"Immunal" is an immunostimulating drug. Its constituent purple echinacea is able to enhance nonspecific immunity. Against the background of an increase in the number of leukocytes and activation of phagocytosis, the reproduction and growth of microorganisms is suppressed. Echinacea has also been shown to be effective in combating herpes and influenza viruses. Reviews about the "Immunal" are abundant.
Pharmacological forms
The manufacturer produces the drug in two pharmacological forms:
- The tabletted Immunal. The tablets have a flat-cylindrical shape, their color is light brown, inclusions are observed. There is a scent of vanilla. The tablets are packaged in blisters, each of which can hold 10 or 20 pieces. This form of "Immunal" for adults is often prescribed.
- Solution. The color of the solution is brown; it may be transparent or slightly cloudy. Flocculent sediment during storage is allowed. The solution is packaged in dark bottles made of glass. Each bottle contains 50 milliliters of solution. A cardboard box contains one bottle and a special pipette designed for dispensing.
The composition of the "Immunal"
The main active component of the solution is the juice obtained from purple coneflower. Ethanol and sorbitol are used as auxiliary ingredients.
The main active component in the composition of the Immunal tabletted, similar to the solution, is the juice of purple peeling, only in dried form. Auxiliary components in the composition of the drug are: flavoring, vanillin, lactose, magnesium stearate, sodium saccharin, colloidal silicon dioxide.
The composition of Immunal Plus C includes a similar active component - echinacea juice, as well as ascorbic acid. Additional components are: flavoring agent, water, disodium edetate, sodium hydroxide, liquid maltitol, potassium sorbate.
Pharmacological effects
"Immunal" is an immunostimulating agent based on raw materials of plant origin. Each pharmacological form of the drug includes an active component such as juice, obtained from the flowers of purple coneflower. The main active components of this juice are alkamides, polysaccharides and derivatives of caffeic acid. Under the influence of all these active components, the body's defenses are enhanced, the function of the immune system is stimulated.
The active components of the drug can increase the number of leukocytes, activate phagocytosis. In addition, the reproduction of pathogens is suppressed, the process of inhibition of bacteria is activated. The antiviral effects of purple coneflower against herpes and influenza pathogens are also noted.
In general, the medication is able to increase the body's resistance to various infections, in particular to the pathogens of the infectious process in the respiratory system.
Below we consider the testimony of Immunal.
Indications for use
It is recommended to use the drug in the following situations and cases:
- As an auxiliary component in the course of complex therapy, which is aimed at combating chronic infectious diseases and includes the use of antibiotic drugs.
- As a prophylactic against flu and colds.
- If necessary, strengthen immunity in patients suffering from acute uncomplicated infectious diseases, as well as in those often suffering from colds.
Contraindications "Immunal"
The medication is contraindicated if the patient has the following disorders or physiological conditions:
- You should not use the tablet "Immunal" at the age of four years, in the form of syrup - up to a year.
- With HIV infection and diagnosed AIDS.
- With autoimmune diseases that progress (tuberculosis, leukemia, multiple sclerosis, collagenosis).
- In the presence of individual hypersensitivity to any of the components of the drug, as well as to plants belonging to the family Asteraceae.
Negative impact
According to reviews of Immunal, against the background of the use of a drug, the development of reactions of increased susceptibility is not ruled out. In some cases, they appear as itching, dizziness, rash on the skin. In addition, anaphylactic shock, bronchospasm, angioedema may develop.
When using the product for two months or more, leukopenia may occur.
Using
When using the solution, the correct pipette included in the kit will ensure the correct dosage. Before taking, the recommended dose of the drug in a small amount of water should be diluted.
When treating with Immunal syrup, children 1-6 years old should use 1 ml three times a day.
When treating children 6-12 years old, it is necessary to take 1.5 ml of the solution three times a day.
Patients from twelve years of age are recommended to use 2.5 ml of the drug. Reception is carried out three times a day.
When using the Immunal tablet for the treatment of young children, it is recommended to grind the tablet first and then mix the resulting powder with a small amount of liquid. Children 4-6 years old are shown to use the same tablet twice during the day, children 6-12 years old - three times. Patients from twelve years of age are recommended to use one tablet up to four times a day.
The therapeutic effect of the drug develops with its continuous use for at least a week. At the same time, the duration of use of Immunal should not exceed two months.
Currently, there are no reported cases of overdose.
Are there any cheaper analogues of Immunal? About this - below.
Interaction with other medicines
Before you start using the drug, it is important to consider that alcohol is present in its composition. In this connection, the drug is able to change the effect of other medicines.
There is evidence of significant interactions of the components of Immunal with cephalosporin derivatives such as Moxalactam, Cefmenoxim, Cefoperazone, Cefamanol, Cefotetan. The interaction is expressed in the appearance of nausea, headache, facial flushing, sweating, and a strong heartbeat. In this regard, experts do not recommend taking Immunal in parallel with these medicines. The application should be started after three days after the cessation of therapy using cephalosporin derivatives.
In addition, there is evidence of negative interactions with concurrent alcohol intake.
With parallel use, a weakening of the therapeutic effect of immunosuppressants is observed.
There are no data on interactions with other drugs.
Analogs
The cheaper medicines for Immunal are the following medications: Immunorm, Immunex, Herbion Echinacea. All of these funds are substitutes for the active component. The doctor should pick them up.
The cost of this drug
The average cost of a tabletted “Immunal” in Russian pharmacies is 380 rubles for a package containing twenty tablets. The average cost of the drug in the form of a solution is at the level of 330 rubles.
Reviews
There are many reviews of Immunal, and these opinions are contradictory. Some patients consider the drug a highly effective prophylactic, others note that the expected therapeutic effect was not obtained. This is due to the individual susceptibility of patients to echinacea.
Separately noted in the reviews about "Immunal" such a disadvantage of the drug as a relatively high cost. Currently, there are drugs on the market that have a similar composition and significantly lower cost.
Despite the almost complete safety of the drug, it should be used only as directed by a doctor.