To combat viruses and colds , medicine uses anti-influenza drugs that suppress the vital activity and spread of pathogens. When choosing a product, it is necessary to give preference to one whose effectiveness has been proven by scientific research.
Influenza virus: what is the danger?
One of the main tasks of medical science is the development of drugs to combat the influenza virus. This contagious disease in the absence of adequate and timely therapy can significantly harm the body and provoke complications. Persons with a weak immune system are most at risk. At risk are children and the elderly. During the period of the disease, meningitis, inflammation or pulmonary edema, bronchitis, pneumonia can develop. In those who suffer from chronic pathologies, the influenza virus strikes a weak spot, and the disease worsens, which can lead to death.
The virus constantly mutates, new strains appear, and it is difficult for the human body to cope with an unfamiliar “enemy”. Pandemics ("Spanish", Asian, Hong Kong, pork) take the lives of many people, and therefore flu treatment products are constantly being improved to achieve the most effective effect.
Anti-influenza drugs: mechanism of action
When treating influenza, it is important not only to remove the symptoms of the disease, but also to eradicate the virus from the body. Anti-influenza drugs are aimed at suppressing the pathogen, protecting the cell from the penetration of the virus and further spread. There are drugs suitable for the treatment of influenza, and those that are used exclusively for prevention.
The mechanism of action distinguishes between means:
- inhibitory compounds (synthesis) of early proteins;
- suppressing the synthesis of DNA and RNA-type nucleic acids;
- inhibitory "assembly" of protein and nucleic acid (virion formation);
- increasing the ability of cells to resist viruses.
Classification
Medicines with proven efficacy against viruses are divided into two groups: M2-channel blockers (prescribed for the treatment of influenza A) and enzyme inhibitors from the envelope of the virus - neuraminidase (affect type A and B flu). There is also a group of interferon - human and synthetic.
Depending on the type of disease, antiviral agents are classified into the following categories:
- Anti-influenza drugs (Amantadine, Arbidol, Rimantadine, Tamiflu).
- Antiherpetic drugs (Valaciclovir, Gerpevir).
- Anti-cytomegalovirus drugs (Foscarnet, Ganciclovir).
- Drugs used for immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C ("Phosphonoformat", "Zidovudine").
- Antiviral (anti-influenza) drugs with a wide spectrum of action ("Interferon", "Amiksin").
Interferons - drugs with a wide spectrum of action
Interferon is a protein (protein) from the type of cytokines that is produced by the immune system in contact with "alien" microorganisms. Three types of interferon are known: alpha (α), beta (β) and gamma (γ). Each of them has certain properties and affects specific diseases. Broad-spectrum anti-influenza drugs effectively fight not only viral, but also bacterial infections. It has been established that human and synthetic interferon create a protective barrier to the spread of pathology and make immune cells (especially macrophages) work.
Preparations with interferon can be in various forms: injections (intravenous and intramuscular), ointments for external use, drops, tablets, suppositories. Natural interferon can cause side effects due to someone else's protein in the composition, so synthetic new-generation anti-influenza drugs are more popular. You can choose the right remedy with the help of a doctor.
What antiviral drugs are suitable for children?
The child’s body is more susceptible to infection with the virus, because, unlike adults, its immune system is not yet strong enough to give a worthy rebuff to pathogenic microorganisms. The disease quickly overcomes a small person and can give complications to the organs of the upper respiratory tract. Among modern drugs, there are anti-influenza drugs for children that are allowed to be used from birth. It can be homeopathic ("Viburkol") and funds from the group of interferons. Among the latter, candles are especially respected by parents : Viferon, Anaferon, Kipferon. These are anti-influenza drugs, reviews of which are mostly positive.
Anti-influenza drugs of synthetic origin - Tamiflu, Arbidol, Rimantadin - are effective only if they are given in the first hours of the manifestation of the disease. Even if the drug is given on time, relief may still not come. This is due to the ability of the active substance: type A flu cannot be treated with a type B agent. It is worthwhile to refrain from buying pharmacy medicines that have not passed clinical trials: Panavir, Cycloferon, etc.
Therefore, before the arrival of the pediatric pediatrician, it is better for the child to give a plentiful drink, relieving symptoms and antiviral drugs (anti-influenza, anti -herpes ). It should be only funds with proven effectiveness, and they must be given strictly according to the instructions.
Influenza drugs and pregnancy
During pregnancy , the woman’s immune system is weakened and easily “misses” pathogenic microorganisms. Most drugs are forbidden to take in the first trimester, so as not to harm the developing fetus, but the flu virus is dangerous for the baby and the expectant mother. Approved anti-influenza drugs for pregnant women and while breastfeeding: Viferon, Tamiflu, Oscillococcinum. Before starting treatment, it is imperative to consult a gynecologist who is pregnant and knows the characteristics of the body of the future mother.
The best way to protect against a viral infection is prevention. Therefore, the expectant mother must take care of her health and increase immunity. During outbreaks of epidemics, it is necessary to limit visits to public places and not to contact an infected person. To reduce the risk of the disease, you can use the funds based on interferon, which the doctor will pick up.
Creating a new generation of drugs
Scientists are constantly on the lookout for a new life-saving vaccine and drugs that can fight the mutated influenza virus. Unfortunately, not all new-generation anti-influenza drugs that went on sale have time to go through a study on effectiveness. There is a danger of high toxic effects on body cells and side effects.
Drugs for the treatment of flu and colds with clinically proven efficacy can be used without fear. The positive results of studies with funds "Ingavirin", "Derinat", "Tamiflu", "Amiksin", "Kagocel", "Relenza".
How to choose an anti-influenza drug?
Popular advertised funds do not help everyone get rid of the disease in a matter of days. First of all, recovery depends on the state of the human immune system, and if there is a place for exhaustion, then a positive result from drug therapy will have to wait a long time. It is also important how quickly they started taking anti-influenza drugs. The list of recommended drugs is quite large, but those that act only on infected cells and do not cause toxicological damage to the whole body are considered effective.
Pharmacy counters are full of various antiviral drugs, but the choice must be approached consciously, after consulting with your doctor. It is difficult to independently determine the appropriate drug and to paint a treatment regimen. It is still necessary to take into account contraindications and possible side effects that are present in the group of neuraminidase inhibitors.
Viferon: brief information
"Viferon" refers to synthetic interferons (α-2b) and contains vitamins C, E. It is a complex agent of a wide spectrum of actions used in the treatment of colds, flu, gynecological pathologies and various infections. Quite often, Viferon is prescribed as a prophylaxis and strengthening immunity. They are produced in the form of ointment, gel and suppositories.
Depending on the age, doctors select the necessary concentration of the drug. Exceeding the recommended dosage is prohibited! The tool is absolutely safe for pregnant and lactating women. In pediatrics, influenza medications for children are prescribed if there are certain indications. Suppositories with the least amount of active substance (150,000 IU) are successfully used to treat babies. For older children and adolescents, the concentration of Viferon may be greater.
The drug has passed the necessary tests and has virtually no side effects. In rare cases, an allergic reaction may occur that does not need treatment.
Ingavirin
New generation anti-influenza drugs replenished with another development of scientists called Ingavirin. The antiviral and anti-inflammatory effect extends to influenza viruses type A, B, respiratory infections, parainfluenza. One capsule of the drug contains 90 mg of the active substance vitaglutam. The immunostimulating effect promotes the production of interferon.
Studies have shown low toxicity of the drug and a positive result of influenza therapy within a day after the start of taking "Ingavirin". Side effects in the form of an allergic rash occurred quite rarely. Despite the good results of the experiments, it is forbidden to use the drug for women in position, during lactation and for children under 18 years of age.
Amiksin
The synthetic inducer of all types of interferon, the drug in the form of tablets "Amiksin" ("Tiloron") has established itself only on the positive side. Antiviral properties extend to colds, flu, hepatitis (B, C, A), herpetic and cytomegalovirus infection.
The interferon inducer is recommended as a prophylaxis during epidemics. The course of treatment and dosage is determined by the attending physician. Contraindications are individual intolerance to the components, age up to 7 years, pregnancy and lactation.
"Lipoferon"
New anti-influenza drugs that appear on the pharmacy shelves are generally well tolerated by both children and the adult generation. "Lipoferon" is a liposome product based on a recombinant interferon of the α group (alpha), which contains the antioxidant vitamins E and C. The advantage of interferon, enclosed in liposomes, is the preservation of biological activity during ingestion. Successful and medical studies of the drug, proving the effectiveness and lack of side effects.
Like many influenza drugs, Lipoferon is available in powder form with varying concentrations of interferon. In pediatrics, the use of the drug is allowed if the child is 3 years old. During pregnancy, lactation and with allergic intolerance of the constituent components, it is forbidden to take it.
Is it worth taking anti-influenza drugs?
The opinions of doctors were divided on the need to prescribe antiviral (anti-influenza) drugs to patients. There are doubts about their effectiveness in people who have experienced these funds. Immunologists, pediatricians, therapists recommend that you do not self-medicate and take only flu-prescribed medicines prescribed by your doctor. The list of drugs of this type presented on the free sale is really large, but the greatest preference is still given to interferon inducers with the least contraindications and side effects.
For greater effectiveness of drug therapy and prevention, it is necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle and not to forget about the recipes of traditional medicine that are tested by generations to strengthen immunity in children and adults.