Antiviral drugs for colds

Antiviral drugs for colds are the main means of combating this category of ailments.

As is known, during the period of activation of colds, it is better to engage in their prevention, and not to bring them to the conditions when treatment is already necessary. Activation of immunity in the cold season is the most effective measure to protect yourself from colds. Then the disease will not develop or, at least, the situation will not take a severe form.

If the disease is viral in nature - acute respiratory viral infection (ARVI) - then you cannot do without treatment. And in this case, antiviral drugs are the best way to deal with the problem. The essence of their action is to affect the virus itself, which is the etiological factor.

Antiviral drugs are used to treat acute respiratory viral infections and influenza. These drugs affect the replication of the virus in such a way as to stop its reproduction. Antiviral drugs have a synthetic or natural base. They are used both to combat the disease and to prevent it. Different stages of the common cold can be affected by antiviral drugs. Today, modern science knows about five hundred pathogens of different types of colds. There are not many antiviral drugs to combat them.

Basically, viral diseases are treated with three types of drugs:

• broad-spectrum anti-flu drugs;
• drugs for the treatment of herpes infections.
• means to combat cytomegalovirus.

In case of a severe form of the disease, antiviral drugs are taken, in case of a mild form, the use of interferons is permissible. Within a day or a day and a half after the appearance of the first symptoms, it is necessary to urgently begin taking an antiviral drug. If the virus is allowed to multiply to such a scale that it populates the entire body, then it can lead to the fact that taking medications will not have any effect.

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The effect of antiviral drugs on colds

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

• reducing the risk of exacerbation of chronic diseases (chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, etc.);
• reducing the duration of a cold by several days, alleviating its symptoms;
• reducing the risk of severe complications occurring after an acute respiratory disease.

Antiviral drugs for colds are also used as emergency prevention in cases where one of the family members is ill and it is necessary to reduce the risk of infection of healthy people.

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Antiviral tablets for colds

In the class where there are synthetic antiviral drugs that cope well with the flu virus, there are two groups of effective drugs. The essence of the action of M-channel blockers is to block the virus so that it cannot penetrate into cells and multiply. Some of the proven drugs against viruses in this category are Amantadine (Midantan) and Rimantadine (Remantadine). For the desired effect, they must be taken as soon as the disease begins to manifest itself. Another disadvantage is that it is not always possible to understand what kind of virus a person has contracted. And these antiviral drugs are indicated for an epidemic of influenza A virus. In addition, bird 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 also by all members of his family.

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An effective antiviral remedy for colds

But neuraminidase inhibitors act on influenza viruses A and B. The essence of their action is to suppress the enzyme that is responsible for the reproduction of the virus. Representatives of this group of drugs are "Ozeltamivir" ("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";
• "Remantadine";
• "Viferon";
• "Arbidol";
• "Ribavirin";
• "Amizon";
• "Cycloferon".

Antiviral drug for colds "Zanamivir"

"Zanamivir" is prescribed for flu in adults and children over 5 years old at 5 mg inhalation twice a day for 5 days. The total daily dose reaches 10 mg. The drug is not combined with other inhalation drugs (including bronchodilators), due to the fact that exacerbations are possible in patients with bronchial asthma and other non-specific lung diseases. In some people without pulmonary pathology, signs of irritation of the nasopharynx may occur, reaching in rare cases the appearance of bronchospasm.

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Antiviral drug for colds "Oseltamivir"

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

The drug should be used with caution in cases of renal failure; it may cause nausea and vomiting when taken.

Antiviral drugs for colds with a broader spectrum of action are Ribavirin (Ribarin) and Inosine Pranobex (Groprinosin).

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Antiviral drug for colds "Ribavirin"

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

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

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Antiviral drug for colds "Inosine pranobex"

"Inosine pranobex" fights influenza viruses, parainfluenza, rhinoviruses, adenoviruses. This antiviral drug for colds stimulates the body's defenses. For the treatment of influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections, it is recommended to take it: adults 2 tablets 3-4 times a day at equal intervals for 5-7 days; children's daily dose is 50 mg per kilogram of body weight.

The daily dose should be taken in 3-4 doses at equal intervals. The duration of treatment is 5-7 days.

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Interferons and interferon inducers

Another large group of antiviral drugs for colds are interferons and interferon inducers. Interferons are protein substances that the body synthesizes as a response to infection, due to them the body is more resistant to viruses. They have a wide range of action, which compares favorably with many other synthetic drugs. But some experts say that they are not very effective for ARVI. In case of colds, they are prescribed as nasal drops and rectal suppositories. Native leukocyte interferon is instilled four to six times a day, Reaferon (interferon alpha-2a) two drops twice or four times a day. Viferon (alpha-2b interferon) is usually given as suppositories, adults usually use Viferon 3 and 4.

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

Antiviral drug for colds "Amiksin"

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

The course of treatment is up to 6 tablets. Contraindicated for pregnant women and children under 7 years of age.

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Antiviral drug for colds "Cycloferon"

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

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Antiviral drug for colds "Kagocel"

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

It is usually prescribed for flu and acute respiratory infections in adults, 2 tablets 3 times a day for the first two days (the daily dose is 72 mg), then 1 tablet 3 times a day (the daily dose is 36 mg). In total, a 4-day course requires up to 18 tablets.

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Antiviral drug for colds "Arbidol"

An antiviral drug such as "Arbidol" is effective in treating colds. It acts against viruses A, B, it also treats parainfluenza, syncytial infections, adenoviruses. The essence of the drug's action is to stimulate the production of endogenous interferon, it has an antioxidant effect, strengthens the immune system.

Arbidol for colds without complications is prescribed: for children from 3 to 6 years old - 50 mg, from 6 to 12 years old - 100 mg, over 12 years old 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 old take Arbidol 50 mg, from 6 to 12 years old - 100 mg, over 12 years old, adults - 200 mg 4 times a day (every 6 hours) for 5 days, then a single dose 1 time per week for a month.

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Antiviral drug for colds "Amizon"

The antiviral drug for colds "Amizon" is an inducer of endogenous interferon, has antiviral, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects.

Adults take Amizon 2-4 times a day after meals for moderate cases of influenza and acute respiratory infections, 0.25 g, for severe cases - 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 colds "Anaferon"

"Anaferon" is a homeopathic remedy with antiviral and immunomodulatory effects. It is also used to treat colds and flu. Directions for use for adults: 1 tablet, sublingually three to six times a day, depending on the severity of the disease.

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

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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 the dose of the drug "Grippferon" are usually determined by the attending physician.

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

Herbal Antiviral Remedies for Colds

Some medicinal herbs also have an antiviral effect. Many herbal preparations act against viruses belonging to the herpes family. Colds are often accompanied by herpetic eruptions, in addition, the course of cytomegalovirus infection also often proceeds with the same symptoms as ARVI. Alpizarin belongs to this category of drugs. The active substance in it is an extract of such plants as alpine sweetvetch, yellow sweetvetch, mango leaves. The antiviral drug Flacoside contains an active substance obtained from Amur cork tree and Laval cork tree. For external use, ointments such as Megozin (cottonseed oil), Helepin (aerial part of Lespedeza pennyroyal), Gossypol (obtained when processing cotton seeds or cotton roots) are used.

Antiviral drugs used for colds also include "Altabor". It is based on the extract of the cones of gray and black (sticky) alder.

The tufted tufted tuft and the reed grass give life to the drug "Proteflazid", it is also used in the treatment of colds, flu and for their prevention. The German drug "Imupret" has an antiviral and immunomodulatory effect. It contains horsetail, walnut leaves and oak bark.

Price of antiviral drugs for colds

The price range for antiviral cold medications is quite wide – from 20 to 200 hryvnia (naturally, it still depends on the packaging and number of tablets). In any case, it is better to consult with your doctor, who will prescribe the drug that will be most effective in a particular case.

If we name the approximate prices for the main antiviral drugs used to treat colds, in Ukrainian pharmacies 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 we draw your attention: before deciding to purchase an antiviral drug for colds, you should consult with your doctor.

Antiviral drugs eliminate not the consequence, but the cause of the occurrence of a cold. This is a great advantage of antiviral drugs in the treatment of colds, and this also explains their effectiveness. Antiviral drugs shorten the duration of a cold by two to three days, easing its course. As a result of taking antiviral drugs for colds, the risk of exacerbation of other chronic diseases (exacerbation of bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis and other diseases) is reduced, and various complications will not arise, as often happens with other drugs. In addition, antiviral drugs for colds give an excellent effect in the prevention of acute respiratory viral infections, flu, including among healthy family members when a sick person is at home.