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Influenza - Treatment
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 06.07.2025
Drug treatment of influenza
Antiviral treatment of influenza is indicated for moderate to severe cases of the disease, as well as for patients with concomitant pathologies, the exacerbation of which may be life-threatening. Etiotropic treatment of influenza includes the administration of adamantane drugs (for example, rimantadine). Remantadine (rimantadine) has antiviral activity against influenza A virus strains. It is effective when prescribed in the first 2 days of the disease. Take orally after meals (with water) according to the following scheme: on the 1st day - 300 mg in three doses; on the 2nd and 3rd days - 200 mg in two doses; on the 4th day - 100 mg at one time. Algirem (rimantadine) - 0.2% rimantadine solution in syrup (for the treatment of influenza A in children). The course of treatment: 4 days in accordance with the age-specific dosage regimen.
Treatment of influenza caused by viruses of serotypes A and B is carried out with drugs from the group of neuraminidase inhibitors (for example, oseltamivir, prescribed at 150 mg in two doses for 5-7 days).
The drug of choice is arbidol (indole group) - an antiviral drug with interferon-inducing, immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties. Effective against viruses A and B. Prescribed at 600 mg/day in 3 doses for 5-7 days.
Alternative drugs - interferons and interferon inducers. The most common interferon drugs are: human leukocyte interferon and recombinant compounds (interferon alpha-2). Interferon inducers are also used: tilorone, cycloferon (meglumine acridonacetate), sodium oxodihydroacridinyl acetate - synthetic compounds; kagocel, ridostin (sodium ribonucleate) - natural compounds.
Detoxification is performed: with a 5% glucose solution or rheopolyglucin [dextran (average molecular weight 30,000-40,000)]. Vaso- and cardioprotective drugs are prescribed. Furosemide is prescribed at 40-80 mg/day to prevent or treat incipient cerebral (or pulmonary) edema.
Prednisolone is administered for the same purpose at 300-500 mg/day. Heparin, dipyridamole, pentoxifylline, and fresh frozen plasma are used to eliminate DIC. In case of hyperthermia, acetylsalicylic acid and paracetamol preparations are indicated, with careful consideration of contraindications.
It is advisable to use antiprotease drugs (for example, aprotinin).
Pentoxifylline is prescribed to improve cerebral circulation. Patients with severe forms of the disease require oxygen therapy (inhalation of an oxygen-air mixture).
It is necessary to constantly monitor the patency of the upper respiratory tract, aspirate sputum and mucus using an electric suction device. Correction of disturbances in the acid-base balance of the blood is necessary. When heart failure occurs, cardiac glycosides (lily of the valley herb glycoside, ouabain), 10% sulfocamphocaine solution are used.
H2 receptor blockers are prescribed. To reduce vascular permeability - ascorbic acid, rutoside.
Regime and diet
Bed rest is recommended throughout the feverish period. Flu treatment should be combined with a full diet including fermented milk products, fruit and vegetable juices. For detoxification, use plenty of warm drinks up to 1.5-2 l/day (tea, juices, rosehip decoction, linden blossom decoction, alkaline mineral waters, milk).
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