The Protargol solution has long been used very widely in pediatric practice. It was possible to order it in almost any pharmacy that produces dosage forms. It is to order, since the finished product has never been sold. Even today, the factory method does not produce it. After all, only two weeks is the shelf life of the Protargol solution. Analogues of a drug with a similar composition are much easier to purchase in a pharmacy.
Description of the drug
The minimum shelf life of the drug "Protargol" can not be attributed to disadvantages. Such a duration of treatment is dictated by conflicting qualities:
- high effectiveness of therapy;
- quite a serious danger to the body in case of thoughtless use of drops.
The drug Protargol has many medicinal properties. Analogues of the drug, similar in composition to the original medication, also have excellent therapeutic effects. The drug has an antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect on the body.
The composition of the drug
Colloidal silver solution is the main ingredient of the Protargol preparation. Analogs contain purified water, a silver tablet. The latter must be dissolved independently in water. This can significantly increase the shelf life of the drug.
That is why most pediatricians have recently recommended a fairly effective analogue - Sialor. Protargol for children must be ordered in state pharmacies and carefully monitor the expiration date. While the medicine "Sialor" can be used, previously dissolved, at any time.
Scope of application
To this day, the drug "Protargol" is actively used by doctors of a wide variety of specialties. The medicine is very much appreciated by otolaryngologists. With a sufficiently large range of pathologies, the medicine "Protargol" allows to cope.
The use of this drug for children is in demand with:
- purulent rhinitis of a bacterial nature;
- sinusitis, including sinusitis;
- pharyngitis;
- eustachyitis;
- adenoiditis.
Each of these diseases is perfectly cured by this remedy. The drug is used not only by otolaryngologists. It is widely used in their practice by urologists, ophthalmologists.
However, remember, using Protargol for children (analogues of this remedy): the medication will bring excellent results only if you choose the right dosage according to the age of the baby. Only the attending physician can determine the norm.
The action of the drug with a cold
Active silver ions contained in the drug, getting on the mucous membranes of the nose, quickly penetrate into microbes. These substances contribute to the destruction of pathogens, disrupting the process of their life.
Doctors have proven that Protargol drops (an analogue of the drug has a similar effect) destroy not only bacteria, but also fungi. Due to this, small patients after using this drug do not suffer from dysbiosis.
However, these funds are completely ineffective with a viral infection. Therefore, treating them with such diseases does not make sense. The medicine "Protargol" does not destroy viruses.
Another advantage of the medication is the ability to form a protective film on the mucous membranes. It represents a barrier to the penetration of new microbes into the body. In addition, this film helps to heal the damaged mucous membrane.
It is noted that the drug "Protargol" contributes to a certain narrowing of blood vessels. As a result, the child:
- swelling is reduced;
- the feeling of nasal congestion is reduced.
After the first use of drops, the inflammatory process slows down significantly.
Instructions for use
According to her, there is an age limit regarding the use of the drug "Protargol" for children. Analogues of this tool, as many reviews say, are successfully used for babies aged 1-2 years. While the described drug can be used only starting from 5 years of age.
However, do not forget that using any product is necessary in strict dosages and only as directed by a doctor.
As a rule, the recommendations for the use of the drug "Protargol" are as follows:
- Small crumbs should use drops, the concentration of silver in which does not exceed 1%. Very often, pediatricians recommend one-year-old babies not to drip into the nose, but to lubricate the mucous solution with Protargol. This will minimize the risk of side effects. Before using the medicine, it is recommended to rinse the nasal cavities with saline. Only after this should be used the drug "Protargol".
- From 1 to 3 drops are dripped into the baby in each nasal cavity at one time. The dosage depends entirely on the age of the child. This procedure should be repeated about 2-5 times during the day. Again, only the doctor will recommend the procedure for use and the exact dosage.
- The duration of treatment often lasts from 7 to 10 days. With protracted forms of the disease, the use of Protargol is possible up to 14 days.
- With eye inflammation, a medicine (1%, 2%) is prescribed in 2-3 drops. It is recommended to repeat the event 2-4 times a day.
Contraindications
Despite such a simple composition, the medicine is still forbidden for certain categories of people. The drug "Protargol" (its analogues also) is contraindicated, according to the instructions, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Do not use the tool for people who suffer from hypersensitivity to silver or protein. It is completely not recommended to use this tool for persons of any age who have a tendency to allergic reactions. No medication is prescribed for those who suffer from reduced immunity.
Most doctors consider it unacceptable to prescribe a solution to babies under the age of five. This contraindication is motivated by the fact that the drug "Protargol" contains silver - a heavy metal. It can accumulate in the body and provoke a violation of the functions of internal organs.
Despite this, many pediatricians continue to prescribe crumbs the medicine "Protargol". Reviews of doctors based on many years of experience confirm the successful use of the drug in pediatrics. In addition, the aqueous solution contains a minimum concentration of silver. This minimizes the risk of possible accumulation of metal in the body.
The main analogues
Remember the most important thing: you can use these drugs only after consulting a doctor! If we talk about the effective analogue of "Protargol" (nose drops), then we should mention the drug "Sialor". This is an almost identical medication. Only to breed it is necessary independently at home. It is perfectly stored for 30 days in the refrigerator.
According to the active substance, the structural analogues of the original drug are drugs:
- Argovit.
- "Vitargol."
- "Collargol."
The last drug, like the Protargol medicine, has an active substance - silver ions. However, the Collargol medication contains 10 times more active ingredient. That is why such a drug in the nose is categorically not recommended.
Patient opinion
Today, too much information has appeared about the benefits and harms of Protargol. Patient reviews may not be the basis for choosing drugs. The main thing you should focus on is the doctor’s recommendations.
Also, pay particular attention to reading the instructions. Perhaps you did not tell the doctor all the information about the crumbs before the child was prescribed the drug.
But, unfortunately, reviews play a significant role for most parents when the question arises of whether to use Protargol drops or not. This is quite obvious. What kind of parent wants to use the medicine, which some patients call "poison"?
Such widespread opinions do not stand up to criticism. They should not scare you at all. Using the drug "Protargol", you must be sure of the effectiveness of the treatment, since this drug was prescribed to the child by a doctor. And after a thorough study of the instructions, you did not find any contraindications.
Therefore, negative reviews can be safely ignored.
Conclusion
When it comes to the health of your baby, trust only specialists. Remember: the drug "Protargol" is not prohibited for use by children. But, like any medicine, it has certain indications and, accordingly, contraindications.
Therefore, be very careful when using this tool. And most importantly, listen to the recommendations of the doctor, clearly observe the prescribed dosages and terms of treatment. In this case, the medicine "Protargol" will not do any harm to your baby.