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Health

Antiviral drugs for colds

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Antiviral drugs for colds - the main tool in the fight against this category of ailments.

As is known, during the period of activation of catarrhal diseases it is better to be engaged in their prevention, and not to bring them to conditions when treatment is already needed. Activating immunity in the cold season is the most effective measure to protect yourself against colds. Then the disease will not develop or, at least, the situation will not take on a serious form.

If the disease has a viral nature - acute respiratory viral disease (ARVI) - then there can not be no treatment without treatment. And it is best in this case to cope with the problem of antiviral drugs. The essence of their action is in the impact on the virus itself, which is an etiological factor.

Antiviral drugs are used to treat ARVI and influenza. These drugs affect the replication of the virus in such a way as to stop its reproduction. Antiviral drugs are synthetic or natural. They are used both in the fight against the disease, and for its prevention. Different stages of the common cold can be exposed to antiviral drugs. To date, modern science knows about five hundred pathogens of different kinds of colds. Antiviral drugs to fight them quite a bit.

In general, viral diseases are treated with three types of drugs:

  • drugs for a wide spectrum of influenza;
  • drugs for the treatment of herpes infections.
  • means for controlling cytomegalovirus.

In the case of severe disease, antiviral drugs are taken, with the use of interferons is easy. Within a day and a half after the appearance of the first symptoms, it is urgent to begin taking an antiviral drug. If we allow the multiplication of the virus to such a scale that it will occupy the entire body, then it can be brought to the conclusion that taking medications will not have any effect.

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Effects of antiviral drugs for colds

With the help of antiviral drugs, the causes of the onset and development of acute respiratory disease are eliminated. The results of this action are:

  • reduction of risks of exacerbations of chronic diseases (chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, etc.);
  • shortening the course of the cold for several days, alleviating its symptoms;
  • a reduction in the risk that severe complications will appear after acute respiratory illness.

Antiviral drugs for colds are also used as an emergency prophylaxis in the event that one of the family members becomes ill and needs to reduce the risk of infection of healthy people.

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Antiviral tablets for colds

In a class where there are synthetic antiviral drugs that cope well with the influenza virus, there are two groups of effective remedies. The essence of the action of M-channel blockers in the blocking of the virus so that it can not penetrate into cells and multiply. One of the tested preparations against viruses of this category is Amantadine (Midantan), and also Rimantadine (Remantadin). For the desired effect, they should be taken as soon as the disease begins to manifest itself. Another of their drawbacks is that it is not always possible to understand what kind of virus a person has become. And these antiviral drugs are shown in the epidemic from the influenza A virus. In addition, avian and swine flu are resistant to them. It is important to remember that taking an antiviral drug for a cold should be done not only by the sick person himself, but by all members of his family.

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Effective antiviral agent for colds

But neuraminidase inhibitors act on influenza A and B viruses. The essence of their action is in suppressing the enzyme, which is responsible for the multiplication of the virus. Representatives of this group of drugs are "Oseltamivir" ("Tamiflu") and "Zanamivir" (Relenza). You can start taking them within two days from the initial manifestations of the disease.

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List of antiviral drugs for colds

  • Tamiflu;
  • "Relenza";
  • "Grippferon";
  • Anaferon;
  • "Amiksin";
  • Kagocel;
  • Remantadin;
  • "Viferon";
  • Arbidol;
  • "Ribavirin";
  • "Amizon";
  • "Cycloferon."

Antiviral drug for cold "Zanamivir"

"Zanamivir" is prescribed for influenza in adults and children over 5 years of age for 5 mg of inhalation twice a day for 5 days. The total daily dose reaches 10 mg. The drug is not combined with other inhaled medications (including bronchodilators), because of the possible exacerbations in patients with bronchial asthma and other nonspecific lung diseases. In a number of people without pulmonary pathology, there may be signs of nasopharyngeal irritation, reaching in rare cases before the appearance of bronchospasm.

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Antiviral drug for cold "Oseltamivir"

For influenza for adults and children over 12 years, the recommended dose of "Oseltamivir" is 75 mg 2 times a day for at least 5 days. "Oseltamivir" is prescribed for children older than 1 year - with a body weight of less than 15 kg of 30 mg, 15 to 23 kg of 45 mg, 23 to 40 kg of 60 mg, more than 40 kg - 75 mg twice daily for five days.

The drug is administered with caution in renal failure, it can cause nausea and vomiting during admission.

Antiviral drugs for a cold of a wider spectrum of action - "Ribavirin" ("Ribarin") and "Inosin Pranobeks" ("Grosprinozin").

trusted-source[13], [14], [15]

Antiviral drug for cold "Ribavirin"

"Ribavirin" acts on influenza A and B-viruses, parainfluenza, respiratory syncytial virus, coronaviruses, rhinoviruses. The specificity of the drug is its high toxicity, therefore it is used only if a respiratory syncytial infection is confirmed that often leads to bronchiolitis in children.

"Ribavirin" is used to treat influenza in adults over 18 years (200 mg 3-4 times a day during meals for 5-7 days) in the absence of pregnancy, kidney failure and hemolytic anemia.

trusted-source[16], [17]

Antiviral drug for cold "Inosin pranobeks"

"Inosin pranobeks" fights against viruses of influenza, parainfluenza, rhinoviruses, adenoviruses. This antiviral drug for cold stimulates the defenses of the human body. To treat influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections, it is recommended to take: adults 2 tablets 3-4 times a day at regular intervals for 5-7 days; children a daily dose of 50 mg per kilogram of body weight.

The daily dose should be taken at 3-4 times at regular intervals. The duration of treatment is 5-7 days.

trusted-source[18], [19], [20], [21]

Interferons and interferon inducers

Another large group of antiviral drugs for colds are interferons and interferon inducers. Interferons are protein substances that synthesize the body as a response to infection, due to them the body is more resistant to viruses. They have a wide spectrum of action, which favorably differ from many other synthetic drugs. But some experts say that they are not very effective in ARVI. In the case of colds, they are prescribed as drops in the nose and rectal suppositories. The native leukocyte interferon is digested four or six times a day, Reaferon (interferon alfa-2a) two drops twice-four times a day. Viferon (alpha-2b interferon) usually goes like a candle, adults usually use Viferon 3 and 4.

There are also inducers of interferon. These are drugs that stimulate the body to produce its own interferons. Catarrhal diseases are treated with "Tyloron" ("Amiksin"), "Meglumina acridonacetate" ("Cycloferon") and a number of other antiviral drugs for colds.

Antiviral drug for cold "Amiksin"

For treatment of influenza and acute respiratory disease, "Amiksin" is prescribed inside after eating two tablets of 0.125 g for adults and 0.06 g for children over 7 years on the first day of illness and then 1 tablet every other day.

The course of treatment - up to 6 tablets. Contraindicated in pregnant women and children younger than 7 years.

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Antiviral drug for cold "Cycloferon"

"Cycloferon" is used to treat influenza and ARI in the form of intramuscular injections at a dose of 250 mg (12.5% per 2 ml) for two consecutive days, then every other day or 1 tablet 0.15 g every other day for 20 days.

trusted-source[23]

Antiviral drug for cold "Kagocel"

"Kagocel" is an inducer of interferon with direct antiviral and immunomodulating action.

Usually it is prescribed for influenza and ARI adults 2 tablets 3 times a day for the first two days (daily dose is 72 mg), then 1 tablet 3 times a day (daily dose of 36 mg). A total of 18 tablets per 4-day course.

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Antiviral drug for cold "Arbidol"

Effective in treating the common cold is an antiviral drug, like Arbidol. It acts against viruses A, B, it also treats parainfluenza, syncytial infections, adenoviruses. The essence of the drug in stimulating the production of endogenous interferon, it has an antioxidant effect, strengthens the immune system.

Arbidol for colds without complications appoint: children from 3 to 6 years - 50 mg, from 6 to 12 years - 100 mg, over 12 years and adults - 200 mg 4 times a day (every 6 hours) for 5 days. With the development of complications (bronchitis, pneumonia, etc.) children from 3 to 6 years take Arbidol 50 mg each, from 6 to 12 years - 100 mg, over 12 years, adults - 200 mg 4 times a day (every 6 hours ) for 5 days, then a single dose once a week for a month.

trusted-source[26], [27], [28]

Antiviral drug for cold "Amizon"

Antiviral drug for cold "Amizon" is an inducer of endogenous interferon, has antiviral, immunomodulating and anti-inflammatory action.

Adults take "Amizon" 2-4 times a day after a meal with an average flu and acute respiratory infections of 0.25 g, with a heavy - for 0.5 g for 5-7 days; the course dose of treatment is 3-6.5 g. Children aged 6-12 years drink 0.125 g 2-3 times a day for 5-7 days.

Antiviral drug for cold "Anaferon"

"Anaferon" refers to homeopathic remedies with antiviral and immunomodulating effect. It is also used to treat colds and flu. Usage for adults: 1 tablet, sublingually from three times a day to six, depending on the severity of the disease.

Treatment begins with the first respiratory symptoms. After improving the condition, it is recommended to switch to taking the drug once a day, for 8-10 days. Children from six months to three years, one tablet dissolved in 15 ml of water and give a drink. For prevention, Anaferon is prescribed one tablet once a day, for one to three months.

trusted-source[29]

Antiviral drug for colds "Grippferon"

"Grippferon" is an immunomodulatory, antiviral and anti-inflammatory drug for intranasal use. The duration of the course of application and dose of the drug "Grippferon" is usually determined by the doctor in charge.

The recommended dose for children younger than 1 year is 500 IU (1 drop of the drug) 5 times a day; for children from 1 year to 3 years is 1000 IU (2 drops of "Grippferon") 3-4 times a day; from 3 to 14 years is 1000 IU (2 drops of the drug "Grippferon") 4-5 times a day. The recommended adult dose is 1500 IU (3 drops) 5-6 times a day. The course duration is 5 days.

Herbal antiviral drugs for colds

Some herbs also have an antiviral effect. The effect of many herbal medicines is directed against viruses belonging to the herpes family. Catarrhal diseases are often accompanied by herpes rash, in addition, the course of cytomegalovirus infection also often occurs with the same symptoms as ARVI. This category of drugs includes "Alpizarin". The active ingredient in it is an extract of such plants as an alpine penny, a yellow penny, mango leaves. The antiviral preparation "Flacoside" has in its composition an active substance, which is obtained from velvet Amur and velvet Laval. For external use, the ointments "Megozin" (cottonseed oil), "Helepin" (ground part of the cheesecake), "Gossipol" (are obtained when processing cotton seeds or cotton roots).

Antiviral drugs that are used for colds also include Altabor. It is based on an extract of stems of gray and black (sticky) alder.

The pendulous shank and ground reed give life to the drug "Proteflazidu", it is also used in the treatment of colds, influenza and for their prevention. Antiviral and immunomodulating action is possessed by the German preparation "Imupret". It consists of field horsetail, walnut leaves and oak bark.

The price of antiviral drugs for colds

The run-up of prices for antiviral drugs for colds is quite wide - from 20 to 200 hryvnia (of course, it still depends on the packaging and the number of tablets). In any case, it is better to consult with the attending physician who will prescribe the drug, which in the particular case will prove to be the most effective.

If you call the approximate prices for the main antiviral drugs used for the treatment of colds, in pharmacies in Ukraine they are: "Amizon" - from 20 UAH, "Arbidol" - from 50 UAH, "Amiksin" - from 30 UAH, "Anaferon" - from 40 UAH, "Remantadin" - from 11 UAH, "Kagocel" from 70 UAH, "Viferon" - from 70 UAH - from 110 UAH.

Inexpensive antiviral drugs for colds

Inexpensive antiviral drugs for colds, which are often prescribed by doctors and widely used - "Amizon", "Amiksin", "Anaferon". For 20-40 hryvnia you can buy 10 tablets. But once again pay attention: before making a decision to purchase an antiviral drug for a cold, it is worth consulting with a doctor.

With the help of antiviral drugs, it is not the consequence, but the cause of the catarrhal disease that is eliminated. This is the great advantage of antiviral drugs in the treatment of colds, which also explains their effectiveness. Antiviral drugs shorten the cold for two to three days, ease its course. Due to the use of antiviral drugs for colds, the risk of other chronic diseases worsening (exacerbation of bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis and other diseases) is also reduced, as well as various complications, as is often the case with other drugs. In addition, antiviral drugs for colds give excellent effect in the prevention of acute respiratory viral infections, influenza, including among healthy family members when the patient is at home.

Attention!

To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Antiviral drugs for colds" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.

Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.

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