The most powerful immunomodulators. List of inexpensive but effective antiviral drugs for influenza and ARVI. Indications for which diseases it is prescribed

According to statistics, only 30% of newborns are absolutely healthy. By the age of 18, the number of such children reaches only 10%. When observing these statistics, questions arise: who is to blame and what to do now? The first one is quite difficult to answer. After all, genetic predisposition, medical errors, poor lifestyle, unfavorable environmental factors, and stress are involved. It is much more important to answer the second question. Doctors recommend strengthening your immune system.

Benefits of drugs

IN last years Immunomodulators for children are very popular. They are prescribed to children to prevent and combat influenza. Most parents wonder: how necessary are such medications for the baby? And is it possible to do without them? After all, any medicine, even tasty, is first and foremost medication. The use of such products for children should be completely justified, as harmless as possible and, most importantly, quite effective.

So, why might immunomodulators be needed for a child? Such drugs help increase the body's natural defenses. In other words, they activate the immune system. Thanks to immunomodulators, the child’s body is able to produce substances that destroy toxins and viruses much faster. Without such medications, it will take longer to produce the required amount of substances (antibodies and interferons) needed for treatment. Unfortunately, while the body is independently preparing for the fight, viruses are easily able to get ahead of it. In this case, the baby gets sick.

Thus, immunomodulators for children bring invaluable benefits. The baby’s body is ready to fight back at any moment viral infection.

Harm of immunomodulators

But are these drugs really safe? Let's look at what happens in a child's body when immunomodulators are used for a child. These medications nonspecifically stimulate the immune system. They contain antigen substances. For the child’s immune system these are foreign components. Accordingly, the body begins to produce antibodies to neutralize the antigens that have entered inside.

Thus, the immunomodulators used for the child trigger the process of producing substances that do not fight the necessary virus. This significantly depletes your own immunity as a result of increased stimulation. After all, the body experiences a strong release of antibodies, which are completely unnecessary at the moment.

Unfortunately, today many parents use immunomodulators for their child for almost every cold. The baby keeps getting sick. But they still continue to give him such drugs. In this case, a vicious circle is observed: the baby constantly catches colds, he often uses immunomodulators, the immune system is seriously depleted, and the baby gets sick even more often.

These drugs are introduced quite actively into the immune system and can cause serious harm to health. After all, they greatly undermine the body's defenses. A child’s immunity is the basis, the foundation of his health. It is extremely dangerous to use such drugs uncontrollably.

When is taking immunomodulators justified?

Contrary to popular belief, a baby who has had 3-4 colds in a year does not need to use the above-mentioned drugs at all. Doctors say that diseases help stimulate the immune system. In this way, the child’s body begins to recognize foreign agents and learns to respond to them correctly.

So is it worth giving a child immunomodulators for colds, if the number of illnesses is not an indicator of a low level of immunity? Parents who use these medications must initially be firmly convinced that the child’s body’s defenses are truly weakened.

Doctors give several signs that can help determine a low level of immunity:

1. The baby suffered from colds and viral infections more than 5 times throughout the year.
2. In case of illness, the temperature does not rise.
3. The child experiences general weakness and headache. Increased fatigue and pale skin are noted. However, these symptoms may indicate a blood disease. Only a doctor can determine the true cause of such symptoms.
4. Disturbed sleep. The baby may suffer from insomnia or excessive sleepiness.
5. There is an enlargement of the spleen.
6. The baby suffers from food allergies.
7. Enlarged cervical and axillary lymph nodes. Moreover, they are completely painless.
8. Dysbacteriosis is observed, accompanied by bloating, disturbed stools, rumbling, and decreased appetite. Sometimes the child loses weight.
9. The baby's skin is peeling, his hair is dull and split. Nails are very brittle and peel.

The line between normal functioning and reduced immunity is quite thin. Therefore, do not try to solve the problem yourself. Only doctors can answer whether to give immunomodulators to children. Do not forget that improper use of these medications can cause irreparable harm to the health of the baby.

Classification of drugs

The need to support immunity may arise after a serious illness or surgery. As a result of such factors, protective forces are seriously weakened. However, do not forget that only a pediatrician can prescribe immunomodulators. Medicines for children should promote health and not harm.

In medicine, many classifications of these drugs have been developed. One of them is shown below:

1. Interferons. Medicines are prescribed to babies to inhibit the development of viral infections. The most popular drugs are Viferon and Kipferon.
2. Stimulants. These immunomodulators are used to enhance the production of interferon in the child’s body. The list of drugs for children in this group contains Cycloferon, Anaferon, Arbidol.
3. Bacterial drugs. They contain neutralized fragments of infectious agents. The most popular products are “Bronchomunal”, “Ribomunil”, “IRS 19”, “Likopid”.
4. Herbal preparations. Enough effective medicine is “Immunal” containing echinacea. “Bioaron S”, which contains aloe and chokeberry, is considered an excellent immunomodulator. Preparations of ginseng and Chinese lemongrass are no less effective.

Let's look at the most popular and sought-after immunomodulators for children. The list of such drugs is quite extensive. Let's focus on the most effective ones.

"Anaferon" for children

This drug has two actions. It activates the body's defenses and blocks the spread of viruses. This allows you to influence the infection comprehensively. The drug has excellent antiviral and immunomodulatory properties. This product is approved for use even by infants who are over 1 month old.

The drug "Anaferon" is prescribed by pediatricians in the following cases:

• influenza, ARVI;
• cytomegalovirus, herpetic infection (in acute, chronic form);
• for the prevention of complications after ARVI, influenza;
• immunodeficiency states;
• for complex therapy of mixed and bacterial infections.

However, this drug can sometimes provoke unpleasant side reactions, such as allergies.

"Viferon"

Are you looking for immunomodulators for children under one year old? This remedy, like the medicine "Anaferon", can be used for very young children. Moreover, the drug “Viferon” (suppositories) is allowed to be used for newborn babies and premature babies. It has excellent antiviral, immunomodulatory, antiproliferative properties.

The drug is widely in demand:

• for infectious and inflammatory pathologies;
• hepatitis;
• ARVI.

In case of hypersensitivity to the components of this product, it should not be used. Sometimes a baby may develop an allergic reaction in the form of itching and skin rashes. When the drug is discontinued, the phenomenon disappears within 72 hours.

"Aflubin"

This is a homeopathic remedy that is available in drops and tablets. Both dosage forms are excellent immunomodulators for children under 3 years of age. Only drops are recommended for babies from the 1st year of life, and tablets can be taken at any age.

The drug provides the following effects:

• anti-inflammatory;
• antipyretic;
• immunomodulatory;
• anesthetic;
• detoxification.

Pediatricians prescribe the drug "Aflubin" (drops) for the following pathologies:

• flu;
• ARVI;
• inflammation in the ENT organs;
• infections in the tracheobronchial tree.

Sometimes, when using the medicine, the baby may have increased salivation.

"Laferobion"

What other immunomodulators are used for children under 3 years of age? The drug "Laferobion" is quite effective. It is allowed to be used even by newborns up to one month.

The product has excellent antiviral, immunomodulatory, and antitumor properties. Doctors prescribe the drug as part of complex therapy to combat infections caused by:

• herpes viruses;
• bacterial infections;
• hepatitis viruses.

In addition, the drug is in demand in the treatment of cancer.

The medicine can cause side effects which resemble influenza-like syndrome. It is not at all recommended to use this remedy on your own, since it can cause disruption in the functioning of many systems.

"IRS 19"

The drug is available in the form of a spray. It is a comprehensive remedy that allows you to fight the most common pathogens of respiratory infections. The action of the drug is aimed at stimulating specific and nonspecific protective mechanisms in the respiratory tract. Thus, it activates phagocytosis, increases the production of antibodies, and helps increase interferon and lysozyme.

The drug is prescribed if the child has:

• rhinitis;
• laryngitis;
• pharyngitis;
• otitis;
• tonsillitis;
• infectious-allergic bronchial asthma;
• complications of influenza and ARVI.

During the initial stages of treatment, the child may experience rhinorrhea (runny nose). It is extremely rare that the drug “IRS 19” provokes allergic reactions: urticaria, skin rashes, angioedema.

"Ribomunil"

The medicine activates cellular and humoral immunity. The ribosomes contained in the drug have antigens identical to bacterial ones. When they enter the body, they stimulate the production of specific antibodies to these microorganisms. The effect of the drug resembles the effect of an oral vaccine. This product can be used by babies from 6 months.

The medicine is usually prescribed for the following factors:

• recurrent and prolonged infections in the ENT organs;
• long-term inflammatory processes in the respiratory tract;
• chronic pathologies of ENT organs;
• bronchial asthma;
• Chronical bronchitis;
• for frequently ill children for preventive purposes.

The drug has some side effects, which may include vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and allergic reactions.

"Groprinosin"

The drug has a direct antiviral effect. It perfectly activates the synthesis of cytokines and has an excellent immunomodulatory effect. This drug stimulates the production of interferon in the body.

On immune system it has a complex effect. The drug reduces the viral load, and at the same time increases the synthesis of endogenous interferon. This action leads to increased resistance of the body to various viral infections.

Pediatricians prescribe this remedy for a number of pathologies:

• ARVI, influenza, parainfluenza;
• pathologies caused by the herpes virus;
• adenovirus, rhinovirus infections;
• measles;
• viral bronchitis;
• parotitis;
• diseases caused by the Epstein-Barr virus;
• diseases that are provoked by cytomegalovirus;
• pathologies caused by HPV (human papillomavirus);
• viral hepatitis.

This remedy is not prescribed to babies suffering from urolithiasis. Adverse reactions may occur extremely rarely: nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, constipation, painful discomfort in the epigastric region, headache, increased level transaminases, dizziness, sleep disturbance, skin rash, arthralgia.

"Grippferon"

This product is an excellent recombinant interferon. In other words, the medicine is obtained synthetically. No donor blood was used for its production. This makes the drug safe. Thanks to this property, the medicine can be used for infants.

The product immediately penetrates the source of infection, where it begins to fight pathogens. The medicine practically does not enter the general bloodstream.

"Derinat"

The product is available in the form of drops intended for the nose. It activates humoral and cellular immunity, increases the immunity of cells to pathogenic viruses, fungi, and bacteria. The drug can be prescribed to infants from the first months.

Derinat drops are used for the treatment and prevention of acute respiratory viral infections. Moreover, compared to the drug “Grippferon”, this drug is much more effective.

Conclusion

As you can see, a lot of effective products have been developed for babies. However, it is important to remember that only a pediatrician can choose the best immunomodulator for children. Trust the health of your babies to professionals!

Update: October 2018

Any disease, especially acute respiratory viral infections and influenza, is easier, cheaper and safer not to treat, but not to allow, to prevent its occurrence. Lately, I have been especially concerned about the “point” - safer. Is it worth taking antiviral pills at all? In today's complex world, how to understand the issues:

• Will there be any effect from using an expensive antiviral drug?
• What is the best medicine for the flu for adults and children?
• Won't this remedy cause harm to health?
• Is there a best cure for the flu?
• Effective antiviral drugs- is this advertising, business, dummies or not?

About antiviral drugs

Antiviral drugs for the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections on the Russian pharmaceutical market have the following in common:

• Almost all antiviral drugs for acute respiratory viral infections and influenza do not have an evidence base for their antiviral effectiveness. The studies are very expensive and are carried out by the manufacturers themselves and the parties interested in a positive conclusion.
• Today, most clinical trials of new drugs are regularly falsified in order to bring “miracle” drugs to the market with a new price tag. Considering the fabulous commercial benefits from the sale of expensive antiviral drugs during an epidemic, one cannot believe in the honesty and objectivity of the research.
• As is known, today approximately 90 percent of pharmacological publications, even in medical journals, are custom-made advertising articles.
  

Today in pharmacy chains there is an abundance of various medicines, some of which are not essentially “medicines”, since there are a lot of fakes, outright dummies and ineffective remedies. Patient rights advocates in Ukraine, for example, claim that no active substance was found in 4 drugs registered as antiviral. However, a wide advertising campaign allows manufacturers to earn millions of hryvnia a year.

Antiviral drugs for ARVI are conventionally divided into:

• Vaccines- stimulation of antibody production before infection with the virus.
• Immunostimulants- drugs that briefly enhance nonspecific (that is, not directed against a specific virus) immunity. They are divided into 2 groups:
  • Interferons are substances obtained from a donor (including animals) or synthesized in the laboratory (recombinant), the task of which is to enhance the antiviral response. Interferons are usually produced in the form of a dry powder, which must be diluted with water and instilled into the nose. Effective only in the initial stages of the disease. And although such substances are always produced in the human body during illness, additional administration of interferons can cause allergic reactions and even actoimmune pathologies.
  • Promoting the production of interferons (interferonogens). These are substances that stimulate immune cells to produce interferon molecules. In most countries, such drugs are prohibited due to the unpredictability of their effect on the body. In our country, Kagocel and Amiksin are widely used.
• Direct antiviral drugs:
  • agents that affect neuraminidase (viral enzyme), suppressing the reproduction of the virus: Oseltamivir (Tamiflu), Zanamivir (Relenza);
  • hemagglutinin-only inhibitor – umifenovir (Arbidol);
  • M2 channel blockers Amantadine, Remantadine - these drugs have proven clinical effectiveness, but like any drug they have a number of side effects.
• Homeopathy. Although the WHO has recognized the use of homeopathy (drugs that treat like with like) as ineffective, there are always supporters of such drugs who consider them to have a “soft effect” on the body. Homeopathic remedies recommended by some doctors for ARVI include Engystol, Gripp-heel, Agri (Homeopathic Antigrippin) and some others.

Action	Drug names
Interferon preparations Blockade of viral mRNA translation, presentation of viral antigens	Recombinant alpha/gamma interferons
Etiotropic drugs Neuraminidase inhibitors	Relenza Peramivir
Ion channel blockers	Rimantadine (Remantadine, Orvirem)
Antiviral drugs Enable synthesis endogenous interferons	Kagocel Cycloferon Lavomax (Amiksin, Tiloron)
Specific chaperone GA	Arbidol
NP protein inhibitors

Immunomodulators and antivirals

Immunostimulants produced today show activation of immune reactions at the biochemical level (what is called “in vitro”), but their real benefits and long-term consequences of use are rather complex, little-studied areas. Since information about many mechanisms of immunity has become known relatively recently, and scientists are receiving more and more information about its functioning every year. Therefore, there is no confidence in the safety and correctness of general stimulation of the “understudied” immune system (see). Particular care should be taken in the prophylactic use of immunostimulants and treatment with antiviral drugs for ARVI in children.

“Pharmacy immunostimulants can not only help the body, but also harm,” says Ph.D. Tatyana Tikhomirova, immunologist-allergist. Such a condition as hyperactivation of the immune system, as well as immunodeficiency, is extremely dangerous; the human body functions normally only when the immune system is in balance. And if a person every time stimulates (“increases his own”) immunity, then in the presence of predisposing factors this can end in pathological inflammation, triggering immune aggression on healthy tissues, hyperactivation of the immune system and theoretically (in extreme situations) the development of an autoimmune or oncological disease.

If your immediate family has any autoimmune disease (rheumatoid arthritis, insulin-dependent diabetes, Sjogren's syndrome, multiple sclerosis, etc.), then a person should under no circumstances use any immunostimulants. Even if a person is healthy, there are already disorders of the immune system, and you can live with them all your life, but if you roughly and persistently try to stimulate your immune system, this can end in the debut of an autoimmune disease.

Fortunately for most healthy people, without the presence of any predisposing factors, it is quite difficult to “stimulate” your immunity in such a way as to seriously harm your health. Since most of the known immunostimulants either do not work at all or hardly work. One part of the drugs is an ordinary deception, the other is ineffective means. But it should be remembered that any medicine has side effects.

Alexander Hadjidis, chief clinical pharmacologist in St. Petersburg, states the following: “Some doctors, for some reason, first prescribe antipyretic drugs to patients, and then immunomodulators, supposedly to produce interferon - which is illogical and generally absurd. That is, first, by lowering the temperature, they “forbid” the body to fight the virus (against the virus and infection), and then artificially “force” it to do so.

In developed countries, there are no interferonogens (drugs that stimulate the production of interferon) at all. Interferons can only work when administered parenterally (intravenously), and even then, their effectiveness is questionable. In Russia, these drugs are extremely popular, despite the fact that they are useless.

As for antipyretics for a virus, it is better to bring down the temperature once when the temperature rises, and not 4 times a day - “just in case.” Taking Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) for acute respiratory viral infections, especially for children under 12 years of age, is contraindicated; it can cause severe damage to the central nervous system and liver - Reye's disease; its use is not recommended for those who have suffered peptic ulcer Gastrointestinal tract."

A well-known doctor in Russia, Alexander Myasnikov, states that all immunomodulators widely advertised in our country today are a waste of money. In the USA and Western Europe It has already been clearly recognized and proven that these drugs are ineffective, but the majority of Russian doctors continue to believe in the power of immunomodulators in the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections.

Most antiviral drugs for ARVI and influenza have been developed and used for no more than 10-40 years. A drug must have a longer “trial period” in order to make a conclusion about its effectiveness and side effects. As for immunostimulants, these drugs can have delayed consequences (risks of developing autoimmune diseases, blood cancer, etc.) and should be prescribed according to strict indications.

pharmachologic effect: Complex immunostimulating, an antiviral drug, has an interferonogenic effect. The medicine contains Thymogen sodium, ascorbic acid, bendazole. Thymogen is a synthetically obtained dipeptide; it enhances the body's nonspecific resistance. Ascorbic acid normalizes capillary permeability, reducing the activity of the inflammatory process. Bendazole stimulates the production of endogenous interferon in the body.

Side effects: in persons suffering from vegetative-vascular dystonia, it causes a decrease in blood pressure.

Contraindications: during pregnancy, children under 1 year of age, thrombophlebitis, severe hypotension, diabetes mellitus, stomach ulcer, urolithiasis.

Produced: since 2001 in capsules, for children since 2006 in syrup, in powder for preparing a solution
Research: There are no reliable data on clinical trials confirming its effectiveness and safety. Doctors and pharmacists often recommend this remedy for children, but it should be used with caution or not used at all to treat children.

Reviews: There are quite a lot of reviews from patients using Cytovir about the effectiveness and absence of side effects. Improvement in well-being is observed on the second or third day; in isolated cases, the drug did not help.
Price: Tsitovir 3 - average 240-580 rub.

Amizon

pharmachologic effect: exhibits an immunomodulatory effect by increasing the titer of antibodies in the blood by 3-4 times and increasing the production of lysozyme. It is also an interferonogen. The antipyretic properties of the drug are due to its effect on the thermoregulation center in the diencephalon. And he can relieve pain (headache, joint aches, muscle pain) using the effect of isonicotinic acid on the reticular formation of the brain stem.

Does not have a toxic effect on the kidneys and blood. Although it belongs to the group of non-narcotic analgesics (like Analgin and Paracetamol), it does not have a damaging effect on the gastric mucosa.
Side effects: The drug is usually well tolerated, but may also cause a feeling of bitterness in the mouth and slight swelling of the oral mucosa. This does not require drug withdrawal or additional treatment.
The drug should not be used during pregnancy and lactation.
Price: 20 tab – 360 RUR, 30 tab – 440 RUR.

Anaferon

pharmachologic effect: The drug is based on antibodies to human interferon, that is, molecules similar to viral ones. The body “thinks” that a virus has entered the bloodstream and activates an immune response. It increases the production of various lymphocytes and increases the functional reserve of those that will “go” directly to the site of inflammation. The drug is also an interferonogen, increasing the formation of its own “early” interferons (alpha and beta), as well as gamma interferons.

The drug is available in the form of lozenges for children and adults, as well as drops for oral administration for children.

Side effects: allergic reactions only.
Price: Anaferon in tablets for children and adults - about 210 rubles for 20 tablets, Anaferon in drops - 260 rubles

Poludan

This is an immunomodulator drug that has been on the market for a very long time, consisting of polyadenylic and polyuridylic acids. It is available in powder form for preparing nasal drops.

Poludan is an interferonogen, causing the formation of all three types (alpha, beta and gamma) interferons. It can be used both for the prevention and treatment of influenza, ARVI, viral conjunctivitis and keratitis.

Poludan is approved for use during pregnancy, childhood, and lactation.

Cons: high cost of the drug, local (in the nose) allergic reactions.
Price: 600-700 rub.

Timalin

The drug is based on an extract obtained from the thymus gland (the main organ of immunity) of cattle. Used medication for several decades now; is available in powder form in ampoules, which must be dissolved in a sterile solution and administered intramuscularly.

An overdose of the drug can end very badly: a person may develop a decrease in the size of the thymus gland and a significant decrease in its function (this leads to severe suppression of the immune system). Timalin is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation.

Price: 430-450 rubles for 10 ampoules.

Kagocel

Pharmachologic effect: inducer of interferon synthesis, has antiviral, immunomodulatory effect. Composition: sodium salt of the copolymer, which causes the formation of late interferon, which has high antiviral activity. The greatest effect occurs if treatment is started within the first 24 hours of the disease, but no later than the 4th day after the onset of acute infection. For prevention purposes, it can be taken at any time, preferably immediately after contact with a patient with acute respiratory viral infection or influenza.

Side effects: the appearance of allergic reactions.
Produced: Registered in 2003, since 2005 it has been produced in tablets, since 2011 it has been approved for use in children over 3 years of age for the treatment of influenza; it can be used in children over 6 years of age as a prophylaxis against acute respiratory viral infections.

Efficacy and safety studies: There is conflicting information here. The active ingredient is the sodium salt of the copolymer gossypol with carboxymethylcellulose. Moreover, Gossypol itself is a natural polyphenol, banned in the world since 1998 due to its toxicity. Gossypol has been actively studied in some countries for a very long time as a contraceptive; with its prolonged use, spermatogenesis completely stops. Chinese and Brazilian scientists say boys and men taking gossypol may suffer from infertility in the future. However, Kagocel is not gossypol in pure form, is a sodium salt of a copolymer that has properties different from those of the chemical itself.

The manufacturer actively advertises the drug and states that the salt in Kagocel is negligible, the concentration is 4 times lower than that allowed by international standards. Multiple stages of product purification ensure the absence of free Gossypol in the final drug, which is checked during quality control of each batch of Kagocel tablets. The method used to test for the presence of free gossypol is very accurate and can detect levels greater than 0.0036%. At the beginning of 2013, data were published on tests conducted on rats - changes in reproductive function could not be detected in animals.

That is, no studies have been carried out on primates? It is known that gossypol for different types of animals has its own maximum toxic dose; according to the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority), for rats the maximum toxic dose is 2200-3300 mg/kg., for pigs 550, for guinea pigs up to 300 mg/kg. Studies carried out by the manufacturer involved administering therapeutic doses to male rats, and doses 25 times higher than therapeutic ( 250 mg/kg). Can the rest of the claims and “research” be trusted?

Kagocel is not used neither in Western Europe nor in the USA; it is not included in the WHO drug lists. The effectiveness of the drug has not been proven according to representatives of the Formulary Committee of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences and SDDM. As of fall 2013, no statistical studies have been conducted on the development of side effects.

Reviews: It helps many; some children and adults experience allergic reactions in the form of rash, swelling, itching.
Price: Kagocel - average 180-280 rub. In 2012, sales volume amounted to 2.64 billion rubles

Tiloron (Amiksin, Lavomax)

Pharmachologic effect: active ingredient Tiloron, has antiviral and immunomodulatory action, it is a synthetic interferon inducer that stimulates the formation of alpha, beta, gamma interferons.

Side effects: short-term chills, allergic reactions, contraindicated during breastfeeding and pregnancy.

Released: almost 40 years ago, children under 7 years of age are strictly prohibited from using it.

Research: The benefits of the drug are undoubted for both treatment and prevention viral diseases, but this may be offset by potential harm to the body. In the 80s in the USA, after tests on mice, the drug was banned as it had a highly toxic effect, retinal dissection, liver lipidosis and other side effects were observed in experimental animals. It does not apply in the United States and the European Union. In our country, they continue to produce the antiviral Amiksin and doctors prescribe it to patients.
A small study involved 14 patients who were prescribed tilorone at doses of 152 and 189 g; in 2, the drug caused keratopathy and retinopathy (with no decrease in visual acuity), these effects were reversible. The authors of the study concluded that the drug is potentially hazardous to health.
Reviews: The occurrence of allergic reactions, the high cost of the medicine.
Price: Amiksin - on average 500-560 rub. Sales volume in 2012 amounted to 1.17 billion rubles.

Additionally! Medicines, so-called immunomodulators - Likopid, Polyoxidonium, Cycloferon, Proteflazid, Timogen, Panavir, Isoprinosine, Neovir, Groprinosin, etc. - should not be used to treat children (if various diseases) without an immunogram and serious indications, since they do not have proper clinical trials of effectiveness and safety in the treatment of children.

Yodantipyrine

The main active ingredient of the drug is iodophenazone, a substance that was previously used as an isotope label for scintigraphy.

Iodophenazone is an interferonogen, stabilizes cell membranes, stimulates both parts of the immune system.

Due to the presence of iodine, the drug is contraindicated in patients with increased function thyroid gland, children under 14 years of age, pregnant and lactating women. It is highly allergenic and can also cause stomach and intestinal disorders. It cannot be used for a long time.

Price: 20 tablets – 210 rubles, 50 tablets – 420 rubles.

Imupret

The drug is available in 2 forms:

1. pills, which will need to be washed down with water;
2. drops that dissolve in water and are then taken orally.

The main substances that have an immunomodulatory and antiviral effect are a combination of marshmallow root extract, horsetail, dandelion, yarrow, chamomile, oak bark and leaves walnut. That is, the drug is completely herbal.

The manufacturer, Bionorica, reports that the combination of extracts of these herbs will relieve inflammation, disinfect mucous membranes, relieve headaches and local pain, and lower body temperature.

The disadvantages of the product are its price and the lack of a clear evidence base of effectiveness. It causes allergic reactions extremely rarely.

Price: about 480 rub.

Polyoxidonium

The active substance is a bromide azoximer molecule. The drug is available in the form of different dosage forms: tablets, suppositories, lyophilisate for intravenous or intramuscular administration (lyophilisate can also be dissolved and the solution instilled into the nose or under the tongue).

The domestic manufacturer, NPO Petrovax Pharm, declares the unique features of the drug: once it enters the body, azoximer bromide gently and naturally corrects those parts of the immune system in which pathological changes have occurred. At the same time, the immune system itself is not activated or “stimulated.” A few studies of the drug have shown that Polyoxidonium reduces the period of intoxication in viral diseases, reduces the risk of bacterial complications of ARVI, and is also used in the complex treatment of such bacterial consequences.

The product is approved from 3 years of age (in the form of tablets and nasal drops). It is not recommended for use when breastfeeding and pregnancy. It is included in the list of vital drugs and received an award as the best immunomodulator for frequently ill children.

Cons: Studies on the effectiveness of the drug are few, reviews are contradictory. Some note the occurrence of allergic reactions, and not just seals at the injection site. A number of people associate the subsequent, time after taking Polyoxidonium, deterioration of the immune status, which consisted in the development of a new, serious illness.

Price: Lyophilisate 3 mg – 780 RUR/5 bottles, lyophilisate 6 mg – 1200 RUR/5 bottles, suppositories 12 mg 10 pcs – 1050 RUR, tablets – 780 RUR.

Antiviral agents

Below are just some antiviral drugs for ARVI, reviews about them, short description, comments about well-known studies of their effectiveness, average price in pharmacies.

Pharmacological action: active substance imidazolylethanamide pentanedioic acid. Shows activity against adenovirus infection, influenza A, B, respiratory syncytial infection, parainfluenza. It is an immunomodulator that affects the functional activity of the interferon system.

Side effects: allergic reactions

Contraindicated: children under 18 years of age.

Produced: as a drug for the treatment of influenza and ARVI since 2008, before that, according to prof. Vlasov Vasily, the drug Vitaglutam (pentanedioic acid imidazolylethanamide) was used in Russia until 2008 as a stimulator of hematopoiesis in cancer patients receiving anticancer therapy.

Research: According to manufacturers, the idea of ​​​​producing Ingavirin arose in the 1980s, but only after many years of research into its safety and effectiveness was the drug submitted for registration by 2008. When Vitaglutam was used in patients with cancer, there was no convincing evidence of its effectiveness. And when Ingavirin appeared on the pharmaceutical market in 2008 without full research, a “swine flu epidemic” began in the country, so Ingavirin was actively sold. The drug was recommended by the Ministry of Health and Social Development, even despite the lack of placebo-controlled studies, substantiated evidence of its effectiveness.

One study conducted per 105!!! patients with confirmed influenza showed the following results:

• Taking ingavirin reduced the duration of fever to 34.5 hours (provided it was used in the first 1-1.5 days from the onset of the disease)
• In the placebo group it is 72 hours
• In the group taking Arbidol - 48 hours

Having analyzed the duration and intensity of influenza symptoms - weakness, headache, dizziness in the study groups when taking Ingavirin, a decrease in the severity of the disease was confirmed, side effects not found.

In May 2009, Alexander Chuchalin, chief therapist of the Russian Federation, ( he led the drug development team) gave an interview to Ogonyok magazine: “The new antiviral drug Ingavirin is much more effective than the American one. The Russian drug quickly and easily integrates into the genome of the A/H1N1 virus, immediately destroying it. It is also effective against other dangerous viruses.”

Reviews: The drug does not help most; isolated cases confirm a reduction in the duration of the disease.

Price: 380-460 rub. From January to June 2010, sales of Ingavirin amounted to 220 million rubles, 467 thousand packages were sold .

Neovir

The active ingredient is sodium oxodihydroacridinyl acetate. Available as a solution for injection

The drug acts on cells of the immune system, causing them to produce special protective molecules upon contact with a microbe. The product is an interferonogen and also acts on DNA or RNA viruses, destroying them. Activates cell division in the bone marrow, calling more lymphocytes to immune defense.

Disadvantages: the drug cannot be used by pregnant women, breastfeeding women, people with kidney pathologies, as well as those who suffer from autoimmune diseases. May cause allergies.

Price: 3 ampoules – 670 rubles, 5 ampoules – 870 rubles.

Triazavirin

The drug is based on the antiviral agentotriazinide. The drug is of domestic origin and is available in capsule form.

The active substance has a peculiarity: it is integrated into the genome (DNA or RNA) of the virus instead of one of the amino acids, as a result of which the virus loses its ability to reproduce.

Triazavirin is contraindicated in children under 18 years of age, people with kidney and liver pathologies, pregnant and lactating women. This is due to the fact that the drug has not yet been sufficiently studied.

Price: 20 capsules – 1100 rub.

Panavir

In this preparation, the immunomodulatory activity is determined by the extract of potato shoots. It is available in various forms: as an oral spray, rectal and vaginal suppositories, topical gel, and intravenous solution.

Manufacturers say that the combination of various carbohydrates and uronic acids contained in potatoes, when released into the blood, has an interferonogenic effect. The bactericidal effect of this drug is also noted.

If various suppositories are used to treat viral gynecological and urological diseases, then a throat spray and injection solution can be used for the prevention and treatment of acute respiratory viral infections and influenza. They are also prescribed for the treatment of herpetic infections, tick-borne encephalitis, rheumatoid arthritis.

Cons: The antiviral effects of Panavir are recognized only in Russia; this drug is not prescribed in other countries. This is due to the fact that there is no data on the actual components of the drug: after all, if potato shoots are available, the product should not be so expensive.

Price: oral spray 300 RUR, rectal suppositories – 1600 RUR, vaginal suppositories – 1500 RUR, solution for intravenous administration – 3600 RUR

Oksolin

This is a local antiviral agent that has long been used not only for the prevention of acute respiratory viral infections, but can also be used to treat herpetic infections.

The effectiveness of the drug is still controversial. Many doctors believe that it can be compared with the effectiveness of any fatty cream, which, if applied to the nose, will also contribute to the settling of microbial particles on it.

Price: 20-40 rub.

Arbidol

Pharmachologic effect: An antiviral agent that has the ability to suppress influenza A and B viruses, SARS - severe acute respiratory syndrome associated coronavirus. Arbidol is also used in the complex therapy of acute rotavirus intestinal infections.
Active substance: Methylphenylthiomethyl-dimethylaminomethyl-hydroxybromindole carboxylic acid ethyl ester.

Side effects: Use for children under 3 years of age is prohibited; individual allergic reactions are possible.
Produced: invented in 1974, its industrial production began in 1992.

Research: Until 2013, there was no convincing evidence of its effectiveness and safety. The studies conducted in the USSR were never published. In Russia in 2008, a study of 300 people showed that Viferon was more effective than Arbidol. In 2004, trials in China on 230 patients with ARVI symptoms showed that it was not effective, unlike Tamiflu and Ingaverin. In 2009, in the UK journal Antiviral Research, study authors stated that strains resistant to Arbidol are formed less frequently than those of Remantadine and Amantadine.

The US Drug Administration has denied registration of Arbidol in the US, and the WHO has never considered this drug as an effective antiviral drug.

Latest information about the drug: At the end of 2013, the World Health Organization registered Arbidol (umifenovir) as a direct-acting antiviral drug, assigning it the individual code J05AX13. Thus, Pharmstandard received nominal permission for the widespread use of the drug in the Russian Federation, where Arbidol is included in the standards for the treatment and prevention of influenza and ARVI in children and adults.

However, the multicenter trial of the effectiveness of Arbidol, which was planned to be completed in 2013, has not been completed to this day, and its dates have already been postponed to 2015. The results of this trial, which has serious sponsors and does not suffer from a lack of patients, could dot the I's in the Arbidol epic, but for unknown reasons this does not happen. That is There is still no evidence of effectiveness, just wait...

Reviews: The same number of positive reviews and opinions about the ineffectiveness of its use. There are isolated cases of allergic reactions in the form of dermatitis and pain in the epigastric region.
Price: Arbidol - average 130-710 rub. In 2012, sales volume was over 5 billion rubles.

An analogue of Arbidol, produced by Lekpharm JLLC, has appeared on the Belarusian pharmaceutical market. This is a generic drug, in Belarusian import-substituting packaging - Arpetol. The instructions for it indicate that the active substance is: arbidol hydrochloride? The commercialization of today's pharmaceutical market and the lack of proper control are once again proven!

Pharmachologic effect: an antiviral drug, which includes oseltamivir carboxylate (active metabolite), suppresses influenza A and B viruses. It is not effective for acute respiratory viral infections.

Side effects: Nausea, insomnia, diarrhea, dizziness, lethargy, cough, headaches, take with caution in pregnant women and during lactation. Contraindicated for children under 1 year of age.

Produced: since 1996 by the pharmaceutical company "F. Hoffmann-La Roche has registered the right to develop drugs containing oseltamivir.

Research: Tamiflu has the disadvantage of making diagnosis difficult because the side effects are similar to flu symptoms. During an epidemic, this becomes dangerous when taken long-term. Only short-term use is optimally effective - a few days at the very beginning of the flu. Independent researchers demanded a standard report of 4-5 research modules from the Swiss manufacturer. To which the pharmaceutical company provided only the first modules, repeated requests for complete information were never satisfied.

Since 2004, cases of neuropsychiatric disorders began to be recorded, more often in children and adolescents who took Tamiflu during the flu - hallucinations, nightmares, confusion, convulsions, anxiety, etc.

Japanese post-marketing studies of this drug in 2006 announced the risk of developing disorders of consciousness in humans - psychosis, depression, suicidal tendencies, especially in children. And 54 deaths were also recorded after using Tamiflu, 16 of which were in adolescents 10-19 years old (15 committed suicide, 1 died after being hit by a car), the rest died from kidney failure (it is possible that due to severe influenza).

Latest information about this drug: Back in April 2014, the Cochrane Society (an independent health research network), represented by Tom Jefferson's group, and the British Medical Journal published data from a Cochrane review of studies that did not confirm the effectiveness of Tamiflu and Relenza in treating and preventing influenza. The effectiveness of reducing influenza complications by taking these drugs has also been questioned. Timid attempts by the manufacturer Roche to fight back with a firm promise to provide irrefutable evidence in the form of randomized trial results have so far been unsuccessful. Evidence is still awaited.

On April 10, 2014, the results of these 26 clinical trials of Relenza and 20 clinical trials of Tamiflu, involving 24,000 people, were published on the Cochrane Collaboration website.

As a result of research, it was found that:

• Oseltamivir, as a prophylactic agent, slightly reduces the risk of developing influenza in families, without reducing the ability of the influenza virus to be transmitted from person to person.
• The duration of symptoms is reduced by 16 hours (from 7 to 6.3 days); in children this effect is completely absent.
• The drug does not have any effect on the risk of severe complications (sinusitis, otitis media, pneumonia, bronchitis), that is, it does not reduce the likelihood of complications.
• The medicine is considered quite toxic, increasing the risk of nausea and vomiting in both children and adults.
• When used for prophylactic purposes, the drug turned out to be hazardous to health, since it leads to mental disorders, impaired renal function, in some cases it has been found that it helps to reduce the production of one’s own antibodies to the virus.

Based on these studies, health officials in the leading countries of the world should decide to stop mass purchases of antiviral drugs with the active substance Oseltamivir due to the high risk of side effects and low effectiveness as a drug for the treatment and prevention of influenza virus during the epidemic.

Reference: based only on the Tamiflu manufacturer’s claims that the drug significantly reduces the risk serious complications and hospitalization of patients during the epidemic, such countries as the UK and the USA in 2009, in connection with the swine flu epidemic, purchased 40 million doses of these drugs ( USA 1.3 billion dollars, UK 424 million pounds sterling).

Based on the latest data on the low effectiveness and safety of this antiviral drug, an international group of experts on evidence-based medicine called on the governments of the leading countries of the world to stop mass purchases of Tamiflu and Relenza.

Reviews: There are enough reviews about side effects in the form of vomiting, dizziness, psychosis, headache. Many confirm its effectiveness against influenza. Doctors at infectious diseases hospitals, who themselves took Oseltamivir at the first symptoms of influenza during the swine flu epidemic in 2009, testify: despite the fact that taking the drug in 50% of employees was accompanied by nausea, pneumonia (probably influenza, but could also be bacterial) developed only in 1% of doctors working in the epicenter of the epidemic.

Price: Tamiflu - average 1200-1300 rub.

Remantadine (Rimantadine)

Pharmachologic effect: an antiviral drug, an adamantane derivative, suppresses various strains of the influenza A virus (including swine flu).

Side effects: Contraindicated for pregnant women and children under 1 year of age. Reduces concentration, causes dizziness, nervousness, headache, increased fatigue, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth.

Produced: information about the first uses of the drug has been known since 1968.

Research: Trials were conducted from 1981 to 2006, mainly showing that Remantadine was less toxic than Amantadine. One study showed that Amantadine was 61% more effective in preventing influenza infection compared to a placebo group and, if a person became ill, it reduced fever by 1 day. In the same study, it was compared with Tamiflu, and it was 73% effective compared to the placebo group. Rimantadine (Remantadine) is currently considered a drug with proven clinical effectiveness, but some strains of the influenza virus may be resistant to it.

Reviews: There are reviews that Remantadine causes side effects - dizziness, tachycardia. The reviews are mostly positive.
Price: Remantadine - average 50-150 rub.

It is with the flu (including swine flu) that at the first symptoms, therapists and pediatricians recommend: for adults - Remantadine, Tamiflu. Orvirem (rimantadine syrup), Viferon are indicated for children over 1 year of age. Children over 8 years old can take Remantadine (in the table), Tamiflu.

Interferon preparations

Interferons are messenger proteins that are secreted by cells infected with viruses. They seem to inform other cells about the infection and the required inactivation of the virus. Alpha interferons are produced by lymphocytes, beta interferons are produced by fibroblasts. In addition to Viferon, the alpha group includes Intron, Reaferon, Kipferon.

Viferon

The creation of the drug was scientifically substantiated in the period 1990-1995. a group of scientists from the Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology named after. N.F. Gamaleya under the guidance of Prof. Malinovskaya V.V.
Since December 1996, on the basis of the same research institute, serial production of recombinant interferon alpha-2b in suppositories began. Viferon are suppositories with different contents of active substance.

Application:

• Viferon-1 (150,000 IU) is designed for children from birth to 7 years. It is used for acute respiratory viral infections, herpetic infections, as an additional remedy for prolonged pneumonia or sepsis, including in premature infants with intrauterine infections. The drug is prescribed for a course of 5 days. For children under 7 years old, 1 candle 2 times a day is recommended. Prematures born at more than 34 weeks - the same as children under 7 years of age. With a shorter gestation period - 1 suppository three times a day. If necessary, after a five-day break, the course can be repeated for another 5 days.
• In children over seven years of age and adults, the drug in suppositories of 500,000 IU is used twice a day for five days. It is possible to use Viferon in pregnant women.
• Suppositories containing Viferon 1,000,000 and 3,000,000 IU are used in the treatment of viral hepatitis and herpetic infections. The use of the same injection forms is indicated for any (except HIV-associated) viral meningitis: children from 7 years of age are given 1 million IU intravenously or intramuscularly, adults – 3 or even 5 million IU daily.
• Also, doctors in infectious diseases hospitals use injectable Viferon at a dose of 2 million IU intramuscularly at the first symptoms of influenza during an epidemic (as emergency measure in the absence of Remantadine and Tamiflu/Relenza). This increases your chance of avoiding flu complications.
• The drug in the form of an ointment is intended for the treatment of herpes on the skin and mucous membranes in adults and children over one year of age.

Side effects: the main side effect of Viferon suppositories can be an allergic reaction, which happens infrequently. When using injection forms, after 3-4 hours (with intramuscular administration) or within the first two hours (with intravenous administration) there is a sharp rise in temperature. This indicates stimulation of antiviral immunity. In this case, if the temperature rises above 38.5-39 degrees, it is recommended to take an antipyretic drug.

Research: As for the effectiveness of the drug, it is not included in list A of evidence-based pharmacology. That is, large randomized studies in humans that meet international standards have not been conducted. However, there is positive practical experience of treatment with Viferon in pediatric practice. (By the way, nitroglycerin also does not have randomized studies proving its effectiveness, which does not make it an ineffective first-line drug for relieving angina). Publications of data from clinical trials of the drug are available only in Russian and were carried out only in domestic clinics. The price-quality ratio allows pediatricians to recommend the drug for the treatment of ARVI in children under seven years of age. For adults, the drug has limited use in the treatment of ARVI due to the rectal form of administration and the availability of alternative drugs.

The main arguments of opponents of the drug:

• high molecular weight of protein molecules that cannot be absorbed in the intestine
• lack of clinical trials that meet international standards.

Kipferon

Suppositories are a bit expensive for treating common colds. Therefore, it is replaced by Viferon. But, in severe forms of intestinal dysbiosis in children in the first two years of life, the drug shows good clinical results.

Research: No randomized studies have been conducted, that is, the drug belongs to the list of drugs with unproven effects. Main complaints:

• high molecular weight, which interferes with normal absorption
• adding components of donor blood to the drug that can cause fever and allergies.

Cycloferon

Cycloferon was initially registered as a veterinary drug in 1993 for the treatment of animals with viral infections, and in 1995 it was already a honey. a drug.

The drug Cycloferon is approved for use in adults and children over four years of age. Available in solution for injection, tablets, liniment. It belongs to immunomodulatory drugs; it is an inducer of interferon, enhancing its production and exhibiting antiviral, anti-inflammatory and immunostimulating properties.

Application: in the Russian Federation it is used in the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections, influenza, viral hepatitis, herpes infections, human papillomaviruses and other urological and gynecological pathologies (for example, candidiasis, chlamydia).
Contraindications: The drug is not recommended for pregnant and lactating women. May cause allergic reactions.
Research: Cycloferon is an immunostimulant that stimulates the action of the immune system and the production of interferons. That's all for today clinical trials of this drug published in the medical literature, were carried out only on the territory of the Russian Federation and do not comply with international standards.

There are no serious clinical trials for cycloferon that would prove its effectiveness or refute the absence of long-term harmful effects of this drug (the development of autoimmune diseases). It is worth recalling that all drugs that have been on the pharmaceutical market for less than five years are still at the fifth level of pharmacological testing and it is quite possible that previously unknown undesirable effects from drugs of this series will be identified. If there are newly identified harmful effects, the drug will be withdrawn from pharmacy chains and discontinued from production, and the majority of those who were treated with this drug and developed some kind of health problems are unlikely to receive any compensation.

Homeopathic remedies

AGRI

The drug is available in the form of a children's and adult "version". The substance contains (regardless of the form - children's or adult):

• in one type of tablet from one package - a combination of American lacquer, bryonia and sulfur liver,
• in another type of tablet - a complex of aconite, arsenic iodide and toxicodendron.

Tablets are taken under the tongue, alternating different types tablets - according to instructions.

Description: AGRI is a product based on natural ingredients that provides:

• anti-inflammatory;
• decongestant;
• antihistamine;
• antipyretic effect.

Contraindications include only individual intolerance to individual components of the product. The manufacturer allows it to be used by both children and pregnant women.
Side effects: salivation, swelling of the conjunctiva or respiratory tract (this indicates an allergy to the drug, in which it should be discontinued).
Cons: unproven effectiveness, inconvenience of taking the drug.
Price: 120 rub.

Engystol

Available in 2 forms:

1. Ampoules containing Vincetoxicum hirundinaria D 6, D10, D30, Sulfur D4 and
2. Tablets for lozenges under the tongue with a similar composition, but larger dosages of each drug.

Description: the drug has a complex anti-inflammatory, antiviral and detoxification effect. No side effects are described, there are no contraindications.
Cons: unproven effectiveness. On the first day of illness you will have to take 1 tablet every 15 minutes for 2 hours, then switch to three doses.

Price: 400 rubles for 50 tablets (11 tablets are consumed on the first day, then 3 tablets).

Aflubin

The drug is available in 2 forms: tablets and drops for oral administration. Their composition is approximately the same. These are bryonia, gentian, aconite, sacrolactic acid.

The nasal spray is also named similarly. It has a different composition and is indicated for the treatment of runny nose (including allergic), pharyngitis, eustachitis, and sinusitis. There is also Aflubin Broncho syrup based on thyme and honey extract. It is indicated for cough and is not an antiviral or immunomodulatory agent.

Description: It is stated that this drug is an interferonogen, and also stimulates the cellular immune system, relieves inflammation in the mucous and synovial membranes, and has a detoxifying and antipyretic effect.

Cons: The effectiveness of the drug has not been proven, although it is one of the few homeopathic remedies used in Europe.

May cause increased swelling of the nose and throat, a burning sensation in the throat, and increased salivation.

Price: Tablets No. 24 – 410 rubles, drops – 215 rubles, nasal spray – 360 rubles.

Influcid

The drug is available in the form of tablets and solution for oral use. It contains aconite, ipecac, bryonia, phosphorus, sapling, gelsemium, eupatorium perfoliatum.

Description: the drug contains 6 tested homeopathic monomedicines that have proven their effectiveness (this is not recognized by the medical community) for the treatment of acute infections localized in the nasopharynx and bronchi. One of them thins mucus, the other relieves swelling from the nasal mucosa, the third eliminates headaches, the fourth strengthens the immune system. Evpatorium perfoliatum is a good anti-influenza homeopathic remedy

Cons: May (rarely) cause allergic reactions. It has a high cost.

Price: 60 tablets – 500 rub.

ARVI and influenza

ARVI is a group of viral diseases that are transmitted by airborne droplets and cause inflammatory processes in the mucous membranes of the nose, pharynx, larynx and trachea. Many of them also affect the superficial structures of the eye (conjunctiva, upper parts of the sclera) and lymph nodes. Some can cause inflammation of the lower respiratory tract - bronchi and lung tissue. A feature of respiratory viruses is a decrease in local immunity of the mucous membranes, as well as the consumption of systemic immune defense resources, as a result, they “open the way” to bacterial complications.

There are more than 300 types of ARVI viruses. One of them is the influenza virus - the most insidious and life-threatening.

The insidiousness of the influenza virus is as follows:

• It has an extremely small size, which allows it to easily enter the body.
• It has 2 antigens on its shell - aggression factors. One of them, hemagglutinin, can damage red blood cells. Therefore, with the flu, nosebleeds and hemoptysis easily occur; hemorrhages also occur in internal organs: lung tissue, heart, kidneys, and brain. In addition, hemagglutinin is “responsible” for the intensity of intoxication, that is, poor health (body aches, nausea, drowsiness, loss of appetite).

The second factor of aggression, neuraminidase, strongly suppresses the immune system. Then it becomes easy for bacteria flying in the air and entering the human body to increase inflammation of the respiratory tract and cause other complications.

• Easily changes from season to season (this applies mainly to influenza A virus, while B and C viruses are more stable). It is impossible to predict 100% which virus will “dominate” this year. This variability of the virus is due to the variability of hemagglutinin (it is marked with the letter “H”) and neuraminidase (“N”: in total there are 12 types of the first enzyme and 9 types of the second. This means that from them it is possible to compose a large number of combinations. And if a person has immunity (thanks to a vaccine or the fact that he once had the disease) to a virus with one combination of these antigens, this does not make him resistant to a virus with a different set.

It is believed that the number of combinations for humans is not so large: it consists of 3 types of hemagglutinin and 2 types of neuraminidase (although in 2015 there was an influenza epidemic caused by the H5N1 virus). It’s also bad that with the same combination the virus can have different antigenic properties, and the same person can get sick with the H1N1 influenza (California) and then become infected with the H1N1 influenza virus (Shanghai). In addition, exchanges of individual antigens between individual A virus strains obtained from humans and strains obtained from animals or birds are possible. The result of this exchange is the emergence of a new, more aggressive virus.

The ability of a virus to mutate and change is the most dangerous. It makes the flu an uncontrollable and difficult-to-control infection. In “quiet” years alone, this disease affects 30 million of the world’s population. Pandemics occur when a completely new virus appears, both in terms of hemagglutinin and neuraminidase.

If the flu does not cause complications, it proceeds quite favorably (mortality - 0.01-0.2%), although it takes at least 1 year of a person’s life. The mortality rate increases in:

• children under 3 years old;
• old people;
• those who have recently suffered from a serious illness;
• people after a course of chemotherapy;
• suffering from cardiovascular or pulmonary diseases.

Conclusions:

Ineffectiveness of antiviral drugs due to resistance of virus strains

The lack of a positive effect when using some antiviral drugs for influenza is also possible due to the fact that drug-resistant viruses appear and a specific strain of influenza may already be resistant to a specific drug (for example, Remantadine).

Other treatments and the placebo effect

Strong immunity

In a healthy body, after 2-3 days the immune system produces enough protective antibodies against the virus; it does not need additional medications. It is enough to follow the well-known rules - bed rest, plenty of hot drinks, fortified foods and drinks, clean air in the patient’s room, etc.

Fast recovery with antiviral drugs

In various life situations, reducing the duration of illness even by one day can be very important, for example - a wedding day, an urgent business trip, an important business transaction, an exam, an interview, etc. It is in such cases that the use of antiviral drugs that reduce the duration of illness by 2-3 days the duration of the illness may be meaningful.

No adequate research

The lack of benign studies on the effectiveness and side effects (on a large group of people, of different ages, over a long time) of most antiviral drugs for acute respiratory infections and influenza suggests caution in their use or even abandonment.

Don't waste your money on pacifiers

It is probably not advisable to spend money, in some cases considerable amounts, on drugs with unproven effectiveness, side effects, and questionable safety. Any medicine, even a useless one or a pacifier, can cause harm to the body.

Video transmission: How the placebo effect works

• from 9:24 min. - what medications are most often prescribed by doctors
• from 24:00 - about the effect of placebo on the functioning of the immune system
• from 31:07 - about the high placebo effect in children
• from 33:55 - about dummy drugs prescribed for ARVI
• from 34:40 - about homeopathy and antiviral drugs for ARVI
• from 42:27 - about how modern research is carried out

Video: How to avoid getting the flu.

With the onset of the first cold weather, the season of respiratory viral diseases “opens.” Everyone gets sick, from young to old. That's why our magazine decided to analyze the market of modern antiviral drugs and tell your readers everything you need to know about this group of drugs. We also compiled TOP of the best budget funds for different age categories of patients.

The main thing in the article

Which antiviral drugs are most effective?

Viruses enter the human body through inhalation through the upper respiratory tract. Antiviral drugs block their spread. To understand the principle of action of antiviral agents, let us turn to biological processes. The virus, entering the body, invades the cell and actively multiplies in it. Its specific proteins (neuraminidases) inhibit the cell’s ability to produce a protective substance interferon , so the affected cells lose the ability to resist the virus. As for antiviral drugs, the data medicines are divided into groups, and 4 of them can be considered the most effective in the fight against colds.

1. Antiviral products containing antihistamines and immunomodulators (Anaferon, Arbidol). They have a chemical effect on virus replication and promote the production of their own interferon.
2. Products containing interferon (Grippferon, Alfarona). Interferon is a natural protein structure that makes the body’s cells immune to viral cells.
3. Interferon inducers (Kagocel, Lavomax). They activate processes in the body that awaken cells to their own production of interferon.
4. Neuraminidase inhibitors (Tamiflu, Relenza). The drugs inhibit neuraminidases (specific proteins of the virus), which stops its further progression.

10 most effective antiviral drugs: our rating

Having studied all the market offers, based on reviews from doctors and patients, we have compiled a rating of the most effective antiviral drugs.

Antiviral drug	Release form	Permitted age and dosage	Photo of the drug
Anaferon (Price 180–220 rub.)	Pills	Prescribed to children from 1 month. Take 1 tablet 6 times a day on the first day. On the second day, reduce the dose to 3 tablets.
Aflubin (Price 280–450 rub.)	Drops and lozenges	Prescribed to children: up to one year – 1 drop; from one year to 12 years – 5 drops or 0.5 tablets; children over 12 years of age and adults – 10 drops or 1 tablet.
Arbidol (Price 180–260 rub.)	Available in both capsules and tablets	Prescribed from three years of age. Dose: up to 6 years – 50 mg; 6-12 years – 100 mg; 12 years and older – 200 mg.
Viferon (Price 260–340 rub.)	Suppositories for rectal use with different contents of active ingredient	They can be prescribed one suppository 2 times a day from birth.
Kagocel (Price 220–240 rub.)	Pills	Approved for the treatment of children from 3 years of age. Take 2 tablets 3 times in the first two days. Next, two days, 1 tablet three times a day.
Oscillococcinum (Price 340–400 rub.)	Granules in special tubes	For varying complexity of the disease, 1 dose per day is prescribed.
Remantadine (Price 60–180 rub.)	Capsules, tablets	Allowed from 7 years. The drug is prescribed: from 7 years to 10 – 2 tablets per day; from 11 years to 14 – 3 tablets per day; adults – 6 tablets on the first day, then 4 tablets each.
Ribavirin (Price 120–250 rub.)	Pills	15 mg of the drug per 1 kg of patient weight.
Tamiflu (Price 1230–1500 rub.)	Capsules, powder for suspension	Allowed for children from 1 year old, prescribed depending on the child’s weight. Adults are recommended to take 75 ml twice a day.
Cycloferon (Price 170–320 rub.)	Pills	Prescribed to children from 4 years of age: 4-6 years – one tablet per day; 7-12 years – 3 tablets per day; 12 and older – 3-4 tablets per day

Immunostimulating antiviral drugs: inexpensive but effective

Immunomodulators are drugs that strengthen the body's defenses (), forcing the body to fight bacteria and viruses.

In other words, immunostimulants are the same antiviral agents, the action of which is aimed at activating the production of antibodies. This happens by influencing the body. Effective immunostimulants at a reasonable price include:

• Ingavirin 90. Recommended for symptoms of influenza and ARVI. It is especially effective if treatment was started in the first two days. The course of therapy with Ingavirin is up to 7 days.
• Interferon. Release forms: powder, which, when diluted, is instilled into the nose and eyes, suppositories, intramuscular injections. Acts as a prophylactic agent, and in case of illness it significantly shortens its course.
• Amiksin. A potent drug that actively supports the immune system during acute respiratory viral infections, pulmonary infections, and influenza. The drug is prescribed only after 7 years.

As for the treatment of children, immunostimulating drugs in childhood should be prescribed exclusively by a doctor.

The most effective antiviral drugs for children 1–2 years old

• Immunal. The basis of the product is echinacea, which can be found on sale in the form of drops and tablets. Children over one year of age are given exclusively drops of 1 ml three times a day for simple colds. Tablets are allowed from 4 years of age.
• Cytovir-3. Prescribed as a prophylactic and as an addition to the main treatment for influenza and acute respiratory viral infections. Prescribe 2 ml three times a day. Available in the form of syrup and powder for children. At an older age, taking capsules is acceptable. The latter are allowed for children over 6 years of age.
• Imupret. For children, use a solution of 5 drops three times a day. The drug is based on herbs and is used as a therapy for respiratory viral infections.

The most effective antiviral drugs for children over 3 years old

• Groprinosin. Antiviral medicine for complex therapy of viral infections.
• Hyporamine. The antiviral agent is based on sea buckthorn leaf extract. It is commercially available in tablets that need to be taken 1 twice a day.
• Engystol. A homeopathic remedy prescribed in combination with the main treatment for colds.

Effective antiviral drugs for children 10 years old

The age of 10 years can be called transitional, as bans on solid forms of medications - capsules, tablets - are lifted.

Also at this age it is already possible to use aerosols in treatment. As for the best antiviral drugs, we should highlight:

• Ergoferon.
• Viferon.
• Ingavirin 60.
• Flucid.
• Kipferon.
• Orvirem.
• Relenza.

Are antiviral drugs effective: Komarovsky’s opinion

Antiviral drugs effective for adults

As discussed above, antiviral drugs are divided into different groups. The doctor, based on the symptoms present, prescribes a certain type.

An adult diagnosed with a cold may be prescribed:

• medications based on interferon, who bring this component from outside - Cycloferon, Viferon;
• immunostimulants, their effect helps to increase the production of one’s own interferon – Kagocel, Tiloron;
• suppressing the virus itself – Ingaverin, Antigripin;
• new generation drugs –Peramivir, Relenza.

What is the most effective antiviral drug for the elderly?

ARVI and flu are enough dangerous diseases for elderly people. Therefore, long sleep and timely balanced meals are so important for them. A doctor should select an antiviral drug for an elderly patient, taking into account chronic pathologies, possible problems c and Most often they resort to herbal medicines, since they have the least range of side effects. Also, one should not forget about vitamins and microelements, since a “worn-out” elderly body needs them especially urgently.

For therapy, as well as as a prevention of colds, the elderly are prescribed:

• Arbidol;
• Amiksin;
• Altabor.

Antiviral drugs during pregnancy

As you know, pregnant women are not recommended to take medications, but what should you do if you have flu or cold symptoms? Then you cannot do without specific antiviral drugs, since these diseases are a direct threat to the normal course of pregnancy.

You cannot self-prescribe an antiviral drug. This should be done by a specialist, taking into account the period and characteristics of gestation.

Most often, pregnant women are prescribed Tamiflu or Zanamavir.

Domestic antiviral drugs are inexpensive but effective

Domestic drugs aimed at fighting viruses are in no way inferior to their “foreign” counterparts, but their price is much lower. The most popular and widely prescribed domestic drugs include the following:

We also advise you to pay attention to the table below; it shows analogs of expensive antiviral agents that cost much less.

Antiviral drugs effective for prevention

If we talk about antiviral drugs that can act as preventive drugs, then the truly effective ones include:

• Anaferon.
• Orvirem.
• Grippferon.
• Viferon.

90% of people who take antiviral drugs during an epidemic do not encounter influenza and ARVI. And for those who do get sick, the contagious period is shortened.

The most effective preventive measure is vaccination, which is done before the outbreak of an epidemic. Do not forget about maintaining immunity with the help of a healthy lifestyle, food, and immune-strengthening traditional medicine.

Antiviral drugs effective against influenza

K really effective means against influenza include so-called new drugs that have been on the market for no more than 10–15 years. Viruses have not yet developed immunity to the active substance of such drugs. These include:

• Rimantadine. Capable of stopping the virus reproduction process. It is most effective when taken in the first days of the disease.
• Relenza. This is a powder intended for inhalation; it comes with a Diskhaler for inhaling the powder. Relenza works well against influenza viruses of groups A and B.
• Tamiflu. It has a targeted effect on viruses that cause influenza groups A and B, as well as swine flu.

Antiviral drugs effective against ARVI

Autumn is a “favorable” time for the development of colds. During the autumn-winter period, up to 85% of people suffer from ARVI in one form or another. To avoid and minimize the manifestation of the disease, you can use the following antiviral agents:

• Cyclic amines:Remavir, Rematadine.
• Herbal remedies : Immunoflazide, Altabor, Flavazide.
• Interferons:Grippferon, Viferon.
• Neuraminidase inhibitors:Zanamivir, Oseltamivir.
• Interferon inducers:Arpeflu, Immusstat, Arbivir.

The most effective antiviral drugs for sore throat

Sore throat can also be cured with antiviral medications. For this purpose, drugs with an extended spectrum of action are chosen. In most cases, doctors prescribe interferons, as they have pronounced antiviral activity. Thanks to this property, painful flora cannot penetrate deep into the soft tissues of the larynx. Effective antiviral drugs for sore throat include:

• Relenza.
• Viburcol.
• Neovir.
• Immunal.

Antiviral drugs for herpes

Almost all people have a latent herpes virus in their body. For some, under the influence of certain reasons, it is activated, and antiviral drugs come in handy. Drugs that can “fight” the herpes virus include:

• Galavit. It is an immunomodulator that relieves inflammation while stimulating the body's defenses.
• Isoprinosine. Prescribed for the treatment of infectious diseases caused by a virus. Prevents the virus from multiplying.
• Valtrex. Capable of blocking the proliferation of viral cells.
• Famvir. Mainly prescribed for herpes zoster.

Effective antiviral drugs: reviews, forum

Here's what people write on forums about antiviral drugs:

Immunomodulatory drugs are a special type of medicine that helps boost the body's immune system. But in modern times there is an opinion that they not only strengthen the protective forces, but also oppress them. As a result, the choice of such funds should be treated with extreme caution.

This type of medication is considered the most optimal way to maintain immunity at home. They have a harmonious effect, leading to the activation of the immune system and its strengthening.

In medicine, there are two types of immunomodulating agents of plant origin. Some plants can lead to inhibition of defenses. Therefore, some immunomodulators for colds cannot be used independently. These include licorice, iris, mistletoe and yellow egg capsule.

But there are many more safe herbal immunomodulatory agents. For home use Figs, seaweed, ginseng, pine nuts, aralia, elecampane, birch and walnuts are perfect.

Echinacea is an excellent immunomodulator for colds. Syrups, infusions and alcohol tinctures are made from it. What’s remarkable is that it can be used by babies and children school age, women during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

But it is worth noting that such remedies do not act instantly. They must be used long-term and in courses.

Immunomodulatory antiviral agents

Such immunomodulators for colds are used for protracted or painful types of the disease. They are sold in different types: sprays, ointments, tablets, powders and suppositories.

The most popular antiviral medications in tablet form include:

• Anaferon. A drug that is approved for use in children from the first month of life;
• Arbidol. A powerful drug that is approved for use in children over the age of six;
• Amiksin. The medicine is used for immunity during colds and during seasonal exacerbations.

These drugs are not recommended for use by patients who suffer from diseases of the stomach and liver or have infectious and inflammatory processes.

Effective antiviral suppositories include:

• Viferon. It is often prescribed to babies from the first month of life, preschool children, and women during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Genferon. They are prescribed much less frequently, but have the same antiviral effect.

Suppositories have no contraindications, since they are not absorbed into the bloodstream and do not affect the kidneys and liver.
To maintain immune function, antiviral drugs are often prescribed in the form of drops. They contain human interferon. These include Grippferon, Interferon and Kipferon.

Vitamin complexes to enhance immune function

Most often, viral infections affect those people who suffer from vitamin deficiency. This condition usually appears in spring and autumn.

To avoid weakening of immune function, it is necessary to replenish vitamin reserves in the form of:

• group B. They are good to take at the moment when the patient has suffered stressful situation as a result of injury or surgery;
• complex of vitamins A, E, C, D3 and B6. Their action is aimed at preventing the penetration of viral infection into the body. Provide excellent prevention during seasonal exacerbations;
• vitamins of group B6. Their effect is aimed at producing antibodies that resist harmful microbes;
• vitamins of group E. Increase the body's resistance in adults and older people;
• vitamins of the PP group. They are combined into the flavonoid group, the effect of which is aimed at protecting the body from viral infection, inflammatory processes and the action of toxic components;
• phytoncidal group. Such substances have the ability to resist bacterial infection and protect human immunity.

Best buys vitamin complexes, which contain several microelements at once. You need to drink them in courses every three to four months.

Do not forget that medicines cannot completely replace natural ingredients. Therefore, in the summer, experts advise eating fresh fruits, vegetables and berries.

Anti-inflammatory drugs for colds

At the moment, the most popular are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for colds. When consumed, a person’s temperature quickly decreases, cold symptoms disappear for a while and the inflammatory process is eliminated.

When used correctly, such medications can have a very good positive effect. But pharmacy kiosks offer people a large selection of medications. How to choose the right drug?

They are divided into two types according to age group: for children and adults.

Anti-inflammatory drugs for children with colds:

1. Antigrippin. This medication has a complex effect. It allows you to lower the temperature to normal values, stop the inflammatory process and eliminate pain.

   The drug is produced in the form of whitish or yellowish granules. Approved for use in children from one year of age. Children under three years of age are prescribed five granules up to three times a day.

2. Antiflu Kids. This medication has antipyretic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. The main component is vitamin C. Thanks to its content, the child’s body copes with infectious diseases much faster. Prescribed for children over two years of age.

   Other components of the drug can lower the temperature to normal values, relieve pain in the head and muscles and defeat viruses. Available in the form of a whitish powder.

3. Ibufen. This medication helps stop the inflammatory process, quickly reduces the temperature and has an analgesic effect. The main component is ibuprofen. Within twenty minutes after administration, the medication has a significant effect.

   Allowed for babies from three months of age. But it is worth noting that the drug has several limitations in the form of disorders of the heart muscle, poor metabolism, liver and kidney diseases.

For adults, the list of anti-inflammatory drugs is different. This includes.

1. Efferalgan. One of the drugs that is used for colds in adults. It contains paracetamol, which helps eliminate pain and lower temperature. The only contraindication is kidney and liver disease.
2. Nurofen. The main component is Ibuprofen, which quickly stops the inflammatory process, lowers temperature and relieves pain.

   The medication is available in the form of tablets, which are recommended to be dissolved in water before use. It has a minimum of side effects, but is prohibited for diseases of the heart muscle, vascular and digestive systems.

3. Propyphenazone. A medicine that contains a large amount of propyphenazone. Has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. The inflammatory process is reduced due to the synthesis of prostaglandins.

   The medication has a minimum of contraindications in the form of increased susceptibility to the components of the drug. These products include Cofan and Kaffetin.

4. Coldrex or Fervex. These medications contain paracetamol, which has analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effects.
   Such drugs have many limitations in the form of diseases of the digestive system, bronchial asthma and exacerbation of polyposis in the nasal cavity, pathological processes in the kidneys or liver.

   They are prohibited from being given to children under fifteen years of age and to women during pregnancy.

5. Analgin. The medication is also used to eliminate pain, lower temperature levels and relieve the inflammatory process. It has many contraindications in the form of kidney and liver diseases, infectious and cytostatic neutropenia, congenital anemia, gestation period and childhood up to twelve years.

Immunomodulators include drugs that directly affect the immune system and can correct its activity. It is possible to raise immune parameters only to the level of physiological parameters considered normal for the human body. The presented list of ratings of the best immunomodulators includes drugs that effectively increase immune responses.

Medicines are used to treat indolent infectious and allergic diseases and a weakened state of the body. Such remedies are especially relevant in the off-season in autumn and spring, when cold, damp weather contributes to an increase in colds.

It is better to take care of your health in advance and take preventive measures yourself to remain a healthy, productive person.

The list is compiled based on positive reviews of people who have undergone prevention or treatment with the means listed below.

Rating of the best immunomodulators - list of drugs

1. Interferon (Sotex PharmFirm, Russia). The most popular endogenous immunostimulating agent. Increases the resistance of healthy cells to pathogenic viruses. Has high biological activity. The main use is the prevention of influenza and ARVI. The solution is instilled into the nasal passages or sprayed. High efficiency, safety and affordable price put interferon first in the ranking of immunomodulators.

• Bottle of solution 1000 IU/ml 5 ml - 115 rub.

2. Echinacea-Vilar (Pharm center VILAR CJSC, RF). Purple Echinacea Juice and Herb on the basis of which the medicine is made is deservedly considered one of the best natural immunomodulators. Stimulates cellular immunity, improves immune status.

It is used to increase the body's protective function in case of frequently recurring inflammatory diseases and for immunostimulation. It is used for internal use in the form of drops diluted with a small amount of water.

• A bottle of juice with an alcohol content of 50 ml - 114 rubles.

3. Grippferon (Firn M, Russia). Active substance interferon alpha-2b. A powerful prophylactic drug to prevent influenza and ARVI. Stops the progression of the disease when taken in a timely manner initial stage its development. Guaranteed protection against colds by 96%.

It is successfully used for prevention, as well as during epidemics in large groups. After administration, after a short period of time, there is a relief of inflammatory symptoms: runny nose, painful sensations in the oropharynx, normalization of body temperature.

• Nasal drops 10,000 IU/ml 10 ml - 260 rub.

4. Arbidol (Pharmstandard, Tomsk). Active ingredient umifenovir. Pronounced immunomodulator with antiviral action. Increases the body's defenses against various types of infections, reduces the risk of developing secondary infections and complications, increases immunological parameters to normal. Area of ​​application: prevention and treatment of influenza, bronchitis, pneumonia, infectious diseases caused by the herpes simplex virus.

• Cost of tab. 50 mg, 20 pcs. - 168 rub.

5. Immunal (Lek, Slovenia). Natural remedy based echinacea herb juice. Has a pronounced immunostimulating effect. Suppresses the growth of pathogenic bacteria, including influenza and herpes viruses. Used to strengthen the immune system to prevent acute respiratory viral infections and increase the body's resistance during long-term use of antibiotics and other conditions associated with immune deficiency.

Regular Echinacea tincture is much cheaper in price than Immunal, but many prefer the more convenient tablet form and are willing to pay more for convenient use. Thanks to its natural composition and reasonable price, the medicine deservedly took fifth place in the rating.

• Cost of tab. 80 mg 20 pieces - 250 rubles.

6. Ribomunil (Pierre Fabre Medicine, France). It is included in the rating of the best immunomodulators with a high degree of safety - it is approved for use in children from the age of six months. Active ingredient bacterial ribosomes increase the body's immunity to pathogenic infections.

Used as preventive measures reducing the risk of diseases of ENT organs and diseases caused by respiratory tract infections. Recommended for patients prone to frequent colds with repeated relapses, as well as for elderly people.

• Price of tablets 0.75 mg, 4 pcs. - 390 rubles.

7. Derinat (Federal Law Immunolex, Russian Federation). A strong, safe modeling agent. Active substance sodium deoxyribonucleate. Approved for use by adults and children from the first day of life. The medicine stimulates different parts of the defense system.

Promotes the development of resistance to microbial, fungal and viral infections. Enhances the physiological regeneration of tissues and organs, activates the immune response to bacterial antigens.

• Price of a bottle of 0.25% 10 ml - 254 rub.

8. Anaferon (Materia Medica, Russia). Medicine with homeopathic composition immunomodulating effect. Area of ​​application: prevention and treatment of acute respiratory viral infections, influenza and diseases caused by the herpes virus. The drug is popular among people who resort to homeopathy.

The undoubted advantage of Anaferon is the absence of contraindications for use, except for individual intolerance to the components in the composition. Approved for use by adults over 18 years of age. “Anaferon for children” is also produced for persons no older than eighteen years of age.

• Tablets 20 pieces - 194 rub.

9. Immunorm Teva (Israel). Medicine with herbal composition based on echinacea purpurea. Activates immunity at the cellular level. Has anti-inflammatory properties. It is used as a preventive measure for those prone to colds characterized by frequent relapses.

• Cost of tablets 100 mg 20 pcs. - 172 rubles.

10. Stimmunal (Evalar, Russia). Another drug included in the rating of the best immunomodulators to enhance protective functions body. The recipe includes Echinacea purpurea extract And ascorbic acid. Strengthens immune reactions, strengthens weakened cells, removes oxygen radicals, and prevents allergies.

• Price tab. 500 milligrams 20 pieces - 168 rubles.

Some medications have serious restrictions on their use; allergic reactions and side effects are possible. When choosing a medication, be sure to consult your doctor.

Four drugs out of ten presented in the rating contain echinacea extract. This suggests that people in most cases prefer natural, inexpensive and safe means with a low percentage of contraindications.