In the cold season, we are fatally doomed to wait for the ARVI epidemic. Of course, the human body is very susceptible to influenza viruses? and to protect yourself from the disease when everyone around is sneezing and coughing, it can be very difficult. In our article, we will tell you which antiviral drugs for influenza you need to drink so that a viral infection that gets into the body does the least harm. These funds can facilitate the course of the disease and help to avoid dangerous complications.
Classification of antiviral drugs
For influenza and acute respiratory infections, doctors prescribe antiviral drugs to patients. These drugs are divided into 3 groups:
- Immunomodulators. The action of these drugs is based on the ability to activate and multiply the protective reactions of a sick body. They include interferon or its synthetic inducers.
- Antiviral vaccines. These are pharmacological solutions, which contain microscopic doses of pathogenic antigens. Introduced through an injection, they help form a temporary immunity against the active strain of influenza.
- Antiviral drugs. This is a fairly large group of drugs whose effect is based on the inhibition of inhibition of the protein structure of the virus, as well as its enzymatic functions.
List of antiviral drugs - synthetic immunomodulators
The following funds have in their composition a basic substance of a synthetic nature, which affects the production of natural interferon in human blood. These antiviral drugs for influenza can create powerful protection within the body against the incorporation of a foreign viral aggressor into the structure of healthy cells:
- Tsitovir-3;
- Amiksin and its analogues: Lavomax, Tiloron;
- "Kagocel";
- Cycloferon.
Further on these drugs will be discussed in more detail.
Tsitovir-3
An excellent antiviral drug for the prevention of influenza and the treatment of the disease in the early stages is the interferon inducer. Available in capsules (for adult patients) and in the form of sweet syrup (for children).
The active substance “Tsitovira-3” - bendazole acts on the production of interferon in the body. It is he who enhances the immune response. An additional component of the drug is ascorbic acid.
Method of application: before meals, for half an hour three times a day, 1 capsule. Syrup is given to children 2-3 ml three times a day for babies from 1 to 3 years old, 4 ml three times a day for children from 3 to 6 years old, and children from 6 to 10 years old also three times a day, but already 8 ml
Amiksin
For those who are looking for only the best antiviral drugs for flu and colds, we recommend that you pay attention to the Amixin immunomodulator. This tool is suitable for the prevention of influenza, and for its treatment. The basis of the drug is the substance tyrolone.
The drug is available for adults in 125 mg tablets, for children in small 60 mg tablets. Children under 7 years of age should not use this product.
For the prevention of "Amiksin" you need to drink 1 tablet per week. The general preventive course lasts 6 weeks. For the treatment of influenza and acute respiratory viral infections, 125 mg of the drug is taken once a day, then another 125 mg every other day. A total of 6 tablets should be consumed. For children, the dosage is set by the doctor.
Kagocel
Antiviral treatment for influenza can be supplemented with this excellent new generation immunomodulator. The Russian manufacturer of this drug claims that Kagocel is effective at any stage of the disease, and not only in the first two days, like most antiviral drugs.
The drug is considered absolutely safe, only sometimes it can cause allergic reactions in people prone to allergies. Surprisingly, "Kagocel" continues to act in the body for 5 days after taking the pill. All this time, the drug induces the production of interferon, while enhancing the activity of cellular proteins, whose task is to protect the body from viruses.
Method of application: for adults - 2 pills three times a day on the first two days of the disease, the next two days, three pills are taken three times a day. General course - 4 days.
For preventive purposes, “Kagocel” should be drunk for two days (2 tablets 3 times a day), then take a break of 5 days, after which such a seven-day cycle is repeated.
Interferon preparations
The most popular of them:
- Grippferon;
- Viferon;
- Kipferon.
The compositions of these drugs are almost identical to human interferon. These drugs help create a robust immune antiviral barrier.
Grippferon
Available in the form of a drip solution or spray intended for nasal use. "Grippferon" is a natural activator of immunity. Indicated for help with influenza, parainfluenza, adenovirus infections, etc.
When the first symptoms of the disease occur, "Grippferon" drops are instilled into the nose according to the following scheme:
- For adults (after 15 years) - 6 times a day, 3 drops in each nostril.
- For children from 3 to 14 years old - 4-5 times a day, 2 drops.
- From 1 to 3 years - 3-4 times a day, 2 drops.
- Infants up to a year - 1 drop up to 6 times a day.
For preventive purposes, the drug is dripped into the nose 1 time in the morning and 1 time in the evening.
Viferon
This alpha-interferon drug is available in two forms: suppositories and ointment. For the treatment of influenza and acute respiratory viral infections, suppositories are used that can be used both for adults and children from almost infancy.
Viferon combines well with other therapeutic pharmaceuticals and is generally well tolerated by most patients. Allergic reactions (rash, itching) are sometimes possible.
Kipferon
The composition contains alpha-interferon and immunoglobulin. The medicine has an immunostimulating and at the same time anti-inflammatory effect. Available in the form of suppositories.
The daily dose of the drug should not exceed two candles (one in the morning and in the evening). The total duration of the treatment course: 5 days. If necessary, the doctor may prescribe a longer period of use of the drug.
Most people tolerate Kipferon well, but some people have negative reactions such as body aches, headaches, and even fever. In such cases, you will have to replace the drug with another immunomodulator.
It is important to store Kipferon candles at a temperature not exceeding 8 degrees Celsius. The best storage location is a refrigerator. For pregnant women, the use of this tool is undesirable.
List of the best direct-acting antiviral drugs
Usually, doctors, together with an immunomodulator, prescribe an antiviral drug from the following list for influenza:
- "Remantadine" (analogue: "Rimantadine");
- Arbidol;
- Tamiflu
- Anaferon;
- Ingavirin
- Oscillococcinum;
- Anvimax.
All of the listed drugs are modern pharmacological drugs that effectively accelerate the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections. Further, each of them will be described in more detail.
"Remantadine" and "Rimantadine" - a description of drugs
Both drugs are sold in pharmacies, the difference between which is only one letter in the name. The composition and antiviral effect of both are exactly the same; they actively inhibit the reproduction of viruses.
Both that, and another means is effective concerning the strains of influenza entering into group "A" (including H1N1), and also arbovirus and herpes virus. This medicine is used not only for the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections, but also for prevention. This is one of the best antiviral drugs for influenza A. Release forms: 50 mg tablets and 100 mg capsules.
For prophylaxis during the period of epidemic SARS "Remantadine" should be taken according to the scheme: 50 mg daily for 10-15 days. For the treatment of influenza: on the first day of the disease - 100 mg three times a day, on the second and third days - 100 mg twice a day, and on the fourth day - 100 mg of the drug is taken once.
The drug has a number of contraindications:
- thyrotoxicosis;
- pregnancy;
- age less than seven years;
- severe liver or kidney disease.
"Arbidol" - description and rules of admission
Like the medicine discussed above, Arbidol was developed in the Soviet Union in the mid-seventies. It is used for preventive and therapeutic purposes. Unlike Remantadin, this remedy is effective not only against group A strains, but also group B strains. For children, medicine can be prescribed from the age of three.
The effect of the drug is multifaceted:
- "Arbidol" stimulates the production of interferon, due to which an immunostimulating effect is achieved.
- Suppresses the reproduction of the virus in the cells of the body.
- Reduces the symptoms of toxic damage in the flu.
- Reduces the risk of complications with acute respiratory viral infections (the development of pneumonia, bronchitis).
- Increases the period of remission with a tendency to frequent colds.
To get the most help from Arbidol, the antiviral drug for influenza should be taken at an early stage of the disease within the first 48 hours.
Application Scheme:
- For the treatment of influenza in adults, 200 mg four times a day. General course - 5 days.
- For the treatment of children from 3 to 6 years old - no more than 50 mg per day; from 6 to 12 years - no more than 100 mg per day.
- For preventive purposes, for people in contact with a sick person - 1 tablet (100 mg) once a day for two weeks. For normal protection during an epidemic, 100 mg three times a week for three weeks.
Tamiflu
One of the most effective antiviral drugs for the flu. Available in Switzerland. It has a preventive and pronounced therapeutic effect. Effective against strains of influenza A and B.
The active substance is oseltamivir. Its maximum effectiveness is observed during the first 40 hours that have passed since the onset of the first symptoms of the disease. According to statistics, 90% of those people who take "Tamiflu" in order to avoid infection with SARS during the epidemic, necessarily get the desired result.
An additional advantage of the drug is that resistance does not develop to it. It should be noted that self-medication with such a strong antiviral drug as “Tamiflu” is not welcome, and the doctor and doctor should prescribe the dose, as well as the timing of use.
Anaferon
A popular effective domestic antiviral drug for influenza and SARS. In this homeopathic remedy, immunomodulating and antiviral properties are successfully combined. Using Anaferon, it is possible to quickly stop the respiratory manifestations of influenza, symptoms of intoxication and the risk of subsequent attachment of a bacterial infection.
The method of use is simple: you need to dissolve 1 tablet three to six times a day, depending on the severity of the disease. After the patient is clearly marked improvement, the dose should be reduced to 1 tablet per day.
Oscillococcinum
Another good homeopathic antiviral drug effective against flu. This medicine is available in France. Release form - white granules, odorless.
During the epidemic, Oscillococcinum can serve as a reliable means of prevention. The manufacturer claims that to protect against influenza, it is enough to take one granule per week for the entire dangerous period.
If the disease has already arrived, then the dose will have to be significantly increased and the drug should be taken 1-3 days 1 granule 3 times a day, dissolving them in the mouth for 15 minutes. before meals. The sooner treatment begins, the more successful it will be.
Ingavirin
The next effective antiviral drug for influenza and SARS is Ingavirin. The medicine is available in capsules, each of which contains the active substance - imidazolylethanamide pentanedioic acid. This main component is able to be highly active against both influenza viruses (A and B), as well as against parainfluenza and adenovirus infection.
In addition to a strong suppression of virus activity, Ingavirin increases the production of internal interferon, which is very important in the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections. The medicine quickly eliminates such unpleasant flu symptoms as muscle aches, weakness, headache, nasal congestion.
The total duration of treatment with Ingavirin is 7 days. In this case, the daily dose is determined by the doctor depending on the individual characteristics of the course of the disease.
Contraindication to use is children's age, as well as the presence of pregnancy and severe kidney and liver diseases.
Anvimax
Combined antiviral drug for flu and colds. It contains paracetamol, ascorbic acid, calcium, rimantadine, rutoside trihydrate, loratadine and some auxiliary substances. "Anvimax" is produced in the form of a mixture of powder and granules with different tastes and smells - lemon, blackcurrant, raspberry, etc.
The medicine is effective against influenza A in the treatment of colds accompanied by chills, fever, muscle pain and headache. Before use, the drug is dissolved in warm water (1 sachet per 1 glass). Dosage: 2-3 times a day for 1 sachet. You need to drink only after eating.
Unfortunately, this effective agent has more contraindications than similar drugs. It:
- thyroid disease;
- diseased liver and kidneys;
- chronic alcoholism;
- portal hypertension;
- the presence of ulcers and erosion in the digestive tract;
- hemorrhagic diathesis;
- pregnancy and lactation;
- lactose intolerance;
- allergic to the components of the drug.
Influenza Antivirals for Children
The anti-influenza medicines described above are also suitable for children. It is only necessary to take into account a dosage significantly different from that intended for adults.
So, for example, the drug "Tamiflu" is allowed to use from 1 year. Moreover, for children, it is prudently produced in powder for the preparation of a suspension. Pharmaceutical industry also produces special children's antiviral drugs for influenza and colds. One of them will be discussed later.
"Orvirem" - a remedy for ARVI for children
This thick, rich, rich pink syrup is an effective antiviral medicine that can be given to children over the age of one. The active substance of this drug is our old friend - rimantadine.
The medicine is used to treat influenza A and to prevent the development of acute respiratory viral infections. The method of use and dose of the drug are indicated in the instructions and depend on the age of the child.
Conclusion
If for prophylactic purposes many antiviral drugs for influenza and SARS are permissible to take on their own (they do not require a mandatory prescription from a doctor to purchase them), then a doctor must be consulted to treat an already ill person. This article is just an overview and does not have a recommendatory character.