Medicines at the first signs of a cold

A sore throat, runny nose, and general deterioration in health are the first symptoms of a cold. Very often, when they appear, patients immediately go to the pharmacy to find an effective medicine. When choosing medications, two important factors should be taken into account:

• In most cases, ARVI is associated with viruses that are not affected by antibacterial agents. Therefore, antibiotics are not effective for early symptoms of a cold and can only be taken as prescribed by a doctor.
• Powders, effervescent tablets, lozenges - temporarily relieve painful symptoms, that is, mask them. Their long-term use does not have a therapeutic effect and adversely affects the functioning of the kidneys. A comprehensive approach is necessary for a full recovery.

Steam inhalations are good for fighting nasal congestion. Essential oils of menthol and eucalyptus have healing properties. They have an anti-inflammatory effect, facilitate breathing, and improve blood circulation.

When coughing, warming compresses on the chest and rubbing with herbal ointments are effective. If your throat hurts, you should rinse it with a furacilin solution, eucalyptus infusion, calendula, St. John's wort, linden. Also, do not forget to drink plenty of fluids. Anti-cold drinks with a high degree are contraindicated. It is better to drink warm water, tea with honey, herbal decoctions, fruit drinks.

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

• Influvac

Subunit three-component vaccine for the destruction of the influenza virus. Contains surface antigens of the virus without proteins and foreign impurities. Has high immunogenicity and low reactogenicity. Antigens provoke the production of specific antibodies that provide a specific immune response.

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

• Grippol

A highly purified preparation containing: hemagglutinin of the epidemic strain of influenza virus types A and B, polyoxidonium. The antigen composition changes 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 over 6 months of age. It is recommended for people with immunodeficiency conditions and an increased risk of developing complications from influenza. The vaccine is available in 0.5 ml glass ampoules. [ 3 ]

• Vaxigrip

An immunized preparation that includes an inactivated split virus of several strains: A/Michigan, A/Hong Kong, B/Brisbane and auxiliary components. It is used to prevent influenza in adults and children over 6 months. The immune response of antibodies develops within 2-3 weeks. Post-vaccination immunity lasts for 6-12 months. Vaxigrip is available as a suspension for injections of 25 ml in syringes with a needle.

The composition of vaccines changes annually and depends on the forecast of the disease for the next season. If the effect of the vaccine and the strain of infection do not match, the disease is milder upon contact with the pathogen. Antiviral vaccination is not mandatory, but it helps prevent infection. [ 4 ]

First medicine for a cold

Headache, runny nose, sore throat and general deterioration of health are signs of the development of a respiratory disease. 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. Gargle with warm water with a spoon of salt and soda. The most effective medications are: Septefril, Chlorophyllipt, Faringosept. They should be dissolved in the mouth until completely dissolved.
3. If there are symptoms of a runny nose, then inhalation of steam from boiled potatoes or with eucalyptus essential oil will help. You should also steam your feet in hot water with the addition of mustard.
4. Give up bad habits, especially smoking. Tobacco smoke aggravates the painful condition. Contraindications include low-alcohol and alcoholic drinks.
5. Drink more warm water, herbal infusions, fruit drinks and stay in bed for the first 1-2 days. Don't forget to regularly ventilate the room and do wet cleaning.

The above recommendations will help 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 a component 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 inflammation mediators.

After oral administration, it is rapidly absorbed in the upper intestines, penetrating all tissues of the body. It is metabolized in the liver, forming glucorangide and paracetamol sulfate. It is excreted by the kidneys. The maximum concentration of the drug is observed after 30-40 minutes, the antipyretic effect occurs 1-2 hours after administration.

• Indications for use: symptomatic therapy of pain syndrome of various etiologies of mild and moderate intensity. Hyperthermic reaction in infectious and inflammatory lesions, headache and toothache, arthralgia, back pain, algomenorrhea.
• The method of administration depends on the form of release of Paracetamol. Tablets are taken orally at 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 old, the dosage is determined by the attending physician.
• Side effects: anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, increased excitability/drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, pain in the epigastric region, allergic skin reactions.
• Contraindications: hypersensitivity to active components, liver/renal failure. Suppositories are not used in case of inflammatory processes in the rectal mucosa. Use during pregnancy is possible only on doctor's prescription.
• Overdose: toxic effect on the liver, increased drowsiness, pale skin, nausea and vomiting, headaches and dizziness. As an antidote, N-acetylcysteine is used intravenously or orally with further symptomatic treatment.

Release form: tablets for oral administration and capsules, syrup, rectal suppositories.

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Viferon at the first signs of a cold

A complex medicinal product containing human recombinant interferon alpha-2, alpha-tocopherol acetate and ascorbic acid. Viferon has antiviral, immunomodulatory and antiproliferative properties.

Active components cause changes in virus-infected cells, preventing further development of pathogenic microorganisms. The use of the drug allows to reduce the dosage and duration of antibiotics and cytostatics.

• Indications for use: suppositories are used for 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 are prescribed for papillomavirus infection, herpes of the skin and mucous membranes.
• Directions for use: rectal suppositories are used daily, 1 piece 2 times a day, treatment duration is 5 days. The ointment is applied in a thin layer to the affected areas of the skin 3-4 times a day for a week.
• Side effects: skin allergic reactions, itching, urticaria, burning. Painful symptoms disappear within 72 hours after discontinuing the drug. No cases of overdose have been recorded.
• Contraindications: hypersensitivity to the components of the drug. Suppositories are allowed from the 14th week of pregnancy.

Release form: rectal suppositories, 10 pieces per package, ointment 12 g in a jar. [ 9 ]

Aspirin at the first sign of a cold

A combination product with analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties. Prevents the formation of blood clots, enriches the body with vitamin C, disrupts the synthesis of prostaglandins. Aspirin increases the body's resistance to pathogens, reduces vascular permeability.

• Indications for use: moderate and mild pain of various origins, headache, fever, toothache, algomenorrhea, acute respiratory infections, thrombophlebitis, thrombosis, cerebrovascular accident.
• Directions for use: orally 1-2 tablets every 4-8 hours, maximum daily dose – 8 capsules. The soluble form of Aspirin Upsa is dissolved in a glass of water, taking up to 12 tablets per day.
• Side effects: acute attacks of suffocation, allergic reactions, gastrointestinal bleeding, thrombocytopenia.
• Contraindications: pathological tendency to bleeding, simultaneous use with anticoagulants, hypersensitivity to the components of the drug. Diseases of the stomach and duodenum, impaired renal function, pregnancy.

Release form: capsules for oral administration, soluble tablets, 10 pieces per package.

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Theraflu at the first signs of a cold

A complex preparation for the treatment of flu and colds. Contains the following components: paracetamol 325 mg, pheniramine maleate 20 mg, phenylephrine hydrochloride 10 mg and other substances. Teraflu has analgesic, antipyretic, decongestant and antiallergic properties.

• Indications for use: symptomatic treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases in adults, acute respiratory viral infections, flu, fever, chills, nasal congestion, muscle pain.
• Directions for use: dissolve the contents of 1 sachet in a glass of hot water and drink. Frequency of administration: every 4-6 hours, but no more than 3 sachets per day. Duration of treatment should not exceed 5 days.
• Side effects: headaches and dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth and throat, increased fatigue, insomnia, irritability. Nausea, vomiting, bowel disturbances, flatulence.
• Contraindications: individual intolerance to the components of the drug, severe kidney/liver diseases, pregnancy and lactation, patients under 12 years of age, diabetes mellitus, closed-angle glaucoma, pulmonary pathologies.
• Overdose: nausea, vomiting, pain in the epigastric region, hepatotoxic effect, drowsiness, visual and blood flow disturbances, convulsions, bradycardia. Treatment is symptomatic.

Release form: powder with the smell and taste of lemon or apple for the preparation of a suspension for oral administration. Available in packages of 10 sachets. [ 13 ]

Remantadine at the first signs of a cold

A drug with pronounced antiviral activity. Each tablet contains 50 mg of rimantadine and auxiliary components. Inhibits the replication of viruses at early stages, slows down their synthesis. Remantadine is effective against influenza viruses B, A, arboviruses.

• Indications for use: treatment of colds, acute respiratory viral infections and flu in the early stages. Prevention of viral infections during epidemics. Prevention of tick-borne encephalitis.
• Directions for use: orally, after meals, with plenty 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 colds - 1 tablet 1 time per day for a month.
• Side effects: skin allergic reactions, dyspeptic disorders, drowsiness, ataxia, agitation, hoarseness, tinnitus.
• Contraindications: intolerance to the components of the drug, pregnancy and lactation, kidney and liver disease, thyrotoxicosis.
• Overdose: increased excitability, irritability, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, allergic reactions. For treatment, physostigmine is indicated at 1-0.5 mg with further symptomatic therapy.

Release form: tablets of 50 mg, 10 pieces per package.

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Ibuprofen at the first sign of a cold

The drug has anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic properties. After oral administration, it is quickly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, reaching maximum concentration in the blood plasma after 1-2 hours. Ibuprofen is metabolized in the liver and excreted by the kidneys.

• Indications for use: complex therapy of ENT diseases, myalgia, neuralgia, bursitis, radiculitis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, traumatic inflammation of soft tissues, proctitis, headache and toothache. In case of colds, it stops the inflammatory process, relieves pain and reduces elevated body temperature.
• Method of administration: orally 400 mg 2-3 times a day. Maximum daily dosage is 2.4 g.
• Side effects: nausea, heartburn, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches and dizziness, insomnia, skin allergic reactions, visual impairment. In rare cases, gastrointestinal bleeding, aseptic meningitis, and bronchospasms occur.
• Contraindications: intolerance to the components of the drug, erosive and ulcerative lesions of the gastrointestinal tract in the acute phase, hematopoiesis disorders, renal/liver dysfunction, optic nerve diseases, aspirin triad, patients under 6 years of age. Use during pregnancy is possible only on medical prescription.
• Overdose: abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, increased drowsiness and lethargy, headaches, tinnitus, acute renal failure, tachycardia, bradycardia. Treatment includes gastric lavage, activated charcoal, and alkaline drinks.

Release form: film-coated tablets of 200 mg, 100 pieces per package.

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Miramistin at the first signs of a cold

A medicinal product with antiseptic properties. It has a hydrophobic effect on the cytoplasmic membranes of pathogenic microorganisms, increasing their permeability and destroying them. It is active against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, anaerobes, aerobes, asporogenous and spore-forming microbes, strains resistant to antibiotics.

• Indications for use: otolaryngology practice, venereology, dermatology. Treatment of wounds infected with bacteria, streptoderma, mycoses of large folds and feet, onychomycosis, burn wounds, gynecological diseases and postpartum infections, stomatitis.
• Directions for use: at the first signs of a cold, use the solution for inhalation and nasal lavage. Dosage: 2-5 ml 3 times a day. The ointment is prescribed for treating skin with wounds and burns.
• Side effects: local allergic reactions and burning, which disappear within a short period of time. No need to discontinue the drug.
• Contraindications: hypersensitivity to the components of the drug. No cases of overdose have been recorded.

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

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Analgin for the first signs of a cold

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

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

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