Arbidol

Arbidol (active substance - umifenovir hydrochloride) is an antiviral drug used for the prevention and treatment of influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI). In addition to its antiviral action, Arbidol also has an immunomodulatory effect, i.e. It helps to strengthen the immune system.

Arbidol works by blocking viruses and interfering with their ability to enter host cells. It targets a specific protein on the surface of viruses, which is necessary for them to attach to cells and then enter them. Because of this, Arbidol can limit the spread of viruses in the body, thus helping to reduce the severity and duration of the illness.

Indications Arbidol

1. Prevention and treatment of influenza:

   • Arbidol is effective against influenza types A and B, helping to reduce the severity of symptoms and speed recovery.

2. Treatment of acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI):

   • It is used to reduce the symptoms and duration of acute respiratory infections.

3. Prevention of complications of influenza and acute respiratory viral infections:

   • It is used to prevent the development of more serious conditions such as pneumonia, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems.

4. Combined treatment of rotavirus infection in children:

   • Arbidol can be used to treat intestinal infections in children caused by rotaviruses as part of complex therapy.

5. Prevention of postoperative infectious complications:

   • Arbidol can be prescribed to prevent infectious complications after surgery.

6. Treatment and prevention of severe acute respiratory syndromes (including those caused by coronaviruses):

   • In some countries, Arbidol is considered as part of therapy for the treatment and prevention of diseases caused by coronaviruses, including COVID-19, based on its potential ability to block viral proteins that promote viral replication.

Release form

1. Pills

• Oral tablets: Usually contain 50 mg or 100 mg of umifenovir. This is a convenient form for adults and children over the age of being able to swallow tablets.

2. Capsules

• Capsules: Available in 50 mg and 100 mg doses of umifenovir. The capsules are convenient to take, provide a precise dosage and dissolve quickly in the gastrointestinal tract.

3. Baby suspension

• Oral suspension: This form is especially convenient for young children who have difficulty taking tablets or capsules. The suspension allows you to accurately dose the medicine depending on the weight and age of the child.

4. Powder for preparation of suspension

• Powder: Used for self-preparation of suspension at home. The powder is diluted in water according to the instructions, which allows you to prepare a fresh suspension before use, ensuring its high efficiency.

Pharmacodynamics

1. Antiviral action: Arbidol has antiviral activity against a wide range of viruses, including influenza viruses type A and B, rhinoviruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and other viruses. It acts by inhibiting the fusion of the viral envelope with the cell membrane and blocks the virus from entering the cell.
2. Immunostimulant effect: Arbidol helps to strengthen the body's immune response to viral infections by stimulating the production of interferons and other cytokines. This helps to speed up the immune system's response to infection and reduce the severity of the disease.
3. Anti-inflammatory: Arbidol has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in the airways caused by viral infection and reduce associated symptoms.
4. Antioxidant Action: Some studies suggest that arbidol has antioxidant properties that may help protect cells from free radical damage and improve overall body health during an infection.
5. Mechanisms of action against COVID-19: It has been suggested that arbidol may have an effect against SARS-CoV-2 virus (causing COVID-19) by inhibiting its replication and fusion with the host cell, although this requires further research.

Pharmacokinetics

Pharmacokinetics of Arbidol is largely characterized by its rapid absorption from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration. The time to reach the maximum plasma concentration is usually about 1-2 hours. However, the degree of absorption of Arbidol is not so high and its bioavailability is about 40%.

After absorption Arbidol is rapidly metabolized in the liver. The main metabolite is methyluronide of Arbidol. This metabolism process passes through the cytochrome P450 system, in particular, through the CYP3A4 isoenzyme.

After metabolism, most of arbidol and its metabolites are excreted with urine (about 60-70%) in the form of conjugates with glucuronic acid, as well as through the intestine with bile.

Characteristics of Arbidol pharmacokinetics may vary depending on many factors, such as individual patient characteristics, dosage, drug formulation and possible interactions with other drugs.

Dosing and administration

Method of application

Arbidol should be taken orally before meals for better absorption. Tablets and capsules should be swallowed whole, drinking enough water. Do not chew or crush.

Dosage

The dosage of Arbidol depends on the age of the patient, the purpose of use (prophylaxis or treatment) and the type of infection.

For adults and children over 12 years of age:

• Prevention of influenza and acute respiratory infections:
  • The usual dose is 200 mg per day. The drug is taken once a day for 10-14 days.
• Treatment of influenza and acute respiratory infections:
  • 200 mg 4 times daily (every 6 hours) for 5 days.

For children 6 to 12 years old:

• Prevention of influenza and acute respiratory infections:
  • 100 mg per day. The drug is taken once a day for 10-14 days.
• Treatment of influenza and acute respiratory infections:
  • 100 mg 4 times daily (every 6 hours) for 5 days.

For children 3 to 6 years old:

• Prevention of influenza and acute respiratory infections:
  • 50 mg per day. The drug is taken once a day for 10-14 days.
• Treatment of influenza and acute respiratory infections:
  • 50 mg 4 times daily (every 6 hours) for 5 days.

Special Instructions

• During influenza epidemics, you can extend the administration of Arbidol to 3 weeks for prevention.
• If you are in contact with someone with influenza or other viral infection, the dose for prophylaxis can be increased to twice a week.
• In case of chronic diseases, immune system disorders or for prophylaxis in high-risk environments (medical institutions, dormitories), consult a physician about the possibility and advisability of increasing the dose.

Use Arbidol during pregnancy

The use of Arbidol during pregnancy should be done only on the recommendation of a doctor. There is not yet sufficient data on its safety for pregnant women. If you are thinking about using Arbidol during pregnancy, it is important to discuss this with your doctor, who will be able to assess the benefits and risks to you and your baby.

Contraindications

1. Hypersensitivity: People with known hypersensitivity to Arbidol or other components of the drug should avoid its use.
2. Pregnancy and lactation: The safety of Arbidol use during pregnancy and lactation has not been established. A doctor should be consulted before using Arbidol in these cases.
3. Children: Use of Arbidol in children requires caution and may require consultation with a physician.
4. Serious liver and kidney disease: Patients with serious liver or kidney disease are advised to use Arbidol with caution and under medical supervision.
5. Cardiovascular problems: In people with serious cardiovascular problems, the use of Arbidol may require caution and doctor supervision.
6. Other medical conditions: People with other serious medical conditions such as epilepsy, diabetes, or autoimmune diseases should also consult a doctor before using Arbidol.

Overdose

Information on overdose of arbidol is limited, as cases of serious overdose with this drug are rare. There are no detailed data in the literature on the toxicity of arbidol when the recommended dose is exceeded.

In case of possible overdose with Arbidol, medical attention should be sought or a toxicologist should be consulted. Treatment of overdose, if it occurs, will focus on symptomatic support and control of the patient's condition. Measures to reduce the absorption of arbidol, such as gastric lavage, and symptomatic treatment may be required based on the specific manifestations of overdose.

Interactions with other drugs

1. Interferon and interferon-based drugs: Arbidol may enhance the therapeutic effect of interferon and interferon-based drugs in the treatment of viral infections. The combination of these drugs may improve the results of treatment.
2. Antiviral drugs: Interactions with other antiviral drugs such as ribavirin, oseltamivir, etc., may lead to synergistic effects in the treatment of viral infections.
3. Drugs metabolized through the cytochrome P450 system: Arbidol is metabolized through the cytochrome P450 system, so theoretically it may affect the metabolism of other drugs metabolized by this pathway. However, no clinically significant interactions have been found so far.
4. Drugs depressing the CNS: Arbidol may increase the sedative effect of drugs acting on the central nervous system, such as benzodiazepines, alcohol and other sleeping drugs.
5. Drugs withcardiotoxic effect: Interactions with drugs with cardiotoxic effect (e.g. Amiodarone) may lead to increased cardiotoxic effects.