Oxolinic ointment: instructions for use, analogues and reviews. Oxolinic ointment: indications, instructions for use and analogues What is oxolinic ointment for?

Content

How often, after traveling in a minibus or visiting a crowded place, do you feel unwell the next morning, sore throat and runny nose? During an epidemic, Oxolinic ointment helps to avoid infection and protect the nasal mucosa from the effects of harmful microorganisms. How good is this drug? How to use it correctly for children and adults? What is the cost of the medicine in pharmacies?

Oxolinic ointment

Oxonaphthylene, Tetraxolinic or simply Oxolin is an antiviral agent based on the external medicinal substance naphthalene-tetron. There are no drugs completely similar in composition or principle of action outside the CIS countries, since the effectiveness of this drug has not yet been scientifically proven. However, the developers claim that the medicine has a bactericidal effect on herpes and influenza viruses. The effect is achieved as soon as microorganisms enter the mucous membrane lubricated with the drug.

Compound

Externally, the structure of the ointment is more reminiscent of a gel-like substance: it is dense, with a whitish-gray tint, viscous and without any foreign impurities. The fundamental component of the product is the chemical compound tetrahydronaphthalene or simply oxolin, an abbreviated version of which gives the drug its name. Manufacturers included ordinary medical purified petroleum jelly as an excipient in the composition of Oxolinic ointment.

Release form

In pharmacies, the cream is sold in cardboard boxes, inside of which there are aluminum tubes of various sizes. There are two types: 0.25 and 3 percent. The first is an effective nasal remedy for combating microbes, the second is suitable only for external use. The percentage notifies the buyer about the concentration of active components. In addition, each variety has its own production volume, for example:

Oksolin 3% is sold only in tubes of 10, 25 and 30 grams;
The 0.25% product can be found in volumes of 5-10-25 and 30 grams.

Pharmacological action

When applied externally, the active components ensure the binding of herpes viruses, influenza, and other microorganisms to epithelial cells, thus increasing the ability of the immune system to resist respiratory viral and infectious diseases. After application to the skin, about 5% of the drug is completely absorbed into the blood. If you lubricate the mucous membrane of the nose or mouth, the body will receive 20% of the active substances. All components are completely excreted by the kidneys within 24 hours. At the same time, the drug does not have a negative effect on humans, and if the instructions are followed, it does not irritate the skin.

Indications for use

Three percent ointment, according to the instructions, can be used externally if:

warts caused by the causative agent of papilloma, including genital warts and spinules;
molluscum contagiosum;
herpes simplex virus;
dermatitis;
psoriasis.

In addition, the annotation for the drug states that the cream can treat herpes zoster, scaly or vesicular lichen. However, at the moment, this method of getting rid of skin lesions is rarely used in practice, since there are other more effective external remedies. If for some reason treatment with other drugs is not available, Oksolin will have a therapeutic effect.

Ointment 0.25% will help prevent the development of many respiratory viral infections, and treatment of diseases in the acute stage of development will not give the desired result. The instructions for use state that the gel can be used to prevent diseases such as:

ARVI and ORV;
viral rhinitis;
early keratitis;
conjunctivitis;
barley;
blepharitis;
prevention of viral infections during exacerbation.

It is worth considering that the use of Oksolin for the treatment of viral eye infections is indicated only in the Russian Federation and Ukraine. Products with oxoline produced in Belarus in inserts with useful information do not have such indications. In addition, some domestic annotations indicate that treatment of conjunctivitis, keratitis and other infections is not recommended, so you should consult a doctor before starting use.

From papillomas

When treating warts, Oxolin is applied in a light layer to the entire infected area of the epidermis several times a day. When rubbing the product, it is necessary to make light stroking movements, trying to prevent pressing or strong rubbing of the product. After application, the skin is covered with a sterile bandage, cotton pad or gauze bandage.

When treating severe skin lesions, an occlusive dressing with cellophane, wax-coated paper, or polyethylene should be applied to the treated surface. It is necessary to leave the bandage on the body for no longer than one day, then repeat the procedure. The course of treatment for papillomas ranges from 14 to 16 days, depending on the severity of the disease.

For the nose

To treat a mild runny nose caused by a respiratory viral infection, the product is applied directly to the mucous membrane in each nasal passage 2-3 times a day for 4 days. Before distributing Oxolin, the nose is cleaned with sea water. For ease of distribution of the product, it is better to use a cotton swab or a soft silicone spatula, so as not to damage the mucous membranes in the process.

The nasal medicine cannot be combined with any medications, including vasoconstrictor drops. To prevent influenza, the product must be applied up to two times a day, rinsing the nasal passages with a saline solution before each use. Average prophylactic use ranges from two weeks to 25 calendar days.

Instructions for use

When choosing Oksolin in a pharmacy, it is worth considering that in a dosage of 0.25% it is available for application to the mucous membranes of the mouth or nose, and 3% of the drug can only be distributed externally. It is unacceptable to use a three percent solution on mucous membranes, as this can lead to severe burning, redness and other allergic reactions. In contrast, 0.25% ointment should not be effective in treating skin infections.

For children

To prevent influenza and ARVI in a child, it is recommended to use only 0.25% ointment. Apply the product with a cotton swab before each exit to the street. For example, if your baby goes to kindergarten, then he needs to treat his nasal canals in the morning, after a nap and before an evening walk, each time washing off the residue with warm water.

If Oxolinic ointment for children will be used as the main medicine for a runny nose, then you should use the regimen for adults: put the medicine in the nose 3 times a day for 4 days. Dr. Komarovsky strongly advises all parents to remember that the remedy is not suitable for every child. If the baby does not tolerate this treatment well, feels slight discomfort or suffocation, the drug should be replaced with a nasal spray.

For babies

According to the instructions, the ointment can be used on children starting at the age of two years. Such restrictions are not accidental and are associated with insufficient maturity of the respiratory tract and nasal mucosa. The problem is that in infants, the passages from the nose communicate well with the ears and tear ducts of the eyes. This anatomical feature means that the greasy ointment can get into the ear or eyes, causing the spread of infection. In addition, the newborn's nose is too narrow and a large piece of medicine can lead to severe spasm, even suffocation.

Oxolin during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Regarding the use of ointment with oxoline during pregnancy, no scientific research has been conducted on this topic. Because of this, drug manufacturers often write in the instructions that they do not recommend using the product after conception. However, many years of medical practice claim that Oxolinic ointment during pregnancy is absolutely safe for the fetus.

The active components of the medicine enter the body in minimal quantities, so you can lubricate the nasal passages during breastfeeding. Treatment and prevention of influenza, ARVI and other respiratory viral diseases in pregnant women follows the standard regimen: 2 times a day for 4 days. It is recommended to regularly use drugs with oxoline during this period for 25 days.

Contraindications

The main contraindication to the use of ointment with oxoline is considered to be hypersensitivity to the active component or excipients of the drug. In addition, it should be used with extreme caution by people prone to allergies and asthmatics. Due to the excessive sensitivity of the epidermis during pregnancy, external Oxolinic ointment 3% should not be used by women when expecting a child. Many doctors also recommend that pregnant women in the first trimester refrain from such flu prevention.

Side effect

No cases of overdose have been reported so far. However, extremely rarely, the drug can still cause side effects, including:

a feeling of severe burning and itching;
skin redness;
hives;
increased mucous discharge from the nose;
tearing, when used during the treatment of eye infections;
risk of developing skin dermatitis;
blue coloration of the skin when using the product externally.

Best before date

The effectiveness of ointment with oxoline in the treatment of influenza is already assessed by many doctors as very low, and the result of using an expired product can be completely unpredictable. To avoid possible side effects, the packaging should be stored at an air temperature no higher than 10 degrees, so the ideal place would be the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. If all storage conditions are met, the shelf life of the drug is 3 years.

Analogues

If there are contraindications or adverse reactions, you can buy other drugs at the pharmacy that are similar in composition, properties or principle of action on the body. For example, an analogue of Oxolinic ointment 3% is:

Alpizarin;
Vivorax;
Bonafon;
Herperax;
Hyporamine;
Zovirax;
Gerpevir;
Devirs;
Acyclovir;
Fenestyl;
Epigen labial.

A good alternative for use on the mucous membranes of the mouth or nose would be:

Tylaxin;
Nikavir tablets;
Tetraxoline cream;
Lavomax capsules;
Oxonaphthylene;
Panavir gel;
Ergoferon tablets;
Arbidol capsules or dragees;
Viracept powder.

Price of Oxolinic ointment

You can buy a proven antiviral drug without a prescription at any pharmacy in the country. In addition, it is possible to have the product delivered to your home when ordering from a photo through official pharmaceutical online stores. Before purchasing, do not forget to check the expiration date of the medicine, the packaging for opening and make sure that the instructions are available. You can find out how much Oxolinic ointment costs in Moscow from the summary table.

Oxolinic ointment is a drug that helps prevent various viruses in skin cells and mucous membranes. The medicine was synthesized in the USSR in 1970, and its analogues appeared in 2000. Instructions for use include rules for using the drug.

Indications

Before using the product, you should read the instructions for oxolinic ointment. This drug should be used for:

Viral diseases of the mucous membrane of the eyes. Conjunctivitis, a complication after a cold or herpes, is considered a common occurrence. Symptoms of this disease include red eyes and severe watery eyes. Confirmation of the disease is carried out by a blood test.
Viral skin lesions. Oxolin is powerless against many infections, but to prevent secondary infection it is used for herpes and lichen. Both ailments are expressed in the form of ulcers with white contents.
Runny nose. It is difficult to determine the cause of rhinitis on your own, so it is advisable to take the advice of a doctor.
Herpes stomatitis. This is a common illness among preschool children. It appears as ulcers with a white coating on the mouth. First, with stomatitis, a high temperature occurs, which is accompanied by drowsiness and high viscosity of saliva.

According to reviews, many people use oxolin to treat the above ailments. You just need to follow the instructions, and then the likelihood of harm is eliminated.

Prevention

The instructions for use of oxolinic ointment say that it is more often used as a disease prevention than for treatment. The remedy is necessary to prevent the following ailments:

Flu, ARVI.
Adenoviral infection.
Shingles.
Molluscum contagiosum.
Warts from the papilloma virus.
Dühring's dermatitis.

Oxolinic ointment is not used to prevent bacterial infections, for example, with sore throat, laryngitis, pharyngitis. Because of this, when visiting patients, you need to use a cotton-gauze bandage. It is advisable to eliminate the risk of infection in other ways.

Although there are instructions for oxolinic ointment, it is still better to consult a doctor before treatment with such a drug. But within reasonable limits, independent use is allowed. As reviews show, the ointment is effective for both prevention and treatment.

Forms and dosage

In its pure form, oxolin is a white powder that dissolves in water. But it decomposes quickly, so it is sold in pharmacies only in the form of an ointment. The instructions for oxolinic ointment contain information about the composition. In addition to the active substance, the medicine contains petroleum jelly.

The ointment may include 0.25% or 3% oxoline. The first product is used to treat mucous membranes, and the second for the skin. It can be white or yellowish in color. In rare cases it is translucent or blue. Deviations from such colors confirm the deterioration of the medicine. Then it should not be used for treatment.

The medicine is sold in large (30 g) and small (10 g) tubes. If you need it for long-term treatment, then it is advisable to buy it in reserve. To prevent colds, it is more convenient to use a small package. Judging by the reviews, the drug is used during illness, which reduces the risk of a cold.

Storage

The instructions for oxolinic ointment indicate the rules for storing the medicine. Depending on its type, the period may be 2 or 3 years. You can find this information on the packaging or in the package insert. Storage temperature is 5-15 degrees. This means that the most suitable place would be a refrigerator, cellar, vestibule.

The manufacturer does not provide information on shelf life at room temperature. But usually the ointment is contained under these conditions. In this case, you need to control the smell, color and consistency of the medicine. Probably, at the end of the period, the active component will lose its properties, and the ointment will be useless. As you can see from the reviews, most people store the medicine at room temperature.

Application of ointment 3%

Tips for using the product vary, it all depends on the concentration. Using the medicine for other purposes than intended causes or worsens side effects, and also leads to allergies.

Instructions for use of oxolinic ointment 3% contain information about the purpose and rules of use. Previously, this medicine was used in the treatment of warts and papillomas. Now this method is outdated, since many other drugs have been proven to be effective. It is known that celandine juice will help cure warts faster. But there is no need to give up oxolin, since it can be used to treat the affected areas several times a day for 1-2 months.

The instructions for 3 percent oxolinic ointment say that it can be used as a prophylaxis for skin ailments. It should be applied to the area of intended contact with the patient. Often the area of risk is the hands. Diseases such as papilloma and molluscum contagiosum can be transmitted due to handshakes.

Application of ointment 0.25%

Instructions for use of oxolinic ointment 0.25% indicate that it is used in the treatment of viral conjunctivitis. But this should be done in the absence of more effective drugs. The ointment should be applied to the eyelid 2-3 times a day for 2 weeks.

Treatment of herpes stomatitis is performed after cleansing the affected area from crusts using sea buckthorn or vaseline oil. Just before doing this, it is advisable to rinse your mouth with calendula or chamomile. The rules of application are similar to those described above.

The main area of application of the ointment is the prevention of viral colds. The duration of treatment can be up to 30 days. The drug should be lubricated in the area of the nasal passages 2-3 times a day, which will prevent infection. To do this, it is advisable to use a cotton swab and apply a little medicine to it.

Directions for use

Instructions for use include doses and number of procedures:

For adenovirus infection, the medicine (0.25%) should be applied to the eyelid up to 3 times a day.
With a viral runny nose, 0.25% ointment is applied to the nasal mucosa up to 3 times a day for 4-5 days.
To prevent influenza and ARVI, treat the nasal mucosa 2-3 times a day.
When treating lichen simplex and dermatitis, apply 3% ointment to clean skin up to 3 times a day. Treatment ranges from 14 days to 2 months.

Contraindications

The instructions for use of oxolinic ointment contain information about contraindications. Products with any concentration should not be used for allergies. The drug may worsen its symptoms. Side effects may make it difficult to identify the causes of the disease. It is important to familiarize yourself with how oxolinic ointment is used during pregnancy. The instructions for use include rules on this matter.

Another contraindication is sensitivity to the components of the ointment. But you can only find out about this through experience. If symptoms such as burning, swelling, rhinitis do not go away within a few minutes, then treatment should not be continued. According to reviews, such symptoms practically do not appear in people.

During pregnancy

Before starting treatment, you need to read the instructions for using oxolinic ointment. Can it be used during pregnancy or not? This issue is controversial. It is believed that the benefits of using the medicine should outweigh the harm to the health of the child and the expectant mother.

The fact that it is perfectly absorbed into the blood through the mucous membranes speaks against the use of the drug. This means that, although the product is applied topically, the body receives approximately 20% of the active component when treating mucous membranes and 5% when applied to the skin.

But oxolin is not able to accumulate in the body, and it is excreted in the urine in less than a day, so there is no need to worry about long-term consequences. Numerous observations have not shown any undesirable effects when taking the medicine during pregnancy. Only at this time should the ointment be used at the peak of colds. Flu can be even more dangerous for a child compared to oxolin.

For children

Instructions for use of oxolinic ointment contain the basic rules for use in childhood. According to it, the medicine can be used from 2 years. Before this age, the ointment should not be used for the following reasons:

A child's small nasal passages can become clogged if too much product is introduced.
The lacrimal ducts, nasal canal, and middle ear are close and interact perfectly. This means that infection may spread to adjacent cavities.
Due to the ointment clot, which the child can inhale through the nose, there is a risk of causing blockage of the airways. This also occurs due to the narrowness of the trachea. The symptom is a whistling sound when inhaling.

The treatment will be effective if you use the product according to the instructions. Oxolinic ointment should not be used for children under one year of age. Some parents use the medicine to treat young children. These actions are justified by the following:

The child may attract the parents' attention when uncomfortable.
It is planned to leave the house during colds.
Children are not breastfed.

When treating children, the instructions for oxolinic ointment recommend applying the product into the nasal cavity for preventive purposes. Parents must carefully follow this procedure.

Side effects

The instructions for oxolinic ointment contain information about side effects. One of them is burning. Moreover, it can appear on the skin and mucous membranes. Rhinitis rarely appears. Normally, these effects last no more than 1-2 minutes.

Analogues

There are 2 analogues available - "Oxonaphthalene" and "Tetraxalin". The first one was produced in Ukraine in the period 2000-2009. It is currently not available in stock. In terms of therapeutic action, it is similar to oxolin. "Tetraxoline" is produced in the Russian Federation. Production began in 2008, the registration period has not yet expired.

Substitutes for oxolinic ointment include:

"Viferon". The medicine is available in the form of an ointment, gel for topical use, but there are also rectal suppositories. It contains interferon, a component that triggers a cycle of antiviral immune reactions. The drug is well tolerated and can be used during pregnancy and lactation. "Viferon" is used in the prevention of viral infections.
"Arbidol". The medicine includes umifenovir, a component that suppresses the activity of the virus and protects it from merging with the body's cells. "Arbidol" comes in tablets and capsules. It eases the course of colds, and also serves to prevent influenza.
"Derinat." The product has a powerful immunomodulatory effect. It is released in the form of a solution. The medicine is used as a spray and intravenously. Although it is effective, it still has side effects. It is used as a cold prevention. A contraindication is considered intolerance; before using it, it is advisable to consult a doctor.
"Vitaon". The medicine includes plant extracts that increase the body's protective functions. It has a wide spectrum of action. The drug is produced in the form of an oil essence and is used externally.

There is a lot of controversy among doctors about the effectiveness of the drug. Many experts note the effectiveness of the medicine. Oxolinic ointment can protect a person from infection. But you shouldn’t expect a 100% result either, since there is still a risk of infection.

Oxolinic ointment was developed and registered by domestic pharmacists back in 1970. In those distant times, the invention of a drug that could resist the influenza virus was a breakthrough in pharmaceuticals. Oxolin's only significant competitor was rimantadine, which had contraindications and some side effects. The safety and ease of use of the Soviet antiviral medicine became the key to its wide popularity.

Many products that were sold in pharmacies of the Soviet Union have long disappeared from the shelves and sunk into oblivion. And the good old Oxolinic ointment is still on sale, despite multiple assurances from both patients and some doctors about its complete ineffectiveness.

This means only one thing: the drug really works, at least for those people who buy it. After all, a medicine that has no effect cannot be sold steadily for 40 years!

Just like the Soviet antiseptic called “zelenka,” the favorite flu remedy received a second name. Pharmacists and fans affectionately nicknamed the medicine “Oxolinka.” Isn't this proof of universal recognition?

So, let's try to figure out what Oxolinic ointment is and what effect it actually has. Is it effective? And in what cases should you not rely on it?

Release forms, composition and pharmacological action

The modern pharmaceutical market offers two forms of release of the famous product:

– 0.25% ointment intended for the prevention of influenza, as well as the treatment of infections caused by adenovirus. This form of release is applied to sensitive areas: the nasal mucosa, the membrane of the eyeball, behind the eyelid.

– 3% Oxolinic ointment will be needed in the treatment of dermatological viral diseases: herpes, herpes zoster, molluscum contagiosum. The concentrated form of release is intended for use on the skin, including damaged skin.

The drug contains a single component - a complex chemical substance with a long, unpronounceable name. The pharmacological action of Oxolinic ointment is based on the ability to have a virucidal effect upon direct contact with the virus. Simply put, viruses upon contact with the active substance are inactivated and die.

The effectiveness of oxolinic ointment applies to several pathogens. These include the influenza virus, the herpes simplex virus - Herpes simplex, and adenovirus. In addition, a virucidal effect on the herpes zoster virus, human papillomavirus and molluscum contagiosum was recorded.

>>We recommend: if you are interested in effective methods of getting rid of chronic runny nose, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis and persistent colds, then be sure to check out this site page after reading this article. The information is based on the author’s personal experience and has helped many people, we hope it will help you too. Now let's return to the article.<<

Flu medicine: applied externally

Influenza infection occurs in two ways: contact and, much more often, airborne droplets. It is known that influenza viruses are found in large quantities in the air. Before settling in and starting its destructive work, the virus must pass through the nasal passages. In order to ensure contact between the influenza pathogen and oxolin, it is enough to simply treat the nasal mucosa.

During an epidemic, it is better to apply Oxolinic ointment twice a day. The duration of use of the drug depends on the scale of the epidemic. As a rule, experts recommend using oxolin for preventive purposes for 25 days. It is during this period of time that the flu outbreak has time to reach its peak and decline, and the likelihood of infection is significantly reduced.

If you have to communicate with a patient with the flu, you should increase the frequency of applications per day to 3-4 times. Using a face mask and washing your hands frequently will further increase your chances of staying alert and healthy. If a family member is sick, we must not forget about timely wet cleaning and regular ventilation. The result of these seemingly simple actions is not inferior to, and sometimes even surpasses, the effectiveness of Oxolinic ointment.

Safe use

A feature of oxolin, which, without a doubt, largely determined the enduring popularity of the drug, is safety. How often we are horrified by the size of the annotations for medicines! And the long list of contraindications and, even worse, side effects sometimes plunges the inexperienced reader into shock.

Oxolinic ointment is free of these disadvantages. This is largely due to the peculiarities of pharmacokinetics - the rate of absorption, distribution in the body and subsequent excretion of the active substance.

When treating the skin, only 5% of the drug is absorbed, and when applied to the mucous membranes, the amount of the active substance penetrating into the blood increases to 20%. These figures are especially telling when compared with the bioavailability of tablet drugs. The amount of the drug that enters the blood from the gastrointestinal tract can reach 90% or even more. It is no wonder that tablets and syrups have side effects and have a fairly wide list of contraindications.

Oxolinic ointment is completely eliminated from our body within 24 hours, does not accumulate and does not have a systemic, that is, general effect on the body. The toxic and irritating effect of the drug is excluded.

I would like to note that when applied to the nasal mucosa, a slight burning sensation is allowed, which lasts several minutes and does not cause discomfort. When using “Oxolinka” for the prevention of influenza and ARVI in children, it is worth taking this nuance into account. If the baby begins to complain of a burning sensation in the nose, as a rule, it is enough to distract him for a while, and the problem will be solved.

Evidence-based medicine and Oxolinic ointment

Some experts draw attention to the lack of evidence base for the effectiveness of the famous medicine. Indeed, for more than 40 years of use of Oxolinic ointment, not a single randomized clinical trial has been conducted that would prove the activity of the active substance against viruses. But all over the world it has long been customary to evaluate the performance of any medical drug based on data from double-blind randomized trials with placebo control.

Moreover, Oxolinic ointment is one of the few medicines that are used exclusively in the territory of the former USSR.

However, this does not prevent us from loving and using this drug. Numerous fans of Oxolinic ointment prove its antiviral effect from their own experience. Our dedication is confirmed by consistently high sales of the drug in the autumn-winter period, which do not decline from year to year. Apparently, “Oxolinka” does not need an evidence base - its effectiveness has been confirmed by many years of practice of general practitioners and pediatricians.

And even experts who completely deny the antiviral effect of Oxolinic ointment agree with the possibility of a placebo effect. Indeed, according to some data, in 40% of cases of drug use, a positive result can be due precisely to the effect of a dummy drug.

Experience of use in children under one year of age

We have already said that the drug is distinguished by the absence of systemic action and cumulation, that is, the accumulation of the active substance in the body during long-term use. Thanks to these properties, as well as the complete absence of toxicity, Oxolinic ointment is widely used for the prevention of viral infections in infants - children in the first year of life.

Mothers should pay special attention to the concentration of the product purchased. If the erroneous use of the concentrated form of the drug in adults is not dangerous, then in infants the use of oxolinic ointment 3% can cause severe irritation of the delicate mucous membrane. Therefore, when buying “Oxolinka” for an infant, check the concentration of the medicine once again.

The regimen for using Oxolinic ointment in children under one year of age is the same as for adult patients. Applying the drug to the nasal mucosa twice a day will help protect the child’s body during epidemics.

I would like to note that sometimes the instructions for Oxolinic Ointment indicate an age limit for use. Some manufacturers do not recommend using the medicine in children under two years of age. This is due to the lack of clinical trials of the drug. Nevertheless, the use of Oxolinic ointment and its analogues for the prevention of infections in newborns has been approved by many pediatricians.

In the vast majority of cases, the drug is well tolerated. If immediately after using the product the baby behaves restlessly, there is a possibility of irritation of the hypersensitive nasal mucosa. In this case, it is better to reduce the concentration of the active substance. This is not difficult to achieve: just mix Oxolinic ointment for nasal use with any neutral base. Lanolin, Vaseline or even regular baby cream are ideal for these purposes. One part of the medicine and one part of the base must be thoroughly homogenized, that is, brought to a homogeneous state. There is no point in storing such a “homemade” product: the base can become an excellent environment for the proliferation of bacteria and viruses.

Oxolinic ointment for children: when, how and how much

Young children are a risk category for ARVI and influenza. Groups in nurseries and kindergartens, crowded with not always healthy pupils, are the main breeding ground for infection. Therefore, the prevention of viral diseases is necessary, and the banal “oxolinka” is a real helper in this.

Despite the fact that the annotation for Oxolinic ointment indicates a clear period of use - 25 days - there may be reasons to use the drug for a longer time. After all, unfortunately, ARVI in kindergarten and primary school often “thrives” throughout the autumn-winter period. Working parents are forced to protect their children in all reasonable and not so reasonable ways, sometimes stooping to creating necklaces from garlic cloves and other costume jewelry. The effectiveness of such methods, unfortunately, is low.

Meanwhile, the convenient mode of use of Oxolinic ointment allows you to further protect children from infection without resorting to sophistication.

A prophylactic antiviral agent should be used from November to the end of March, when the cold season comes to an end. During periods of decline in the epidemic, you can take a break. Applying Oxolinic ointment twice to the nasal mucosa is quite enough to prevent seasonal infections in children of any age.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding

Flu during pregnancy is not only unpleasant. It's dangerous. Having an illness in the first trimester can lead to disaster. Therefore, avoiding infection is one of the first tasks of the expectant mother during the period of raging flu. Oxolinic ointment ranks first in the ranking of antiviral drugs approved for use during pregnancy. The safety of the drug allows its use in any trimester.

It is difficult to answer the question of what to choose as flu prevention - Oxolinic ointment, nasal drops or Viferon suppositories. After all, the mechanism of action of interferon drugs has nothing to do with the pharmacological effect of “oxolinka” and is based on stimulation of immune forces. However, given that suppositories are absorbed into the blood and have a systemic effect, sometimes the advantages are on the side of Viferon. The final decision on the selection of a drug, especially in the case of disease prevention in frequently ill children, should be made by the attending physician.

If the doctor prescribed Oxolinic ointment, you can confidently replace it with the analogues Oxonaphthylene or Tetraxoline. At the same time, you can rest assured that these medications are completely identical.

Side effects

Side effects are extremely rare after using Oxolinic ointment. This is again directly related to the low absorption of the product and low toxicity.

Main side effects:

short-term burning or discomfort in the area of application. Most often, this effect is observed after applying the ointment to the mucous membranes;
allergic dermatitis after using oxoline in sensitized, that is, sensitive patients. I would like to note that during many years of practice in using the drug, isolated cases of allergies have been reported. The chance of this side effect is less than 1%;
blue coloration of the skin, which is easily washed off and cannot be a reason for discontinuation of the drug;
rhinorrhea, that is, increased secretion of nasal mucus. This effect can be easily stopped with any vasoconstrictor drops and does not cause discomfort.

Are there any contraindications?

We have come to the section that concerns all patients purchasing the drug. But this point will probably be one of the most laconic. There are simply no contraindications to the use of Oxolinic ointment. With the exception of individual sensitivity to the active substance.

Any average person can have an individual reaction to any, even the most harmless drug or cosmetic product. However, the vast majority of patients do not need to worry. Most often, people who encounter such manifestations suffer from severe allergies and are aware of the characteristics of their body.

In light of the numbers, the probability of individual sensitivity to Oksolinova ointment looks almost illusory: it barely reaches 0.1%.

Storage conditions

The effectiveness of the drug largely depends on compliance with storage conditions. Oxolinic ointment remains active at temperatures no higher than 10 degrees, so the drug must be stored in the refrigerator.

We must not forget about one more important condition: any medicine must be stored in a place inaccessible to children.

In this article you can read the instructions for use of the drug Oksolin. Reviews of site visitors - consumers of this medicine, as well as the opinions of specialist doctors on the use of Oxolinic ointment in their practice are presented. We kindly ask you to actively add your reviews about the drug: whether the medicine helped or did not help get rid of the disease, what complications and side effects were observed, perhaps not stated by the manufacturer in the annotation. Analogues of Oxolin in the presence of existing structural analogues. Use for the prevention of influenza and acute respiratory viral infections and the treatment of viral skin diseases in adults, children, as well as during pregnancy and lactation.

Oxolinic ointment- has antiviral activity, blocking the binding sites of the influenza virus (mainly type A2) with the surface of the cell membrane, protecting cells from the penetration of the virus into them.

Compound

Oxolin + excipients.

Pharmacokinetics

When applied to the skin, about 5% of the drug is absorbed, and to the mucous membranes - up to 20%. It does not accumulate in the body and is excreted mainly by the kidneys during the day.

Indications

flu prevention;
viral skin diseases;
viral rhinitis.

Release forms

Nose ointment 0.25%.

Ointment for external use 3%.

Instructions for use and method of use

Nasally

Prevention of influenza and treatment of viral rhinitis: lubricating the nasal mucosa with 0.25% ointment 2-3 times a day.

Externally

Apply to affected areas of the skin 2-3 times a day. To remove warts, apply 3% ointment 2-3 times a day for 2 weeks - 2 months. After applying the ointment, wax paper is placed on top.

Side effect

burning sensation of the nasal mucosa or skin;
rhinorrhea.

Contraindications

individual intolerance to the drug and its components.

Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Prescription during pregnancy is possible only if the expected benefit to the mother outweighs the potential risk to the fetus.

Special instructions

Not available.

Drug interactions

Oxolinic ointment has a low absorption threshold and is practically not absorbed into the body, and therefore systemic interaction with other drugs is minimal.

Analogues of the drug Oxolinic ointment

Structural analogues of the active substance:

Oksolin;
Oxolinic ointment;
Oxonaphthylene;
Tetraxoline.

If there are no analogues of the drug for the active substance, you can follow the links below to the diseases for which the corresponding drug helps, and look at the available analogues for the therapeutic effect.

Local antiviral drug – Oxolinic ointment, used to treat viral pathologies of the skin and eyes; rhinitis The ointment treats vesicular and herpes zoster, warts, herpes, papillomas, Dühring's dermatitis and other diseases. The drug was registered in 1970. The safety and effectiveness of the drug became the key to its popularity among the people. The active substance of the drug is oxolin. An undoubted advantage is that the ointment has only one contraindication - hypersensitivity to the components. Can be used in childhood, while pregnant and during breastfeeding. So, what is Oxolinic ointment for, what therapeutic effects does it have?

Release forms, composition and pharmacological action

The active component of the drug is oxolin. Oxolinic ointment comes in 3% and 0.25%. The instructions indicate Vaseline and Vaseline oil as auxiliary components. The color of the medicinal substance is white or slightly yellow. Long-term storage causes a pinkish tint to appear.

Oxolin has antiviral properties against herpes, herpes zoster, and influenza viruses (mainly type A2). Clinical studies have shown susceptibility of adenoviruses, molluscum contagiosum and wart viruses.

It is worth knowing: the pharmacological effect is due to the inhibition of the virus located on the surface of cell membranes, which prevents its penetration to the cellular level.

Oxolinic ointment 3% is non-toxic. When applied topically, it is not absorbed into the circulatory system and does not lead to the development of negative effects. When applied to mucous membranes, the product is absorbed by 20%. When applied to the skin, only 5% is absorbed. There is no accumulation effect, elimination is carried out within 24 hours.

Indications, contraindications and side effects

As noted above, Oxolinic ointment has only one contraindication - organic intolerance to the active component or auxiliary components of the drug. This phenomenon is observed extremely rarely - approximately 0.001% of cases.

Side effects are also rare. These include a slight burning sensation at the site of application, which disappears on its own after 1-2 minutes. With hypersensitivity, rhinorrhea and dermatitis occur. A slight blue discoloration of the skin is observed; it is easily washed off with running water without the use of soap.

Ointments of different concentrations of the active component differ in purpose. Application Oxolinic ointment 3% is recommended in the following situations:

Warts that are a result of the activity and proliferation of the human papillomavirus (pins, flat warts, genital warts);
Shingles;
Lichen simplex (vesicular type);
Squamous lichen;
Molluscum contagiosum;
Herpes simplex virus;
Dühring's dermatitis;
Psoriasis (only as part of complex treatment).

For the treatment of deprivation, a local agent is rarely used in modern medical practice, since now there are more effective medications with proven clinical effectiveness.

Indications for use of Oxolinic ointment 0.25%:

Viral types of rhinitis;
Flu;
ARVI;
Eye pathologies of a viral nature;
Prevention of influenza/ARVI and other similar diseases.

So, what is Oksolin ointment for? According to patient reviews, the product is an effective prevention of influenza. Used during seasonal outbreaks of the disease. Use is not recommended if you are already ill, in which case the drug does not work.

Important: according to the Russian and Ukrainian treatment protocols, therapy for viral eye pathologies is permissible using “oxolinka”, but in Belarus it is not. It is for this reason that the instructions for use of Oxolinic ointment, manufactured in Ukraine and the Russian Federation, indicate that the product can be used for viral eye infections. In the inserts of the ointment produced in the Republic of Belarus, this column is absent. Moreover, some instructions indicate in a separate paragraph that it should not be applied to the eyes. The topical preparation contains petroleum jelly of varying degrees of purity, so it is better not to use those samples where it is indicated not to do so.

Instructions for use

The instructions for Oxolinic ointment state that a 0.25% product is applied exclusively to the mucous membranes, and a 3% concentration is used for application to the skin. If you apply a 3% substance to the mucous membrane, it leads to local irritation and a large dosage of the active ingredient enters the blood. Along with this, 0.25% does not make sense to use for the treatment of skin pathologies, since the effectiveness is minimal.

So, we looked at what Oxolinic ointment helps with. Please read the instructions for use:

To treat a runny nose, provoked by an infection, the ointment is placed in each nostril up to three times a day. Therapy lasts 3-4 days. They try to distribute the drug on the mucous membranes in a thin layer so that it does not interfere with proper breathing.
For the treatment of viral eye lesions The ointment is applied to the lower eyelid three times a day. If other local products are used in parallel, the frequency of application is once a day.
Flu prevention: Apply the ointment into the nasal passages 3-4 times a day. Before manipulation, the nasal sinuses are washed with saline solution.
To cure herpes, herpes zoster and other skin diseases, the product is applied in a thin layer to the affected area. Frequency of use – up to three times a day. During the application process, the substance is rubbed in with light movements, then the treated area is covered with a sterile napkin and secured with an adhesive plaster.
To get rid of stomatitis use 0.25% medication. A viscous substance is applied 3-4 times a day to the entire oral cavity. It is recommended to carefully treat the ulcers. The course is until the clinical manifestations are completely eliminated.

Warts are treated with Oxolinic ointment. The drug works effectively, but you will need to use it for a long time - at least 2 months. You need to use a 3% product. Warts are lubricated 3-4 times a day with ointment, then covered with a bandage.

Use during pregnancy

The instructions note that a topical drug can be used while pregnant, but provided that the intended benefit to the mother outweighs the likelihood of harm to the baby. In other words, no scientific studies have been conducted to prove or disprove the safety of Oksolinka during pregnancy.

But in practice, medical specialists often prescribe the ointment to pregnant women. Doctors believe that the Soviet medicine is a safe remedy that is a good prevention of influenza during epidemics. Also, the long period of use of Oksolinka allows us to draw a reasonable conclusion about the safety of the drug for women expecting a baby.

Note: To prevent infections, ointment is placed in the nasal passages every time before going outside. After returning home, the product is washed off with warm water. With each subsequent use of the drug, you should always wash out the previous volume. Continuous use during pregnancy is allowed for 25 days.

Application for children

The instructions for using Oksolinova ointment for children state that the product can be used starting from the age of two. This is due to the maturity of the mucous membranes and respiratory organs, their ability to respond normally to fatty ointment. In children under 2 years of age, the nasal sinuses are narrow and communicate with the lacrimal sac of the eye and the middle ear. This anatomical feature poses a risk of penetration of the substance into the ear or lacrimal sac, which leads to the spread of the infectious process.

Features of the use of "Oxolinka" in childhood:

Only 0.25% of the product is allowed to be used;
For the treatment of runny nose, to prevent ARVI, lubricate the nasal mucosa several times a day;
For warts in children The ointment is applied to the affected area 3-4 times a day, the course of treatment is several months.

As for use for newborns, it is not recommended to use it as treatment/prevention of runny nose, flu, and other diseases. This point is based on the anatomical features of infants. Before applying the product to the skin, consult a pediatrician.

Analogues

For a long time, Oksolinka had no analogues or competitors among pharmaceuticals. In 2006, the drug Oksonafthylin appeared; it can be called an analogue of the drug. And in 2008 Tetraxoline. These drugs are structural analogues, in other words, they contain the same active substance.

There are also other drugs that provide local antiviral effects. They are not classified as structural analogues, since they contain other components. They are similar in therapeutic effects. These drugs include drugs containing interferon. The most famous medicine, Viferon. Release forms: suppositories, ointment, gel.

The question of which remedy is better: Oxolinic ointment or new drugs is quite difficult to answer. After all, the principle of the pharmacological effect of interferons has nothing to do with the properties of Oksolinka, since it is based on increasing the immune status. But given the fact that suppositories are absorbed into the bloodstream and have a systemic effect, the scales often tip towards Viferon.

The final decision on the choice of medication, especially for a child, is made by a medical specialist. If the doctor prescribed Oksolinka, then you can independently replace it with Tetraxoline or Oksonafthylin. It's the same thing.

Despite the assurances of some doctors about the uselessness of Oxolinic ointment, it is popular for the treatment and prevention of viral diseases. The product really works, at least for those patients who purchase it. The price is quite affordable, depending on the concentration of the active component. The average cost is $0.5-1.5.