Only effective drugs.

Colds and flu cause debilitating headaches, choking snot, cough and sore throat that prevent you from falling asleep. In addition, it interferes with plans, work and normal rest. Considering this, it is not surprising that people are willing to pay a lot of money for medicines just to avoid getting sick or to be cured “in one day.” And they don’t think at all about how effective the products advertised or offered in pharmacies are. In this article we will talk about the best remedies for colds and flu, effective antiviral drugs, remedies for runny nose and sore throat. And all this without advertising - only based on the latest research. Find out how to quickly cure a cold!

Which antiviral is better?

There is a wide selection of products available in pharmacies that promise to protect and cure colds and flu. Among them: Anaferon, Kagocel, Oscillococcinum, Grippferon, Amiksin, Cycloferon and various preparations with Echinacea. Let's say right away that all these drugs have not proven their effectiveness either in treatment or in prevention - we even wrote about this. However, they are popular only in Russia - in the USA and Europe, such products are not even on sale. So you don’t even have to try to look for antiviral drugs that are inexpensive but effective among those listed above. The virus is most often fought by the immune system, but people attribute its merits to advertised dummies.

However, effective antiviral drugs still exist - these are drugs with a broad evidence base, recommended by WHO:

• Oseltamivir (Tamiflu, Nomides)
• Zanamivir (Relenza).

They treat influenza in people at high risk of complications. These include patients with chronic diseases of the heart, liver, lungs, as well as those undergoing treatment with immunosuppressive drugs. For everyone else, WHO recommends staying at home and taking medications to relieve symptoms as needed. It is worth noting that even the best antiviral drugs do not work miracles - they shorten the duration of the disease by only 1-2 days. Among the advantages of these drugs, we note a milder course of the flu and a reduced risk of complications. Please note that original tablets cost about 1000-1500 rubles per course of treatment. True, Russian Oseltamivir (Nomides) will cost on average half as much, but it is difficult to say how effective this inexpensive antiviral drug is.

How to bring down the temperature?

Sometimes people are afraid to lower their temperature with pills and suppositories, especially when it comes to children. They choose rubbing with vinegar and alcohol as a folk remedy for colds. Due to the evaporation of these liquids, the temperature does drop, but this cooling causes shivering - because of this, the fever can quickly return. So if there are no contraindications, antipyretics are the best option.

Ibuprofen and paracetamol are the best remedies for pain and fever. These cold pills are inexpensive and effective, but you need to understand when you need to take them.

They do not cure a cold, but they help relieve pain and reduce fever. However, not every temperature needs to be lowered. When a person gets sick, his body warms up - this is a protective reaction of the body. At elevated temperatures, blood flow improves and a special type of lymphocyte, T-helper cells, are released that fight infection. But it can be very difficult to bear the heat, so many people are interested in the question, what temperature should be lowered? It is believed that it is necessary to bring down the temperature above 38.9 degrees, but if pain and fever cause severe discomfort, then in this case you can use paracetamol or ibuprofen at lower numbers.

We recommend keeping both products in your medicine cabinet; fortunately, such a supply will not hurt your wallet, because these are inexpensive cold medicines. However, ibuprofen will also provide relief from sore throat, sinusitis and reduce inflammation, while paracetamol is best for headaches and fever. In addition, you can alternate them - this way you will avoid an overdose, because, like any medicine, you cannot drink them without measure.

Contraindications:

• Ibuprofen is not recommended if you are taking blood thinning medications, as well as if you have chronic heart failure, stomach problems, asthma, or nasal polyps.
• Paracetamol is dangerous because it can damage the liver if overdosed. This can easily happen if you take paracetamol along with flu and cold tablets containing the same component, for example, Coldrex, Theraflu, Rinza, Antigrippin. By the way, such remedies do not cure colds at all, no matter what they say in advertising.

How to treat a throat?

There is no ideal remedy - it all depends on the cause of the sore throat and the individual characteristics of the body. A sore throat can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection, but only a doctor can accurately distinguish one cause from another. There are some signs that will help you roughly determine which case is yours and how to treat your throat.

• A viral infection can be recognized by accompanying cold symptoms, such as a runny nose, congestion, watery eyes, or cough. In this case, your immune system will fight the pathogen. All you have to do is provide yourself with peace, warm drinks and food that doesn’t irritate your throat. You can also relieve pain using pharmaceutical or folk remedies. Treatment of the throat at home can be done using honey - it must be dissolved in the mouth several times a day. If possible, gargle with saline solution for 20 seconds three times a day. To prepare it, you need to dilute half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of water. Lozenges or lozenges for the throat will also help - they soften the throat and relieve pain.
• A bacterial infection is accompanied by a more severe sore throat that lasts longer than seven days. It is very difficult to swallow, and the tonsils and back of the throat are bright red and swollen. Sometimes red spots or patches of pus are visible. In this case, you should consult a doctor - you may need treatment with antibiotics, because an untreated bacterial infection can lead to otitis media, kidney disease, heart disease, brain disease, joints and skin. Antibiotics for colds in adults and children should only be prescribed by a doctor - he will determine the required dose and duration of use. Why is this important? An insufficient amount of antibiotic, both in quantity and duration of administration, can lead to the disease becoming chronic.

How to treat a runny nose?

A runny nose and nasal congestion due to ARVI and influenza should go away on their own within a week or two due to the functioning of the immune system. But these symptoms are very unpleasant, so people often try to find out how to cure a runny nose at home. There is a simple and well-known remedy that will help ease breathing - salt water. It will reduce swelling and flush out the sinuses from mucus accumulation. You can buy a bottle of sea water at a pharmacy for 200-500 rubles, or save money and just take the saltiest mineral water you find and pour it into a nasal spray bottle. Washing with a solution made from salt and water will also help. Usually take half a teaspoon per glass of warm water, but if such a solution causes a burning sensation, then the amount of salt can be reduced. You should rinse or irrigate your nose at least four times a day.

If nasal congestion prevents you from falling asleep, then you can use phenylephrine drops to ease breathing - they will reduce swelling:

• Vibrocil
• Nazol Baby
• Babyfrin
• Adrianol
• Nazol Kids.

Drops with xylometazoline (for example, Tizin, Xylene, Galazolin, Otrivin, Rinostop) are also popular, but they must be used with caution due to rapid addiction.

If you are against such radical treatment for a runny nose and nasal congestion, then you can choose a product based on herbal extracts, for example, Pinosol or Evamenol.

Which antibiotic is better?

Antibiotics only fight bacteria and are absolutely ineffective against ARVI and influenza. Therefore, you should not start taking antibiotics at the first sign of a cold or to prevent complications. But if your symptoms begin to worsen, such as ear pain, toothache, severe sinus pain, or shortness of breath, you should see a doctor to be evaluated for more serious conditions, such as pneumonia, bacterial sinusitis, or a middle ear infection. We provide here a list of antibiotics for colds in adults in case a doctor is not available:

• Amoxicillin (Flemoxin soblutab, Amoxiclav, Ecoclave, Augmentin, Flemoklav, Panclave, Amosin)
• Clarithromycin (Klacid, Clarithromycin-Akrikhin, Fromilid Uno, Clarbact)
• Cefuroxime (Zinacef, Zinnat, Cefuroxime Kabi)
• Erythromycin (Erythromycin-Lect)
• Ceftibuten (Cedex).

ARVI, acute respiratory infections, influenza - all these diseases need to be treated in a timely manner by choosing a fast-acting cold remedy. As a rule, the presented conditions are characterized by the same symptoms. Only the reasons for the development of the disease differ. We have compiled a list of effective medications and divided them into groups, implying different forms of release.

Effective cold tablets

It is advisable to take tablets for colds in order to recover faster. They are inexpensive and effective, relieve all signs of the disease in a few days. Antiviral drugs help strengthen the immune system and completely suppress the activity of the pathogen.

No. 1. Ibuklin

Price – 180 rubles. The remedy is prescribed for flu and colds. The active ingredients are paracetamol and ibuprofen. This duet is famous for its analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory properties. “Ibuklin” eliminates headaches during acute respiratory viral infections and acute respiratory infections, and fights muscle spasms during influenza. It is taken three times a day. The course lasts 3 days. If after the allotted time there is no positive dynamics, you should consult a doctor.

No. 2. Efferalgan

Price – 170 rubles. The remedy is dispensed as effervescent tablets for colds. Fast action can be achieved thanks to the inclusion of paracetamol. It has pronounced antipyretic but weak anti-inflammatory properties. The drug does not have a negative effect on the gastrointestinal tract and water-salt metabolism. The result appears after a day of use. "Efferalgan" relieves fever, sore/sore throat, migraine and other symptoms of a cold. An adult is given 6 tablets per day, each of which must be dissolved in 0.2 liters before use. water.

No. 3. Arbidol

Price – 340 rubles. Powerful antiviral tablets and capsules are prescribed for flu and colds to all categories of people. They are distinguished by safety and quick achievement of results. The main substance is umifenovir, which is active against influenza and ARVI pathogens, as well as other infectious processes. To shorten the duration of therapy, it is necessary to take capsules rather than tablet form. The drug is taken once every 5-6 hours, treatment lasts 5 days.

No. 4. Ingavirin

Price – 510 rubles. Immunomodulatory, antiviral, fast-acting cold remedy with the inclusion of pentanedioic acid imidazolylethanamide. The main purpose of the medicine is to accelerate the production of interferons and increase the body’s immune response to the action of viruses. "Ingavirin" refers to drugs that must be taken once daily. The course lasts 1 week, symptoms of a cold disappear on the second day. If you start treatment in a timely manner, you will be able to avoid complications and protracted therapy.

No. 5. Tamiflu

Price – 1200 rubles. An expensive but effective medicine based on oseltamivir. The high cost is offset by the quick relief from colds and more complex viral diseases. Tamiflu is drunk during the spread of the flu, when it is easy to catch the virus. During this period, the patient suffers from pain in the head, loss of strength, catarrhal manifestations of the disease, and myalgia. Treatment lasts 5 days, provided the medication is taken twice a day.

The best cold powders

Cold and flu powder is a good alternative to tablet or capsule remedies. But which drug to choose among all the variety? Let's try to figure it out together.

No. 1. Teraflu

Price – 480 rubles. The powder form of the cold remedy concentrates paracetamol as the main substance. It has antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties. Relieves muscle spasms and headaches during acute respiratory viral infections, influenza, acute respiratory infections. Used in therapeutic and preventive therapy, it helps to quickly get back on your feet. Eliminates severe symptoms the next day if taken at night. Daily dosage – 3 sachets, course – until recovery.

No. 2. Coldrex

Price – 300 rubles. A drug for the symptomatic treatment of acute respiratory diseases. Relieves nasal congestion and sore throat, lowers temperature, and does not cause drowsiness. The antipyretic and analgesic effect of paracetamol is supported by ascorbic acid, which improves the body's immune response to pathogens. The medicine is taken 4 times a day until recovery. Signs of the disease begin to subside 12-24 hours after using the product. You can completely get rid of a cold in 3-5 days.

No. 3. Fervex

Price – 290 rubles. Combination cold medications combine several active substances. Coldrex is used to combat acute respiratory diseases. It consists of paracetamol, ascorbic acid, pheniramine. The medicine is famous for its analgesic, antipyretic, antihistamine and vasoconstrictor properties. Therefore, it eliminates nasal congestion, sore throat, and fever in just a few uses. In order not to provoke adverse reactions, take no more than 3 sachets per day.

No. 4. Antigrippin

Price – 220 rubles. A popular remedy most often taken for colds and flu. Powders such as Antigrippin are inexpensive but quite effective. The main thing is to start taking it at the first signs of illness. The product boasts a pronounced antipyretic and analgesic effect. Acts as an immunostimulant. The finished drink eliminates nasal congestion, chills, headaches, and lowers body temperature. No more than 3 sachets are indicated per day with an interval of 5 hours.

Other effective cold remedies

As an alternative, you can consider equally effective remedies, which are also often prescribed for colds and flu. They are effective and cheap.

No. 1. Upsarin-Upsa

Price – 200 rubles. Does not contain paracetamol. The drug is based on acetylsalicylic acid. Additionally, the composition contains excipients in the form of aspartame, povidone, etc. After administration, the product relieves the main symptoms within a few minutes. General well-being improves. Body aches and headache go away. "Upsarin-Upsa" copes with high temperatures in a short period of time. Available in the form of effervescent tablets. You are allowed to take no more than 4 units per day. The drug is well tolerated by the body, adverse reactions occur extremely rarely. Contraindicated during lactation and pregnancy.

No. 2. Grippferon

Price – from 300 rubles. The immunomodulatory agent is available in various forms. It helps against colds by enhancing the production of interferon in the human body. The drug is used for the treatment and prevention of influenza and ARVI. Depending on the form, the frequency of use of the medicine will differ. All details are described in the instructions. Regular use of the product allows you to eliminate the disease and unpleasant symptoms in the shortest possible time. The composition is safe and has no adverse reactions.

No. 3. Zovirax

Price – 180 rubles. It is immediately worth noting that the cream copes only with herpes infection, which can occur in the form of a cold on the lips. The active ingredient is acyclovir. It quickly inhibits the activity of pathogenic microorganisms, preventing their further spread. Often the disease manifests itself against the background of a general decrease in immunity. If herpes occurs, it is important to take timely measures to prevent complications. The drug eliminates itching, burning and other unpleasant sensations. The composition must be used every 4 hours. The duration of the course is a week.

No. 4. Tsefekon-N

Price – 120 rubles. An antipyretic for colds is available in the form of rectal suppositories. It is inexpensive but extremely effective. The main component is naproxen. At high body temperatures, it is advisable to use Cefekon-N. It quickly has an analgesic effect and eliminates the inflammatory process. After half an hour, you feel better and feel more energetic. Suppositories are administered in the morning after bowel movements and hygiene. The course should not last more than 3 days. The drug has some contraindications that must be familiarized with before therapy.

No. 5. Fluditek

Price – 420 rubles. When ARVI occurs, a cough appears in the first few days, which must be dealt with. The medicine "Fluditek" saves not only from colds, but also other unpleasant symptoms. A fast-acting remedy removes accumulated mucus from the respiratory system. Bacterial bronchitis is prevented. Additionally, the syrup has an immunostimulating effect on the body. The medicine should be taken three times a day, 15 ml. an hour before the meal. It is not recommended to carry out therapy without first consulting a doctor. The course lasts no more than 10 days.

No. 6. Otrivin Complex

Price – 260 rubles. The highly effective product is presented in the form of a nasal spray. He is prescribed for colds and runny nose. The active ingredients are xylometazoline and ipratropium bromide. When used, the drug has an anticholinergic effect and a vasoconstrictor effect. Against this background, not only does breathing become easier, but also secretion production decreases. The spray begins to act from the first minutes, it is allowed to use no more than 3 times a day. It is prohibited to use the drug for more than a week.

Many remedies have been developed to combat colds. Almost all of them show high effectiveness if treatment is started immediately when the first signs of the disease appear. If treatment is not timely and the condition worsens, more serious medications in the form of antibiotics may be required.

The respiratory disease season lasts from October to March each year. During these 6 months, more than half of Russians experience unpleasant symptoms: sore throat, runny nose, cough, fever. Surely each of us has our own “proprietary” methods of combating seasonal illness.

Well, today we bring to your attention Top best cold and flu remedies, including both traditional methods of treatment and medications.

10. Ginger tea with lemon

The drink is a powerful immunostimulating and warming agent. To prepare, just add half a teaspoon of ground ginger or a small piece of fresh root to hot water. Infuse the drink for 5 minutes and add a slice of lemon. Drink half a glass of freshly prepared tea twice a day. If you are not allergic to honey, you can sweeten slightly cooled tea with it.

9. Cranberry or lingonberry juice

Both berries have a pronounced bactericidal property. In addition, they are rich in vitamin C and perfectly increase the body's resistance. If you don’t want to drink fruit juice, you can grind the berries with sugar and eat them as a snack with tea.

8. Antiviral drugs (Arbidol, Viferon, Tsitovir, Reaferon, etc.)

They are prescribed both for the treatment and prevention of respiratory viral infections. True, it’s still not worth doing this uncontrollably of your own free will. It is worth saying that in foreign practice in many countries such drugs are not prescribed at all for mild acute respiratory viral infections.

7. Drugs that eliminate the symptoms of acute respiratory infections (Theraflu, Tamiflu, Antigrippin, Coldrex)

It is important to remember that such remedies do not cure colds and flu, but they significantly alleviate the condition. Symptomatic medications contain substances that reduce swelling of the mucous membranes, eliminate headaches, aching joints and fever.

6. Barrier protection

Masks, as well as oxolinic and viferon ointments, make it difficult for viruses to enter the body. It is advisable to use such means if you are going to have contact with a patient or visit potentially dangerous crowded places. Upon returning home, it is advisable to rinse the nasal mucosa with saline or a special product, for example, Aqualor, Aqua Maris. Such irrigation will help remove viruses from the mucous membrane if they have penetrated there.

5. Vaccination (Grippol, Influvac, Vaxigrip)

The flu vaccine is given before the onset of the acute respiratory viral infection season, since it will take some time for the body to develop immunity. In addition, the vaccine can only be given to an absolutely healthy person without signs of acute respiratory viral infection. The choice of drug is best left to the discretion of the doctor. Vaccination will not protect against viruses 100%, but vaccinated people tolerate ARVI much easier than those who are not vaccinated.

4. Essential oils (mint, lemon, eucalyptus, fir, rosemary)

They have antiseptic, bactericidal, antiviral and immunostimulating properties. The best way to use it is to install an aroma lamp with natural oils indoors, as well as applying a few drops of oil to a napkin, which is placed in the breast pocket of clothing.

3. Decoction or syrup of rose hips

The high content of vitamin C and immunostimulating properties make rose hips a valuable remedy for flu and colds. Hypotonic patients should take into account that rosehip lowers blood pressure.

2. Alkaline drinking (mineral water, milk with soda)

Lack of moisture prevents the body from quickly coping with the disease. It is alkaline drinking that helps thin phlegm, improves mucus discharge, and allows you to quickly replenish the lack of fluid in the body and cope with intoxication. Milk with soda helps well with a debilitating cough, if there is no food intolerance to dairy products.

1. Humid and cool air

Air humidity of about 50% and temperature around +18 significantly reduce the chance of infection - after all, such conditions are less comfortable for viruses than hot and dry air. In addition, if the disease has already begun, then in such an atmosphere the patient can breathe easier, the cough decreases, and the temperature drops faster.

Contraindications are possible; consult your doctor before use.

Every year, with the onset of the winter season, the number of colds in our country increases significantly. Colds and flu are dangerous because they have an extremely short incubation period: thus, the first symptoms of the disease appear literally a day after the infection enters the human body. The range of drugs in pharmacies is extremely large, so Russian residents spend huge amounts of money on drugs to fight flu and colds, often without even understanding whether they are purchasing truly effective antiviral drugs for colds and flu or are simply throwing money away.

The causes of the diseases are completely different, but the result is the same:

• Epidemics. Both colds and flu are viral diseases that are easily transmitted through airborne transmission. Accordingly, they are incredibly easy to become infected with during a mass epidemic (especially during the cold season).
• Hypothermia. As a rule, hypothermia is the most common cause of colds. Typically, such diseases begin with a mild malaise and are often easily treated.

But if you ignore the symptoms of the disease for a long time, then the transition to more severe diseases is most likely.

• Reduced immunity. People with low immunity are more susceptible to various viral diseases than people with a developed immune system.
• Contact and household routes of infection. Of course, everyone knows the rule that when you come from the street, you need to wash your hands, but not everyone follows it. Thus, the flu is incredibly easily transmitted through dirty hands, as well as through insufficiently cooked food.

Main symptoms of the disease

The symptoms of a common cold and the flu can vary, with the latter being more severe:

1. High body temperature. An increase in temperature is the first and, perhaps, main sign of flu and colds. A high temperature signals that the body is fighting the incoming virus. Its value can reach 39−40 degrees;
2. Headache. A systematic headache that does not go away for a long time is also an important signal about the presence of a disease;
3. Inflammation and sore throat which may be accompanied by dryness and cough;
4. Aches in the joints and muscle pain;
5. Long-term feeling of fatigue and general malaise of the body. Exhaustion is an important symptom to pay attention to. In some cases, it is this that signals the appearance of infection in the body;
6. Chills, sneezing.

If you find yourself with at least one of these signs, then you should worry and start fighting the possible disease in the initial stages. By the way, in medical practice there are often cases when only one symptom appears over a long period of time: for example, a high temperature that does not subside for several days may be the beginning of the flu, other symptoms will make themselves felt later. There are also cases when the whole set of complications is present at once.

Drug treatment for colds and flu can be done with the following types of drugs:

1. Antiviral drugs. It is worth noting that they are effective only at the initial stage of the disease. Antiviral agents include: “Rimantadine” (an inexpensive remedy for colds and flu, effective against virus A), “Oseltamivir” (has the greatest strength against viruses A and B), “Arbidol” (reaches maximum effect with viruses A and B), “Viferon” (suitable for children), “Atigrippin”, “Anaferon”, “Amiksin”, “Coldrex”, “Fervex”.
2. Vaccines. Vaccines can rightfully be called the most effective drugs against influenza. A single vaccination can prevent you from getting the flu for a whole year. At the moment, the most effective drugs in this area are recognized as: Influvac, Grippol, Aggripal and Fluvarix.
3. Interferon preparations:"Viferon", "Cycloferon", "Grippferon", "Neovir" (in the form of injections).

In this article, we have highlighted the TOP 7 fastest-acting and most effective remedies for flu and colds.

Film-coated antiviral tablets. This remedy for colds and flu has a very fast effect: literally the next day after starting to take them, the patient’s condition should improve. This drug will be effective for acute respiratory infections, viruses A and B, and severe respiratory syndrome. Arbidol has no contraindications. Use for prophylactic purposes is not recommended.

Powder, the main element of which is paracetamol. Theraflu is a new generation drug; under proper conditions (bed rest and compliance with the doctor’s requirements), it can put the patient back on his feet within 24 hours. The drug has antiviral and antipyretic effects.

A medicine for colds and flu that contains antibodies that enhance the immune system. By the way, it can be used not only during illness, but also for prevention. “Anaferon” is characterized by its speed of action, absence of side effects and contraindications for use.

Perhaps the best remedy for colds and flu, which also has a quick effect. The drug is excellent for fighting influenza, colds, herpes, runny nose and acute viruses.

Powdered cold remedy. The drug is diluted in water and must be drunk hot. It is an indispensable remedy against ARVI. The drug is effective for headaches, sore throat, nasal congestion, aching joints, and high fever. But without first consulting a doctor, you should refrain from treatment with Coldrex.

A powerful antiviral drug, available in tablet form. You should take one tablet three times a day until you feel better.

It is a drug in powder form that instantly helps with colds. Can be taken together with other flu and cold medications. Should be taken three times a day.

Traditional methods of treatment

In addition to drug treatment, there is also traditional medicine. As a rule, folk remedies for colds and flu are treated by people for whom drugs are contraindicated or simply by extremely conservative citizens.

Traditional medicine methods include:

• Gargling. The most popular rinse mixture is baking soda and iodine, but you can also use lemon juice, sage and thyme, garlic and milk.
• Inhalations. It is recommended to use essential oils, onions, potatoes.
• Foot baths.
• Various tinctures and decoctions.

Disease prevention

If you do not want to get sick, then you definitely need to take care of the prevention of influenza and viral diseases. First of all, you need to maintain your immunity, this will be facilitated by:

• walks in the fresh air;
• getting rid of various bad habits;
• eating the right food;
• vaccinations;
• hygiene care.

About expensive cold medicines and their cheap analogues, what can be replaced, watch the video:

Every year, residents of our country spend more than thirty billion rubles on antiviral drugs for colds and flu. Some choose an effective medicine based on the pharmacist’s recommendations, others based on bright advertising, price, beautiful packaging, advice from a friend or neighbor, while others do the right thing and go to the doctor. I want to present you with a list of the most popular and effective antiviral drugs. And also familiarize you with the features of each flu remedy. will quickly put you “on your feet.”

All anti-flu drugs, depending on their mechanism of action, can be divided into the following groups:

1. vaccine preparations that stimulate the production of antibodies to influenza pathogens;
2. drugs that increase the body's protective properties by activating the production of interferon;
3. true antiviral drugs that suppress the replication of the virus by inactivating neuromidase (Oseltamivir, Zanamivir) and those that block the M2 channels of the viral cell (Amantadine, Remantadine).

Effective remedies for influenza and ARVI are new drugs that have been on the market for no more than 10-40 years. Their “young age” is explained by long-term testing before they went on sale. We bring to your attention a list of medications that includes the best drugs for influenza and ARVI:

• Ingavirin;
• Remantadine;

Ingavirin is an effective medicine against influenza, ARVI and other diseases of viral etiology. Ingavirin, although a new medicine, has already earned good reviews from those who have tried it for treatment and.

The basis of the drug vitaglutam or imidazolylethanamide is pentanedionic acid.

Mechanism of action. The drug has antiviral, immunostimulating and anti-inflammatory effects.

Ingavirin has a detrimental effect on adenovirus infection, influenza A, B, respiratory syncytial virus, and parainfluenza virus. Activates the production of interferons and cytotoxic lymphocytes (T-killers) in the body. Vitaglutam inhibits the reproduction of the virus at the stage of nuclear formation.

By reducing the production of inflammatory proteins, the drug relieves inflammation.

Ingavirin perfectly relieves intoxication symptoms, catarrhal symptoms, and leads to a rapid normalization of body temperature.

Side effects rarely occur in the form of mild allergic reactions.

The drug is not used in cases of hypersensitivity to its components and in children.

Ingavirin is capsules for oral administration of 60 mg and 90 mg. Average price in Russia:

• Ingavirin 60 mg, 7 capsules – 380 rubles;
• Ingavirin 90 mg, 7 capsules – 480 rubles.

Arbidol is a good medicine for influenza and ARVI, which consists of umifenovir and excipients.

Mechanism of action: Arbidol tablets have antiviral and immunomodulatory effects. Umifenovir copes well with influenza A and B viruses and coronaviruses associated with severe respiratory syndrome by blocking the fusion of the fatty membrane of the viral cell with the cell membrane. Increases the production of interferons, immune cells, enhances the activity of phagocytes.

The drug is well tolerated by patients. In rare cases, allergic reactions may occur.

The drug is not used in cases of hypersensitivity to its components and in children under three years of age.

There are no data on the use of the drug during pregnancy and lactation.

Arbidol does not affect the speed of physical and mental reactions, therefore it can be used in patients whose activities require increased attention.

Arbidol is available in the form of tablets of 50 mg, capsules of 100 mg, 200 mg, powder for suspension 25 mg/5 ml bottle 37 g,

Average price in Russia:

• Arbidol 50 mg, 10 tablets – 180 rubles;
• Arbidol 100 mg, 10 capsules – 250 rubles;
• Arbidol Maximum 200 mg, 10 capsules – 500 rubles;
• Arbidol powder for suspension 25 mg/5 ml bottle 37 g – 300 rubles.

Tamiflu is the most effective medicine against swine flu and influenza B. Tamiflu consists of oseltamivir and excipients.

The drug is widely used for the prevention and treatment of swine flu and other serotypes of influenza A and B.

Mechanism of action: a drug with a pronounced antiviral effect on influenza A and B viruses. Tamiflu acts directly on the virus by inhibiting neuromidase, without which the virus cannot spread throughout the body and multiply.

The drug effectively reduces the intensity and risk of complications and shortens the contagious period. When using the drug to prevent influenza, 90% of people who take Tamiflu do not get sick.

Resistance does not develop to Tamiflu.

The drug is not used in case of hypersensitivity to its components and in case of renal failure.

During pregnancy and lactation, Tamiflu is prescribed with caution when the expected effect outweighs the risk of adverse reactions and fetal pathology.

Side effects of the drug:

• dyspepsia: nausea and vomiting are observed after taking the first dose. With further use, dyspepsia goes away;
• very rare: diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, cramps, cough, insomnia, malaise, nosebleeds, decreased hearing, conjunctivitis, dermatitis, urticaria, bronchitis, sinusitis, swollen lymph nodes.

Pay attention! Some patients who took Tamiflu to prevent or treat influenza experienced seizures and delirium-type disturbances. The reason for such reactions could not be found out.

Tamiflu is available in the form of capsules of 30 mg, 45 mg, 75 mg and powder for suspension 12 mg/1 ml.

Average price in Russia:

• Tamiflu capsules 75 mg 10 pcs. – 1360 rubles;
• Tamiflu powder for suspension 12 mg/1 ml bottle 30 g – 1140 rubles.

Relenza and Tamiflu are antiviral drugs for influenza A and B. The active ingredient of the drug is Zanamivir. Relenza is available as a powder for inhalation through Diskhaler.

Mechanism of action: the drug has a pronounced antiviral effect on influenza A and B viruses. Zanamivir acts selectively on the virus by inhibiting neuromidase, without which the virus cannot spread throughout the body and multiply.

The drug effectively reduces the intensity of influenza symptoms, reduces the risk of complications and shortens the contagious period. Resistance does not develop to Relenza.

The drug is not used in case of hypersensitivity to its components. Patients with a history of bronchospasm require careful monitoring when treated with Relenza.

Side effects of the drug:

• allergic reactions: urticaria, angioedema, rarely Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis.
• bronchospasm;

Pay attention! Some patients who inhaled Relenza to treat influenza experienced bronchospasm and breathing problems. If you have asthma or chronic bronchitis while using Relenza, have an inhaler containing Salbutamol or another bronchodilator on hand.

Average price in Russia:

• Relenza 20 doses with Dishaler. – 1200 rubles.

Remantadine

Rimantadine is an old, proven remedy for the prevention and treatment of influenza and GRVI and tick-borne encephalitis based on rimantadine.

Mechanism of action of the drug. The drug has an antiviral effect. Remantadine is a derivative of amantadine (an anti-Parkinsonian drug) that stops the process of viral reproduction. The drug is effective at the onset of the disease.

Remantadine is contraindicated for persons with acute liver pathology, acute and chronic kidney disease, thyrotoxicosis, or hypersensitivity to the components of the drug. Remantadine is not prescribed for pregnant women.

Adverse reactions:

• impaired attention and concentration, sleep disturbance, headaches, dizziness, irritability, fatigue;
• dry mouth, refusal to eat, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain.

Attention! The drug is prescribed cautiously to people with hypertension and the elderly, as it increases the risk of stroke.

Remantadine is available in the form of 50 mg tablets and 100 mg capsules.

Average price in Russia:

• Remantadine 50 mg, tablets 20 pcs. – 205 rubles;
• Remantadine 100 mg, capsules 10 pcs. – 160 rubles;

Amiksin, like the above-mentioned drugs for influenza and ARVI, is widely used for their treatment and prevention. The basis of Amiksin is Tiloron.

Mechanism of action. Amiksin has good antiviral and immune-modulating effects by increasing the formation of interferons by intestinal cells, liver, T-lymphocytes and neutrophils. The drug also suppresses the reproduction of the virus by stopping the translation of viral proteins. Amiksin is active against influenza viruses, hepatitis A, B, C, herpes, cytomegaloviruses,

The drug is not used in cases of hypersensitivity to its components, in children under seven years of age, in pregnant and nursing mothers.

Adverse reactions rarely occur in the form of nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and allergic manifestations.

Amiksin is produced in the form of film-coated tablets of 60 mg and 125 mg.

Average price in Russia:

• Amiksin 60 mg, 10 tablets – 600 rubles;
• Amiksin 125 mg, 6 tablets – 700 rubles.

Antiviral drugs should be taken only after consulting a doctor. Only he will be able to choose an effective and safe drug for you, taking into account your age, severity of the disease and concomitant pathology. Self-medication can harm your body.