Medications at the first sign of a cold

Sore throat, runny nose, worsening of general well-being - these are the first symptoms of a cold. Very often, when they appear, patients are immediately sent to the pharmacy to search for an effective medication. When choosing drugs should consider two important factors:

• In most cases, ARVI is associated with viruses that are not affected by antibacterial agents. Therefore, antibiotics are not effective for the early symptoms of a cold and can only be taken by order of the prescribing physician.
• Powders, effervescent tablets, lollipops - temporarily relieve painful symptoms, that is, mask them. Their prolonged use does not have a therapeutic effect and adversely affects the functioning of the kidneys. For a complete recovery requires an integrated approach.

Steam inhalations are very helpful in controlling nasal congestion. Medicinal properties have essential oils of menthol and eucalyptus. They have anti-inflammatory effect, facilitate breathing, improve blood circulation.

When coughing, warming compresses on the chest and grinding ointments on a plant-based basis are effective. If you have a sore throat, then it should be rinsed with a solution of furatsilina, infusion of eucalyptus, calendula, St. John's wort, linden. Also do not forget about drinking plenty of water. Anti-cold drinks with high degrees are contraindicated. It is better to use warm water, tea with honey, herbal decoctions, fruit drinks.

Particular attention should be paid to vaccination, since very often at first glance the common cold is an early symptom of seasonal infection. The preparations include weakened strains of influenza or inactivated viruses that stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies. Vaccines are used to prevent disease and reduce the risk of complications.

• Influvac

Subunit ternary vaccine to kill influenza virus. Contains the surface antigens of the virus without proteins and impurities. It has high immunogenicity and low reactogenicity. Antigens provoke the production of specific antibodies that provide a specific immune response.

It is used to prevent infection with seasonal influenza viruses. Suitable for newborns and children with immune deficiency. Recommended for patients at risk: retired, pregnant, children, people with chronic diseases. Vaccination is carried out in early autumn. Influvac is available in disposable syringes with a needle.[1], [2]

• Grippol

Highly purified drug which consists of: hemagglutinin epidemic strain of influenza virus types A and B, polyoxidonium. Antigenic composition varies depending on the epidemic situation and WHO recommendations. The vaccine forms a high specific immunity against influenza, which develops within 8-12 days and lasts up to a year.

It is used for patients older than 6 months of life. Recommended for people with immunodeficiency and an increased risk of developing complications from the flu. The vaccine is available in 0.5 ml glass ampoules.[3]

• Vaksigripp

Immunized drug that contains an inactivated split virus of several strains: A / Michigan, A / Hong Kong, B / Brisbane and auxiliary components. It is used to prevent flu in adults and children older than 6 months. The immune response of antibodies develops within 2-3 weeks. Post-vaccination immunity is maintained for 6-12 months. Vaxigripp is produced in the form of a suspension for injection of 25 ml in syringes with a needle.

The composition of vaccines varies annually and depends on the prognosis of morbidity for the next season. If the action of the vaccine and the strain of infection does not match, the disease proceeds more easily when it comes into contact with the pathogen. Antiviral vaccination is not mandatory, but can prevent infection.[4]

The first medicine for colds

Headache, runny nose, sore throat and worsening of general well-being are signs of a respiratory illness. There is a specific instruction of actions that allows you to eliminate discomfort and prevent further development of the pathology:

1. The first thing to do is to strengthen the immune system. For this there are immunostimulants: Anaferon, Arrbidol, Immunal and others.
2. If you have a sore throat, drink a cup of hot tea or milk with honey and ginger, raspberries. Rinse your throat with warm water and a spoonful of salt and soda. Among the most effective drugs are the following: Septefril, Chlorophyllipt, Faringosept. They need to dissolve in the mouth until dissolved.
3. If there are symptoms of a cold, then inhalation with steamed boiled potatoes or with eucalyptus essential oil will help. You should also steam your feet in hot water with mustard.
4. Give up bad habits, especially smoking. Tobacco smoke aggravates the painful condition. Contraindications include low alcohol and alcoholic beverages.
5. Drink more warm water, vegetable decoctions, fruit drinks and keep bed rest for the first 1-2 days. Do not forget to regularly ventilate the room and do wet cleaning.

The above recommendations can eliminate cold symptoms in the shortest possible time.

Paracetamol at the first sign of a cold

One of the most popular antipyretic drugs is Paracetamol. It is part of many drugs used to treat colds and viral diseases. Paracetamol has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, inhibits the excitability of the thermoregulation center, inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins and inflammatory mediators.

After ingestion is rapidly absorbed in the upper intestines, penetrating into all tissues of the body. Metabolized in the liver, forming glucorangid and paracetamol sulfate. Excreted by the kidneys. The maximum concentration of the drug is observed in 30-40 minutes, the antipyretic effect occurs within 1-2 hours after administration.

• Indications for use: symptomatic therapy of pain syndrome of various etiologies of light and medium intensity. Hyperthermal reaction in infectious and inflammatory lesions, headache and toothache, arthralgia, back pain, algomenorrhea.
• The method of application depends on the release form of Paracetamol. Tablets are taken orally on 350-500 mg 3-4 times a day for adults and 60 mg / kg for children in 3-4 doses. Rectal suppositories and syrup are prescribed for patients from 1 month to 12 years, the dosage is determined by the attending physician.
• Side effects: anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, increased irritability / drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, skin allergic reactions.
• Contraindications: hypersensitivity to the active components, hepatic / renal failure. Suppositories are not used in inflammatory processes in the mucous membrane of the rectum. Use during pregnancy is possible only for medical purposes.
• Overdose: toxic effect on the liver, increased drowsiness, pallor of the skin, nausea and vomiting, headaches and dizziness. As an antidote, α-acetylcysteine is used intravenously or orally with further symptomatic treatment.

Form release: tablets for oral administration and capsules, syrup, rectal suppositories.

[5], [6], [7], [8]

Viferon at the first sign of a cold

A complex drug that contains human interferon recombinant alpha-2, alpha-tocopherol acetate and ascorbic acid. Viferon has antiviral, immunomodulatory and antiproliferative properties.

Active ingredients cause changes in virus-infected cells, preventing further development of pathogens. The use of drugs allows to reduce the dosage and duration of antibiotics and cytostatics.

• Indications for use: suppositories are used in infectious and inflammatory diseases of children and adults, acute respiratory viral infections, pneumonia, meningitis, sepsis. Intrauterine infections, chlamydia, candidiasis, mycoplasmosis, complex therapy of hepatitis, herpes infection. Ointment and gel is prescribed for human papillomavirus infection, herpes skin and mucous membranes.
• Method of application: rectal suppositories are used daily for 1 pc. 2 times a day, the duration of treatment is 5 days. Ointment is applied with a thin layer to the affected skin 3-4 times a day for a week.
• Side effects: allergic skin reactions, itching urticaria, burning. Painful symptoms disappear within 72 hours after discontinuation of the drug. Cases of overdose are not fixed.
• Contraindications: hypersensitivity to the drug. Suppositories are allowed from the 14th week of pregnancy.

Form release: rectal suppositories of 10 pieces per pack, ointment 12 g in a jar. [9]

Aspirin at the first sign of a cold

Combined remedy with analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties. It prevents the formation of blood clots, enriches the body with vitamin C, violates the synthesis of prostaglandins. Aspirin increases the body's resistance to pathogens, reduces vascular permeability.

• Indications for use: moderate and weak pain syndrome of various genesis, headache, feverish conditions, toothache, algomenorrhea, acute respiratory infections, thrombophlebitis, thrombosis, cerebral circulation.
• Dosing: orally 1-2 tablets every 4-8 hours, the maximum daily dose - 8 capsules. The soluble form of Aspirin Ups is dissolved in a glass of water, taking up to 12 tablets per day.
• Side effects: acute asthma attacks, allergic reactions, gastrointestinal bleeding, thrombocytopenia.
• Contraindications: pathological tendency to bleeding, simultaneous intake with anticoagulants, hypersensitivity to the drug. Diseases of the stomach and duodenum, renal dysfunction, pregnancy.

Form release: capsules for ingestion, soluble tablets of 10 pieces per pack.

[10], [11], [12]

Theraflu at the first sign of a cold

Complex drug for the treatment of influenza and colds. Contains such components: paracetamol 325 mg, pheniramine maleate 20 mg, phenylephrine hydrochloride 10 mg and other substances. Teraflu has analgesic, antipyretic, anti-edematous and anti-allergic properties.

• Indications for use: symptomatic treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases in adults, acute respiratory viral infections, influenza, fever, chills, nasal congestion, muscle pain.
• Method of application: the contents of 1 sachet are dissolved in a glass of hot water and drunk. Reception frequency - every 4-6 hours, but not more than 3 sachets per day. The duration of treatment should not exceed 5 days.
• Side effects: headaches and dizziness, drowsiness, dryness in the mouth and throat, increased fatigue, insomnia, irritability. Nausea, vomiting, abnormal stool, flatulence.
• Contraindications: individual intolerance to the components of the drug, severe renal / hepatic diseases, pregnancy and lactation, patients under 12 years of age, diabetes mellitus, angle-closure glaucoma, pulmonary pathologies.
• Overdose: nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, hepatotoxic effect, drowsiness, visual and blood flow disorders, convulsions, bradycardia. Symptomatic treatment.

Form release: powder with smell in and taste of lemon or apple for the preparation of suspension for oral administration. Available in packs of 10 bags.[13]

Remantadin at the first sign of a cold

Drug with pronounced antiviral activity. Each tablet contains - rimantadine 50 mg and auxiliary components. Inhibits the replication of viruses in the early stages, inhibits their synthesis. Remantadin is effective against influenza virus B, A, arboviruses.

• Indications for use: treatment of colds, SARS and flu in the early stages. Prevention of viral infections during the epidemic. Prevention of tick-borne encephalitis.
• Method of application: orally, after meals, with a large volume of liquid. At the first symptoms of a cold, take 1-3 tablets per day, the duration of treatment is determined by the doctor. For the prevention of flu and cold - 1 tablet 1 time per day during the month.
• Side effects: skin allergies, dyspepsia, drowsiness, ataxia, agitation, hoarseness, tinnitus.
• Contraindications: intolerance to the components of the drug, pregnancy and lactation, kidney and liver disease, thyrotoxicosis.
• Overdose: irritability, irritability, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, allergic reactions. For treatment, the use of physostigmine 1-0.5 mg with further symptomatic therapy is indicated.

Product form: 50 mg tablets, 10 pieces per pack.

[14], [15], [16], [17], [18]

Ibuprofen at the first sign of a cold

The drug has anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic properties. After ingestion, it is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, reaching a maximum concentration in the blood plasma in 1-2 hours. Ibuprofen metabolizes in the liver, excreted by the kidneys.

• Indications for use: complex therapy of diseases of the upper respiratory tract, myalgia, neuralgia, bursitis, sciatica, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, traumatic inflammation of soft tissues, proctitis, headache and toothache. With a cold, it suppresses the inflammatory process, relieves pain and reduces the increased body temperature.
• Method of application: oral 400 mg 2-3 times a day. The maximum daily dosage is 2, 4g.
• Side effects: nausea, heartburn, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches and dizziness, insomnia, skin allergic reactions, visual disturbances. In rare cases, there are bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract, aseptic meningitis, bronchospasms.
• Contraindications: intolerance to the components of the drug, erosive and ulcerative lesions of the gastrointestinal tract in the acute phase, hematopoietic disorders, renal / liver dysfunction, diseases of the optic nerve, aspirin triad, patients under 6 years of age. Use during pregnancy is possible only for medical purposes.
• Overdose: abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, increased drowsiness and lethargy, headaches, tinnitus, acute renal failure, tachycardia, bradycardia. For treatment, gastric lavage, taking activated carbon and alkaline drinking are indicated.

Form release: tablets, coated 200 mg, 100 pieces per pack.

[19], [20]

Miramistin at the first sign of a cold

Drug with antiseptic properties. It has a hydrophobic effect on the cytoplasmic membrane of pathogenic microorganisms, increasing their permeability and destroying them. It is active against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, anaerobes, aerobes, asporogenic and spore-forming microbes, antibiotic resistant strains.

• Indications: otolaryngological practice, venereology, dermatology. Treatment of wounds infected with bacteria, streptoderma, mycosis of large folds and feet, onychomycosis, burn wounds, gynecological diseases and postpartum infections, stomatitis.
• How to use: at the first sign of a cold, the solution is used for inhalation and washing the nasal cavity. Dosage 2-5 ml 3 times a day. Ointment prescribed for the treatment of skin with wound injuries and burns.
• Side effects: local allergic reactions and burning, which pass for a short period of time. Cancellation of the drug is not required.
• Contraindications: hypersensitivity to the drug. Cases of overdose not recorded.

Product form: solution for topical use of 50 and 200 ml, ointment 0.5% in tubes of 15 and 30 g.

[21], [22], [23], [24], [25]

Analgin from the first signs of a cold

It has pronounced analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is used for fevers and flu, pain of various origins, rheumatism.

The drug is used orally, intramuscularly or intravenously. The dosage and duration of therapy is determined by the attending physician. Side effects are manifested by inhibition of blood formation and allergic reactions. Analgin is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to its active components, blood formation disorders. Available in the form of tablets, powder and solutions in ampoules. Metamizole is a relatively safe pharmaceutical.

[26], [27]