It’s easy to catch a cold at any time of the year. In winter and early spring, the body is weakened by a lack of vitamins, in the fall unsettled weather and dampness can play, in the summer we catch a cold under air conditioners or sitting to the blue lips in ponds. Therefore, in the first-aid kit should always be a cold remedy, because their effectiveness is higher, the earlier treatment is started. Of course, it would be great to find antiviral drugs that are inexpensive but effective. Someone sarcastically grins and is completely in vain. Doctors themselves confirm that over the past couple of decades, revolutionary remedies for colds have not been invented. So, new and expensive is not necessarily the best.
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Types of antiviral agents
Before diving into the study of antiviral drugs, I have to say a few words about when they should be taken at all.
Everyone knows the feeling of being overwhelmed and unwell, accompanying the onset of a cold.Still a little tickle in the throat, a little squish the nose and some weakness does not allow to fully work and lead life. Most often, until the temperature puts to bed, we prefer to "go over" the disease, washing it with tea with lemon. This is wrong and treatment should be started as soon as possible.
Reception of antiviral drugs is justified right from the first hours of the disease, since already on 2-3 days they may be ineffective.
Separately, it is worth stipulating the use of antibiotics. These funds do not act on viruses, therefore they are completely useless for colds. At least until a bacterial infection has joined the running flu.
Viruses cause not only the flu or herpes, but also many other diseases. But many antiviral agents are active against several types of viruses. Therefore, do not be alarmed if you have been prescribed a drug for the common cold that is indicated, for example, for hepatitis.
So, traditionally all drugs against viruses are divided into two groups:
- interferons and their inhibitors (agents that induce the immune system to produce antibodies);
- in fact, drugs that attack the virus.
The last group, in turn, includes drugs against influenza, herpes, cytomegaloviruses, retroviruses. A separate category is herbal preparations and homeopathy.
It is important to note that most of these drugs have unproven effectiveness. Research is expensive, and is conducted directly by manufacturers or interested parties. Therefore, on the pharmacy counters, the lion's share of “cold remedies” is just dummies, and not cheap.
As for immunomodulators, there are many gossips around these drugs. Some doctors insist on their high efficiency. Others warn that the mechanism of the immune system has not yet been sufficiently studied to talk about the safety of using such drugs in the long term. In any case, all these drugs are best taken as a preventative measure during the cold season, since their effect is not instantaneous.
Broad spectrum antiviral drugs
Interferons and their inhibitors should be attributed to this group in the first place. The first are drugs of human interferon or its analogues, obtained artificially. The second - funds that stimulate the immune system to produce its own interferon.
What is interferon in general? This is the common name for several proteins that are synthesized by cells in a viral attack.
They come in three forms: alpha, beta and gamma. The substance itself does not attack the virus, but changes the structure of the cell, preventing its reproduction. In addition, it activates the immune system.
It should be noted that interferon inhibitors are widely used only in the countries of the former Soviet Union, and interferon preparations themselves abroad are prescription drugs.
A wide range of effects is also found in herbal preparations, many of which also activate the synthesis of interferon.
Leukocyte interferon
A drug prescribed against influenza and other viral diseases. It is used both for prevention and as a medicine (both primary and secondary). Available in powder form. Packed in 2 ml ampoules. Before use, it is diluted in water and then dripped into the nose twice a day, 5 drops. As a preventive measure, they continue to take it, while the likelihood of infection remains.
If flu symptoms have already manifested, then interferon should be instilled as soon as possible. The dosage is the same, but up to 5 times a day. The solution is also used in inhalations. For this, 3 ampoules are diluted in 10 ml of water.
There is no reliable data regarding the use by pregnant women and children. Some doctors prescribe interferon almost from infancy. The cost of packaging with 10 ampoules ranges from 80 to 130 rubles.
Grippferon
This drug contains the same human interferon, but in the form of drops or spray. One vial is equivalent to 100 ampoules of the specified substance. The price is from 225 to 340 rubles.
Allowed for children and pregnant women. Adults in the treatment of influenza and SARS drip 3 drops into one and the other nostril. Up to 6 procedures are allowed per day. Children take according to age. As a prophylaxis, the drug is dripped twice a day. Contraindications, in addition to allergic reactions, the drug does not have.
Viferon
This is again interferon, but already in the form of suppositories. Convenient for use in young children. It is also produced in the form of a gel and ointment.
The drug is allowed from the second trimester of pregnancy, as well as children from infancy. It has no contraindications. The cost of 10 suppositories ranges from 210-260 rubles.
The dosage is calculated taking into account the age of the patient and the type of disease.
Lavomax, Amixin, Tilaxin
This is a tilorone-based drug that is an interferon inhibitor. The cost of packaging with 6 tablets is 450-560 rubles. Despite the not very affordable price, this number of tablets is enough for a full therapeutic course.
Means are indicated for the treatment of influenza, colds, herpes infections and other diseases of viral origin. It is forbidden for children under the age of seven and pregnant women.
For colds, the first two days show a dose of 125 mg, then a tablet every other day (4 times, for a total of 8 days). For prevention purposes, the drug is even easier to drink - one tablet per week, 6 doses.
Kagocel
A medicine based on the same active substance is another interferon inducer. It is indicated for influenza, acute respiratory viral infections and herpetic eruptions. Available in tablets of 10 units per pack. The price per pack is about 230 rubles, but two for an adult course.
Among the contraindications, the manufacturer noted pregnancy and age up to 3 years. Individual reactions to the drug are not excluded.
For colds in the first two days, the drug is taken in shock doses: a pair of tablets every 6 hours. Then, for two days, the dose is halved.
Ribavirin
The drug is the widest spectrum, having a detrimental effect directly on viruses. The active substance is embedded in the RNA of the virus, causing death or mutations that reduce the pathogenicity of microorganisms. Available in capsules or tablets by various manufacturers. For 30 pieces you have to pay from 90 to 250 rubles.
Despite its high effectiveness, not everyone is allowed to take the drug.
Manufacturers attributed to contraindications:
- pregnancy and lactation;
- heart disease
- age up to 18 years;
- diseases of the liver and kidneys, as well as the thyroid gland;
- autoimmune diseases.
The drug has a teratogenic effect, therefore, within six months after taking it, pregnancy is extremely undesirable.
The medicine is taken based on a ratio of 15 mg / kg per day.
Derinat
Immunomodulator drug developed in Russia. It is based on sodium deoxyribonucleate, which has a complex effect: activates phagocytes, accelerates metabolism, and accelerates DNA synthesis. It is indicated in the treatment (even as the only means) of ARVI and inflammatory processes of viral and bacterial etiology. The most effective in the first few days of the disease.
Derinat has no contraindications and is allowed to be taken from infancy. On the first day of the disease, the medicine is dripped in a couple of drops at intervals of an hour and a half. On the second day, 3-4 times in the same dosage.
The tool is available in the form of drops and spray. The retail price ranges from 225 to 290 rubles per 10 ml.
Antiviral in complexes with immunomodulators and antihistamines
Effective medicines for colds and flu that have a complex effect are very popular today: they relieve inflammation, cramps, increase immunity, and stop allergic reactions.
Anaferon
This remedy is from the homeopathic group. Available in tablets in adult and pediatric dosage, and in the form of drops for the smallest patients. Anaferon has a complex effect, destroying viruses, activating the immune system. It is indicated for the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections, influenza and herpes infections. The cost ranges from 180-220 rubles.
You can use it during pregnancy, taking into account the risk / benefit ratio.
To treat colds and flu, the course of therapy should be started as soon as possible. In the first two hours they drink 4 tablets (apiece, in half an hour). In the remaining 22 hours, they take another 3 pieces. In the following days, drink a tablet three times a day until the symptoms disappear.
Aflubin
Another homeopathic medicine made in Austria based on gentian, aconite and brionium. It has a complex effect: stimulates the immune system, destroys the virus, relieves heat. Available in liquid and tablet form. Pricing policy is in the range of 360-500 rubles.
The drug did not have any other contraindications, except for individual high sensitivity. Aflubin children are allowed from birth, pregnant and lactating - as agreed with the doctor.
For treatment, adults are shown taking 10 drops or one tablet three times a day. Children's dosage is prescribed by a doctor.
Arbidol
Another drug that activates the production of interferon. The active substance is umifenovir. It is indicated against influenza and other viral diseases, intestinal infections. Available in capsule, tablet form, in suspension. The cost of 20 tablets (enough per course) is about 450 rubles.
It is not allowed to receive children under 2 years of age, pregnant, due to lack of research facilities. Of the contraindications for the drug, the manufacturer notes only individual intolerance.
During treatment, adults take the pill 4 times a day, children - half or quarter with the same frequency. The course of therapy lasts 5 days.
Ergoferon
The drug, belonging to the group of homeopathic remedies, has an antiviral effect and has antihistamine properties. Available in tablets of 20 pieces per pack, costing from 280 to 320 rubles.
The tool has no restrictions on admission, except for children up to six months and individual cases of intolerance. Pregnant women should take Ergoferon with caution.
For treatment, first take a tablet with an interval of half an hour, and then 3 more tablets until the end of the day. From the next day, the frequency of receptions is reduced to three.
In order to prevent infection, Ergoferon can be taken up to six months.
Ingavirin
The drug is produced in Russia, which has a complex effect: inhibits the reproduction of viruses and suppresses inflammatory processes. The active substance is vitaglutam. Available in two forms, differing in the concentration of the active substance in the capsule. Packed in packages of seven capsules. Price: from 450 to 480 for the "adult" dosage.
The drug in a children's dosage is allowed to be taken from 7 years. The rest of the tool has no restrictions. Studies on pregnant women have not been conducted.
The treatment regimen is extremely simple - on a capsule once a day from the onset of symptoms. Use without reference to food intake.
Inosine pranobex (Groprinosin, Isoprinosine)
The tool has an antiviral and immunomodulating effect. Due to the intake, the body's resistance to viruses is increased, the manifestations of the disease are reduced, recovery is accelerated. For 20 tablets, you will have to pay about 700 rubles.
Treatment with drugs is prohibited for gout and urolithiasis, arrhythmias and kidney diseases. Pregnancy and age up to 3 years are also contraindications to admission.
Adults drink the pill up to 4 times daily. Children - based on a ratio of 50 mg / kg.
Engistol
Homeopathic medicine in tablet form. It has an antiviral effect, as well as immunomodulating and sympatholytic. It is indicated for influenza and acute respiratory viral infections in combination with other drugs. Fifty pills will cost about 450 rubles.
Treatment with Engistol is not prescribed for children under three years of age, as well as for people with lactose intolerance.
The tablets are not swallowed, but dissolve in pieces three times a day. After ingestion for an hour, it is undesirable to eat food. The course is two weeks.
Effective Herbal Antivirals
As mentioned above, almost all of the described drugs have proven effectiveness so far, and the effect of some of them is not well understood. Therefore, the long-term use or use of such drugs for prophylactic purposes causes reasonable concern in some people. An alternative to them may be herbal medicines.
Hyporamine
A phytopreparation that has an inhibitory effect on the neuraminidase of the virus can be prescribed both for influenza, acute respiratory viral infections, and for herpes. The main active substance is buckthorn buckthorn extract. Available in absorbable tablets of 20 pieces per pack. Cost - from 130 to 145 rubles.
The drug is not allowed for children under three years of age due to the inability to use it correctly. There are no data on the use of pregnant and lactating mothers.
For the treatment of influenza and colds, a Hyporamine tablet is absorbed up to 6 times during the day. For children, the dosage is reduced proportionately. The duration of the course is from 3 to 5 days.
Oscillococcinum
A medicine related to homeopathic medicines is produced in France on the basis of liver and heart cells of a special breed of ducks. It can be used to treat colds, SARS, and flu. Available in granules, packaged in tubes. The cost of 6 doses ranges from 330 to 370 rubles.
The drug has no contraindications, except for special cases of intolerance to the components. During pregnancy, the appointment should be agreed with the doctor.
The dosage does not depend on age and is determined solely on the basis of the severity of the disease. With severe signs of a cold, the contents of 1 tube are traditionally used twice a day. Therapy is continued for 3 days.
Immunal
Echinacea-based supplement with vitamin C. Available in tablet form and in the form of syrup (Immunal plus). It stimulates the immune system and is indicated for the prevention and treatment of colds. The cost of the drug is approximately 320-360 rubles. As an alternative, you can buy echinacea tincture worth 90 rubles.
The remedy is acceptable for taking babies from 1 year old, and for pregnant women in agreement with the doctor. You can not drink Immunal to people with autoimmune diseases.
The drug is drunk in 3 ml three times a day. Children reduce the dose by 2-3 times.
Alpizarin
A domestic product obtained from extracts of two species of penny grass. The drug inhibits the multiplication of viruses in the early stages of the disease, activates the production of gamma - interferon and has some antibacterial effect. Prescribed primarily for the treatment of herpes and cytomegalovirus. Available in tablets. A package of 20 pieces costs approximately 175-190 rubles.
The dosage is determined by the doctor. Adults are allowed to take 2 tablets up to 4 times a day.
The medicine is not recommended for pregnant and lactating women, as well as for small patients up to a year.
Adult antiviral drugs, inexpensive but effective
Among the whole variety of antiviral agents, it is always difficult to choose. The drugs in one group are equivalent in effectiveness and there is no significant difference between them. The choice is made by the consumer, who in most cases is price-oriented.
Before buying, be sure to ask your pharmacist for instructions.
A pleasant price is often deceiving, because the medicine has to be taken often and a lot.On average, the course of antiviral therapy is 4-7 days and will cost approximately 400-600 rubles per adult patient.
There are more expensive drugs, such as Relenza. The tool acts only on the influenza virus, and costs about 880-1120 rubles. Its effectiveness is also not well understood. So why pay more?
In addition to the tools already described, there is a category of drugs that act specifically for certain viruses. For example, the following drugs are effective against influenza virus.
Rimantadine (Remantadin, Orvirem)
Synonymous drugs based on rimantadine. It blocks the ability of the virus to enter cells, but is effective only against influenza. These are the most inexpensive flu medications: Remantadine tablets will cost about 40-50 rubles.
Remantadine is not indicated for up to 7 years, Orvirem syrup can be used to treat children from one year old. Both drugs are contraindicated in diseases of the liver and kidneys. It is undesirable to take medicine for epilepsy. Women in position and nursing mothers are also prohibited.
Treatment involves taking 300 mg on the first day (single or in multiple doses), 200 mg on the next two days, and 100 mg on the other two days.
Oseltamivir (Tamiflu, Nomides, Oseltamivir)
Analogous drugs effective against influenza viruses. The active substance suppresses them and inhibits reproduction. For a package of 10 tablets, 75 mg each will have to be paid from 640 rubles (Oseltamivir) to 1200 (Tamiflu). This amount is enough for a full course of therapy.
Despite the fact that the drugs have almost no contraindications (age up to a year and intolerance to the components), they have an extensive range of side effects. From nausea and vomiting to seizures and neuropsychiatric disorders. Which casts doubt on the feasibility of taking such drugs when the market is replete with other, less dangerous means.
Combining the above, we offer a table of cheap analogues of expensive drugs.
| Dear brand drug | Cheap counterpart |
|---|---|
| Viferon, Grippferon | Leukocyte interferon |
| Orvire | Remantadine, Rimantadine |
| Zovirax, Virolex | Acyclovir |
| Immunal | Echinacea Syrup |
| Aflubin, Arbidol | Anaferon |
| Tamiflu | Oseltamivir, Nomides |
And given that the cold does not come alone, but with exhausting symptoms, instead of expensive drugs, we offer inexpensive and effective medicines for cough, fever and other manifestations of the disease to help with treatment.
| Expensive drug | Act | Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Aspirin, Uppsarin Upps | Antipyretic | Acetylsalicylic acid |
| Panadol, Coldrex | Antipyretic | Paracetamol |
| Nurofen | Antipyretic, anti-inflammatory | Ibuprofen |
| No-shpa | Antispasmodic | Drotaverine |
| Otrivin, For Nose | Against the common cold | Galazolin |
| Ambrobene, Lazolvan | Expectorant | Ambroxol Mukaltin |
Despite the equal effectiveness of these drugs, if the doctor prescribed a remedy for you from the left column of the table, still coordinate with him a replacement.
Effective antiviral drugs for children
It has been proven that breast-fed babies have stronger immunity. Every nursing mother should know that if she is sick, weaning the baby is not worth it. Since between the penetration of the virus into the body (and into the baby, too, with milk) and the symptoms manifested, some time passes. On the contrary, if the mother does not take illegal drugs, then her milk carries antibodies to help the baby's immunity. And this is the best medicine.
Nevertheless, children with artificial and breastfeeding in case of illness necessarily need medical treatment. Whether you prefer homeopathy, interferon, or synthetic derivatives is voluntary. We offer a list of antiviral drugs in age gradation.
Children up to a year
The most tender age, when you need to approach the choice of medicine with extreme caution.
- At this age, babies can drip in the spout Interferon or Derinat.
- Right from birth and even premature babies, Viferon rectal suppositories are allowed to be used.
- From six months, the child can be given homeopathic Ergoferon. It is available in tablets, but it is easy to dissolve them in water and give crumbs from a spoon, pipette or syringe.
- Children's Anaferon is another homeopathic remedy that is approved for use after reaching 1 month. The tablet can be dissolved or purchased in drops.
- Aflubin falls into the category of permitted from infancy. Drops can be diluted in water or breast milk.
Children from one to three years old
In case of illness, slightly grown children can continue to give any of the above funds.
- Also, a young mother's first-aid kit can be replenished with Oseltamivir or Tamiflu. The drug is made in capsules, but it is permissible to open them and prepare a suspension. The contents of the capsule are bitter, because it will need to be diluted in sweet puree, condensed milk or another tasty product.
- For the treatment of colds, it is already possible to give the child Orvire syrup (an analogue of Remantadine, diluted to a safe concentration).
- From the age of two, children are allowed Arbidol in the form of a suspension
Children from three years old
Now, the drug Kagocel (tablets) and any of the means already familiar from birth become available to babies. But before treating a child, consult with a pediatrician. In addition, during epidemics, his experience with other children can already play into your hands and tell you which drugs the virus is particularly sensitive in the current season.
Pregnant-approved antiviral drugs
Pregnancy is not the time for illness, especially in the first trimester. Nevertheless, weakened immunity often fails expectant mothers and makes them experience all the delights of a “cold” without the possibility of its traditional, quick treatment.
In addition to traditional medicine, pregnant women can use some antiviral agents. For example, doctors often prescribe cheap interferon-based cold medicines for women in the situation. Derinat is also allowed. Anaferon and Oscillococcinum are also conditionally safe (the drugs were not tested on pregnant women, but it is assumed that they are harmless to the fetus). All herbal preparations during this period should be treated with caution.
Influenza and diseases, which we used to call colds, are not at all harmless. Their consequences can be very serious, especially in children or adults with weak immunity. Therefore, given the non-100% effectiveness of antiviral agents, you should worry about your health ahead of time. Strengthen immunity, exercise, temper, eat fully. But as for influenza vaccination - this moment causes a lot of misunderstanding. Given that a cunning microorganism constantly mutates, the probability of getting sick after an injection remains very high.
