Human immunity is a protective system that prevents the spread of bacteria and viruses in the body. In addition, it is able to remove dead and diseased cells and helps to cope with the disease faster. In the cold season, when the number of infectious diseases is growing, it is very important that the human immunity is strong.
But in most modern people, it is not able to protect the body from bacteria. Therefore, he needs support. There are many
immunostimulating drugs, and most of them are made on a plant basis. One of the strongest plants that help the immune system is echinacea. And the most popular medicine based on it now is Immunal. It is recommended by many doctors, and it is easy to purchase it at any pharmacy. But some people are looking for an analogue of Immunal, which would have the same effect, but was cheaper. Such a drug can be found if you study the composition of Immunal.
Properties of the main active substance
The drug is made on the basis of echinacea purpurea juice. This plant has long been valued for its beneficial properties. It contains a large number of biologically active substances that act as immune stimulants. Echinacea is a beautiful perennial plant that was originally distributed only on the American continent and was used by indigenous people to protect against disease. Now it is grown in Europe, and it is widely used in traditional medicine. They appreciate her for the amazing effect that she has on the human body:
- Echinacea is also called a "blood cleaner" because it stimulates blood formation. Under its influence, the number of leukocytes increases and the activity of phagocytes increases. This contributes to the destruction of pathogens and protection against bacteria and viruses;
- the polysaccharides contained in it have an anti-inflammatory effect and help wound healing;
- under the influence of echinacea, the body increases the production of corticosteroid hormones of the adrenal glands, which have an antiallergic effect;
- many biologically active trace elements stimulate the protective properties of the liver. This helps to neutralize toxins and metabolic products of bacteria and viruses in a short time;
- this plant also has a fungicidal effect. This means that Echinacea is able to fight fungal skin diseases and candidiasis;
- essential oils, glycosides and polysaccharides of the plant have antimicrobial and immunotropic effects;
- Echinacea inhibits influenza and herpes viruses, staphylococci and intestinal infections.
Preparations based on this plant
Now the pharmaceutical industry produces many drugs containing echinacea purpurea extract. Scientists are paying more and more attention to herbal preparations, since they are safer and less likely to cause allergic reactions than synthetic ones. Therefore, such drugs are popular not only among patients, but also among doctors: they often prescribe them in the treatment of many diseases.
One of the most famous echinacea-based medications is Immunal. It is produced in Slovenia by the famous pharmaceutical company "Lek". But besides him, several other means are known. Therefore, people who are looking for an analogue of Immunal, need to pay attention to the composition of the drugs and look for those whose main active ingredient is echinacea purpurea. There are many such medicines in our pharmacies, and there are several hundred types of them all over the world.
Analogs of "Immunal"
1. Most of the Echinacea-based drug options were created by the German pharmaceutical company Doctor Tays. On sale you can find tincture, tablets, lozenges for resorption and a solution based on the juice of the plant.
2. The German drug "Immunorm" in the form of a solution and tablets is also popular.
3. You can find such drugs in the form of tablets or dragees: "Stimmunal", "Estifan", "Immunex" and others.
4. Too many analogues have no other name: “Herbion Echinacea,” Echinacea Extract, or simply “Echinacea.” Such drugs are available in different countries and in different forms: tablets, lozenges, tincture or solution.
5. But the cheapest and most effective analogue of Immunal is the usual tincture. Its composition is not much different from this drug, but the effect is the same. Although most doctors prescribe it is Immunal. Its price is much higher than that of ordinary tinctures, but it tastes better and has several more advantages.
Why Immunal is Better
It turns out this drug by squeezing the juice of a fresh plant. Alcohol is added in small quantities only for conservation. This method of drug production allows you to maintain the activity of all the beneficial substances of echinacea. And therefore, it has fewer contraindications and side effects than ordinary tincture. In addition, the Immunal preparation was repeatedly subjected to clinical trials, confirming its effectiveness in the treatment of various infectious diseases. The fact that this drug is produced not only in the form of a solution, but also in tablets, allows you to treat colds in both adults and children. Tests conducted by the research institute of influenza proved that people who took this medicine during epidemics get sick twice less often than others and suffer a mild illness. It was also investigated how, in the complex treatment of colds, Immunal acts. Reviews for the children who participated in the trials show that they all suffered the disease easily, they quickly passed a cough and the temperature dropped. In addition, the drug is effective in other diseases.
Indications for use
- for the prevention of influenza during epidemics and in the event that one of the family members is already sick;
- to stimulate immunity with a predisposition to frequent colds;
- as part of the complex therapy of viral diseases: herpes, flu and others. Helps to transfer the disease faster and in a mild form;
- with weakening of immunity caused by exposure to radiation or the use of chemotherapy;
- in the complex therapy of chronic inflammatory diseases: bronchitis, arthritis, pyelonephritis, rheumatism and others;
- for intoxications of various genesis: poisoning with heavy metals, pesticides and other toxic compounds, after taking antibiotics and foodborne toxic infections;
- during prolonged psycho-emotional stress, accompanied by a decrease in immunity;
- in gynecology for the treatment of female inflammatory diseases, candidiasis and other pathologies.
The effect of other echinacea drugs
More and more often now, doctors prescribe Immunal to patients. Its price ranges from one hundred to three hundred rubles, depending on the form of issue. But many patients do not want to spend that kind of money on a medicine that does not cure, but only supports the immune system.
Therefore, they are trying to choose an analogue of Immunal cheaper. Most often, the choice falls on the usual tincture of echinacea, which can be purchased at any pharmacy for almost a penny. But unlike the “Immunal” remedy, it contains more alcohol, so you should not give it to children. In addition, this is precisely the tincture of Echinacea grass, and not its juice, so its effect is much weaker. And you need to take this tool for at least 1-2 months, which is not very convenient. Many parents are also interested in how to replace the Immunal drug. Analogs for children exist, but their cost is not much different from the drug itself, and some drugs, such as Immunorm, are even more expensive. If for some reason it is impossible for the child to be given the Immunal medicine, Immunex, Doctor Theise or Herbion Echinacea are suitable for supporting immunity. They also have a mild effect and do not contain components harmful to the child.
Contraindications to the use of "Immunal"
But not everyone can use such an amazing drug for the treatment and prevention of diseases. Precisely because echinacea has a strong immunostimulating effect, Immunal and other drugs based on it are contraindicated in patients with autoimmune diseases. This is due to the fact that in this case the functioning of the immune system is disrupted in the human body and the body produces antibodies to its own proteins. Therefore, the appointment of any immunostimulating drugs is prohibited. Diseases in which the drug is contraindicated include:
- tuberculosis, bronchial asthma;
- multiple sclerosis, damage to the membranes of the brain and spinal cord;
- leukemia and other bone marrow diseases;
- acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or HIV infection;
- systemic diseases of the connective tissue: rheumatoid arthritis, periarthritis nodosa and others.
In addition, there are other contraindications for the use of the drug Immunal. Its use is not recommended for people with allergic reactions to plants of the family Asteraceae, as well as for children up to a year. With caution, you need to use it in the form of a solution for alcoholics and children under 12 years old, and tablets for people suffering from diabetes and severe liver damage.
Is it possible during pregnancy "Immunal"
Echinacea is a strong immunostimulating drug. It is believed that such drugs are contraindicated during pregnancy, especially in the first semester, as they can cause uterine contractions and miscarriage. At this point , the woman’s immune system is being rebuilt, and it’s best not to interfere. In addition, many doctors believe that the use of echinacea drugs can cause immunodeficiency in a child. But in general, this topic is very controversial and still no large-scale studies have been conducted on the effect of the drug on fetal development. And without a doctor’s recommendation, it should not be taken during pregnancy or during breastfeeding. It is advisable to strengthen the immune system before conception - to drink the Immunal agent. A woman should be warned about the possible consequences and that allergic reactions may occur after taking the drug. But sometimes the doctor considers it appropriate to prescribe this medicine, and the woman begins to take the medicine "Immunal". Pills in this case are the only possible form of the drug. In drops, you can not drink it during pregnancy or during breastfeeding.
The drug "Immunal" should be used in the lowest possible doses and not more than a week. But it’s better to replace this drug with safer analogues for pregnant women. For the prevention of influenza
, Antigrippin Agri is good
, which does not contain echinacea, but effectively protects against viruses.
"Immunal" for children
Prevention of viral infections is especially relevant in childhood. Pediatricians often prescribe the preparation "Immunal" even for babies to strengthen immunity. Reviews for children are usually positive, many mothers say that the child began to get sick less and diseases occur in a milder form. It is especially important to maintain the child’s immunity during adaptation to kindergarten. At this time, the baby is faced with a large number of infections, which the body is difficult to resist.
Doctors recommend taking the "Immunal" for two weeks before the first visit to the kindergarten or school. Indeed, the change of regime and environment for most babies is stress, under the influence of which immunity decreases. And the Immunal drug helps the body resist infection. Doctors and parents also note the effectiveness of the drug during illness. It contributes to a faster recovery. If you start taking Immunal immediately after the first symptoms appear, the disease proceeds without a fever, cough and runny nose go away faster. Observations showed that children who took this drug are much less likely to get sick. But sometimes an allergic reaction to echinacea or supplements that are present in the medicine may be observed. In this case, the doctor will advise how to replace the drug "Immunal". Analogs for children are widespread, and in any pharmacy you can buy medicines "Herbion Echinacea", "Immunorm" or "Doctor Theise." You can also use other drugs that do not contain echinacea, but have a similar effect:
"Anaferon children", "Arbidol", "Antigrippin Agri" and others. But only a doctor can advise the right medication, especially when it comes to a small child.
Forms of drug release
"Immunal" is very convenient to use, has a pleasant taste and is available in different forms. This facilitates the administration of the drug to children and people who cannot, for example, take medicines for alcohol or with glucose in the composition. What forms of the drug can now be found in pharmacies?
1. Most often take a solution of echinacea juice on alcohol. They call it drops, and this is an ideal form of use for any patients. It is contraindicated only for pregnant women, children under one year old and people with alcoholism.
2. “Immunal” tablets are made from dried echinacea juice. As auxiliary substances, lactose, silicon dioxide, sucrose and magnesium stearate are added to them. They have fewer contraindications, but they should not be given to children under 4 years of age.
3. "Immunal forte" is a vitamin-mineral complex preparation, which, in addition to immunostimulating, also has a tonic and restorative effect. It contains vitamins A, C and B, zinc, extracts of astragalus, licorice and lemongrass berries. Therefore, it is allowed to use it only by adults.
4. On sale you can still find the solution "Immunal plus C". In it, Echinacea juice is combined with ascorbic acid, which enhances the protective properties of the drug. It must be used in the same way as a normal solution.
5. In recent years, a new form of release of the drug has been created, created specifically for children - "Immunal" syrup. In addition to echinacea juice, it contains flavoring and aromatic additives. It has a reduced alcohol content, so it is preferable for babies to give the drug in this form.
6. Sometimes also used "Immunal" in the candlelight. It is used mainly in gynecology for the treatment of candidiasis and inflammatory diseases of the female organs.
What you need to pay attention to
1. Before taking the drug, you must always consult a doctor. This is especially true for pregnant women, children under 12 years old and patients with chronic diseases.
2. When taking the drug may cause allergic reactions. This may be hives, itching, redness of the skin, in some cases, bronchospasm or anaphylactic shock.
3. Do not exceed the indicated dose of the drug. Otherwise, there may be nausea, upset stools, overexcitation and shortness of breath.
4. During prolonged storage of the solution and the preparation "Immunal Plus C", cloudiness of the liquid and the formation of sediment are possible. From this, the quality of the medicine does not deteriorate, only before use it needs to be shaken.
5. If, after 10 days of using Immunal, no improvement is observed, consult a doctor.
6. Taking the drug does not affect the functioning of the brain and does not inhibit reactions. Therefore, those whose activities are connected with the management of transport and complex mechanisms can safely drink the medicine “Immunal” without fear.
How to take the drug
- Dosage for adults and children over 12 years of age: the medicine is prescribed 20-30 drops three times a day or 1-2 tablets 3-4 times. The drug "Immunal forte" has a high activity, so it is taken one capsule twice a day in the morning.
- Dosage for children: babies from one to four are given only a solution - 10 drops three times a day, and for children 4-12 years old - 15 drops. Tablets are used only from four years 1-3 times a day. The syrup is designed specifically for children, so you need to use it according to the instructions, using a measuring spoon.
- Method of application: for the exact dosage of the drug in the package there is a special pipette with divisions. You just need to draw the necessary amount of liquid into it, release it into a spoon or glass and add water. Undiluted drug is not recommended. The tablets also need to be crushed or desalinated and washed down with plenty of water.
- When to take the drug: drops should be drunk before or one hour after eating. In the case of tablets, the main thing is to observe the same intervals between doses, at least 4 hours, and Immunal Forte capsules are drunk only in the morning with meals;
- Duration of the drug: the effect of the drug should be visible after 5-7 days of acceptance. Usually, 1-2 weeks are enough for the course, then you need to take a break. Children are not recommended to use the Immunal agent for more than 10 days. In some cases, the doctor may allow to increase the duration of admission for adults, but not more than two months.
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Interaction with other drugs
Very often, this medicine is prescribed as part of complex therapy. Along with antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and antiviral drugs, the doctor prescribes the drug "Immunal". Its price fluctuates around 200 rubles, which allows anyone to purchase it. It goes well with almost all drugs, except for antibiotics of the cephalosporin group. Between taking these two drugs, the interval should be at least three days. In addition, if you drink the product "Immunal" together with antidepressants, they can mutually weaken the effect of each other. It is not recommended to take alcohol during treatment, as well as drink several drugs with the same immunostimulating effect.