
Contraindications and side effects
Among the main contraindications to the drug on the tube, we see the standard warnings - do not use with hypersensitivity to the main or auxiliary components of the drug.
Side effects have not yet been identified. At the first application, rapidly passing itching and a burning sensation at the place of application are possible. But this phenomenon is temporary and due to the specificity of the ointment.
The use of ointment for more than 25 days is not recommended. Do not use it together with vasoconstrictive drops, as this threatens an overdried mucosa, leading to internal trauma and capillary bleeding.
During pregnancy and lactation, use is possible if the potential risk to the fetus is less noticeable than the benefit to the mother's body. There are no positive or negative proven effects. All because research in this area has not been conducted.
We can say that the universal remedy is oxolinic ointment. Can children use this drug? With children, the same option as when using the product by pregnant women - there was simply no research in this direction. Categorically it is not worth using the ointment for newborns and infants, at least up to a year. Older children have a “use with caution” recommendation.
Oksolinka and the flu
Influenza prophylaxis, for which oxolinic ointment is most often used, is impossible without an integrated approach. Do not think that if you have smeared your nose with “oxolinka”, you are protected. This is a completely mistaken sentence. The ointment will kill a certain amount of viruses, but if your immunity is weakened, and the general condition of the body is completely deplorable, the ointment will not save not only from the flu, but also from many other viruses and bacteria. It is necessary to take care of strengthening immunity, monitor the quality of sleep and nutrition. Then oxolinic ointment as a means of protection and prevention will strengthen the barriers of your body.
Viruses are very insidious and look for slack, protecting only the nose, you will not save the whole body if it is weakened or exhausted. Moreover, even a moral disorder and depression can lead you to vulnerability and a decrease in immunity.
Reviews and conclusions
So what is oxolin ointment for? Let's see what the reviews say about the drug and its effectiveness in fighting the flu. There are many positive customer feedback remedies. If we talk about the negative, then not all of them need to be taken into account, because many patients who are convinced that the ointment will save them, simply did not use and did not store it according to the instructions. Oxolin is sensitive to high temperatures, the most comfortable degree of storage for it is about 5-10. The best place to store the ointment is a refrigerator, where it does not leak and does not lose its properties.
In addition, do not forget that this tool is not the armor that viruses crumble about like enemy arrows. If the immunity is at zero, such minimal prevention is unlikely to help, strengthen your immunity and do not get sick!