Drugs that help cope with a viral infection, currently occupy a leading position from all sales. People come to pharmacists regardless of whether they are sick. Some consumers use these medicines for prevention. One of the most effective drugs to help cope with the flu is Tamiflu. It is about him that we will discuss later. From the article you will find out what the instructions for use say about the composition of Tamiflu. Price and analogues of the medicine will also be presented to your attention.
Composition and type of antiviral agent
What about the original medicine? The drug "Tamiflu" is a tool that helps to cope with a viral infection. The composition also has an immunomodulatory effect on the human body, increasing its protective functions. The active substance of the medication is oseltamivir. In tablets of this component, up to 75 mg is present. There is also a medicine in the form of a suspension. To obtain syrup, it is necessary to dilute the powder with chilled clean water. This medicine contains 60 mg of oseltamivir per 5 ml. Each component is sealed in a cardboard box. Instructions for use are attached to each unit of Tamiflu medicine.
The price of the drug is quite high. This is reported by consumers. One package, which is enough for a course of treatment, will cost from 1 to 1.5 thousand rubles.
Tamiflu: drug analogues
In the study of such drugs, it was found that the composition is not similar. Oseltamivir is not found in more than one drug. The drug "Tamiflu" works on the basis of inhibition of neurominidase. This is such a process when the negative effect of toxic substances that are released after the binding of the virus and cells of the human body is blocked. The medicine Relenza works in the same way. The active substance of this drug is zanamivir. Many consumers ask which is better - Tamiflu or Relenza. It is impossible to unequivocally answer this question. However, it is worth saying that this analogue of the original drug is administered by inhalation.
Tamiflu has analogues and others, for example, Ingavirin. This medicine is available in pill form. It is also used to eliminate viral infections or for prevention. If we compare what is better - “Ingavirin” or “Tamiflu”, then we can say the following. The original drug is recognized as more effective in combating various influenza viruses. However, its analogue copes well with commonplace ARVI and ARI. Also, the medicine "Ingavirin" has a cost almost three times lower than the composition based on oseltamivir.
Simpler Substitutes
Has the drug "Tamiflu" analogues and cheaper. At the same time, depending on the price, the effectiveness of the drug does not decrease. The most popular and safe antiviral agents are interferon inducers. Among them can be noted “Anaferon”, “Ergoferon”, “Kipferon”. The drug “Tsitovir”, “Kagocel”, “Isoprinosine” is also very popular.
The active substances in all the described drugs are different. However, they give the same effect - protection from the virus and its treatment. The cost of the funds described is in the range from 150 to 600 rubles.
Indications for use
The medicine "Tamiflu", its analogues and substitutes are prescribed by doctors everywhere. They acquire the greatest popularity during the period of epidemics and increased incidence. Instructions for use indicate the following indications for the use of formulations:
- flu A and B;
- acute viral infection;
- complications after an illness (in complex therapy);
- prevention of complications after surgery.
The drugs are used for the preventive purpose of protecting against colds and viral diseases. However, it is worth paying attention to the fact that Tamiflu, analogues are prescribed exclusively at a certain age. For example, the original medication is not used for prevention in children under 12 years of age. Isoprinosine is approved for use after only three years. The compositions "Anaferon" and "Ergoferon" are allowed from the first year of life.
Instruction for use
Before using the composition of "Tamiflu" (including analogues), you must study the instructions for use. Also consider the form of release of the medication and its dosage.
For adult patients and adolescents from 12 years of age, the composition is prescribed 75 mg of the active substance twice a day. If the child weighs less than 15 kg, then he is prescribed 30 mg of the drug. With a body weight of up to 23 kg, the dose is increased by another 15 mg. If the baby weighs no more than 40 pounds, then he is shown 60 ml. Each serving of the drug is used twice a day. The duration of therapy should not exceed 5 days.
Drug Reviews
Consumers report that Tamiflu is very effective. However, experienced people do not recommend taking it for prophylaxis or for a common cold. This approach is explained by the fact that with the onset of real flu, the described tool may simply not help you. Patients report that this medicine should always be present in your medicine cabinet. The sooner you start therapy after the first symptoms appear, the more effective it will be.
Doctors are very wary of the drug "Tamiflu." We can say that it is relatively new. Studies of this drug are still being conducted, which sometimes show disappointing data. So, the scientists said that the composition works on the placebo effect. At the same time, they made a reservation that the drug causes much more side effects than it has a positive effect. Believe it or not is an entirely personal matter.
Before using this or that drug, be sure to consult your doctor for individual recommendations. Even if these compositions are recommended by your friends, it cannot be ruled out that they may not be suitable for you. Try to be treated with safe and proven products and only after examination by a specialist. Be healthy and do not get sick!