Inexpensive but effective antiviral agents - a list for children and adults. Inexpensive and effective antiviral tablets What cheap antiviral tablets can you buy

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 influenza drugs, depending on the mechanism of their 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 protective properties of the body by activating the production of interferon;
3. true antiviral drugs that suppress the reproduction 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 SARS are new drugs that have been on the market for no more than 10-40 years. Their "young age" is due to extensive testing before they went on sale. To your attention is a list of medicines, in which the best drugs for influenza and SARS are presented:

• Ingavirin;
• Remantadine;

Ingavirin is an effective medicine against influenza, SARS and other diseases of viral etiology. Ingavirin, although a new medicine, managed to earn good reviews from those who 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, 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 nucleus formation.

By reducing the production of inflammatory proteins, the drug reduces 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 rarely: diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, convulsions, cough, insomnia, malaise, nosebleeds, hearing loss, conjunctivitis, dermatitis, urticaria, bronchitis, sinusitis, swollen lymph nodes.

Note! Some patients who took Tamiflu for the prevention or treatment of influenza have experienced convulsions and impaired consciousness, such as delirium. The reason for such reactions could not be found out.

Tamiflu is available as 30 mg, 45 mg, 75 mg capsules and 12 mg/1 ml suspension powder.

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 close monitoring while receiving Relenza.

Side effects of the drug:

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

Note! Bronchospasm and respiratory distress have been observed in some patients who have received Relenza inhalation for the treatment of influenza. If you get asthma or chronic bronchitis while using Relenza, have a salbutamol or other bronchodilator inhaler handy.

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.

The 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 with caution 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 only be taken 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.

At first glance, it seems that humanity, having conquered atoms, the ocean floor and even the Moon, is invulnerable to microscopic creatures. But every autumn, viruses begin their attack, and invincible people are forced to resort to various drugs to defeat the disease. Antiviral drugs act directly on pathogens, and many of them also fight symptoms.

Such medications should be prescribed by a doctor, but many people prefer to treat an incipient disease on their own, and do so quite successfully. Pharmacies provide a wide selection of different products for every pocket; among them it is not easy to choose the best one, which optimally combines price and effectiveness. Before you start taking antiviral drugs, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the list of the most popular, inexpensive and effective drugs that can be purchased at any pharmacy.

Important! The list of drugs was compiled based on reviews of real people, taking into account the opinion of an infectious disease doctor.

The best antiviral drugs

Amizon (tablets)

This drug appeared in pharmacies more than seven years ago and became widely known thanks to advertising. According to her, he is able to literally bring a person back from the other world, but this, of course, is an exaggeration. Amizon's action is aimed at:

• decrease in temperature;
• increasing the body's resistance to viruses;
• elimination of inflammation;
• reduction of pain syndrome.

The antiviral effect is that the drug does not allow viruses to invade new cells of the body. The drug helps fight diseases such as chickenpox, mumps, respiratory viral infections and influenza, fellinosis. It can also be used as an adjuvant in the treatment of herpes, hepatitis A and E, and viral meningitis. In general, Amizon alleviates the patient’s condition and creates conditions for his immune system to cope with the disease.

These are the main points that you should know about when purchasing the drug. More detailed information can be obtained from the instructions by finding them on the Internet.

Reviews about Amizon say that antiviral drugs for colds give excellent results. But treatment of influenza with Amizon alone, as a rule, does not justify itself, since the strain of this virus is prone to mutations, and a doctor must select the appropriate treatment for the strain.

The price of the drug ranges from 40 UAH to 80 UAH (95-190 RUR) and depends on the dosage and number of tablets.

Anaferon (tablets)

Anaferon is a good antiviral drug with immunomodulatory properties. It copes well with ARVI and is part of complex treatment for extensive bacterial diseases, as well as influenza. It produces an anti-inflammatory effect, therefore, with complex treatment and use of Anaferon, anti-inflammatory drugs can be avoided. This is a homeopathic medicine that has proven itself to be an effective remedy, despite all prejudices. Due to the low concentration of active substances, it has virtually no side effects.

Reviews about Anaferon are mostly positive:

“I take Anaferon at the first sign of a cold - everything goes away in a few days, and it’s not harmful to health. This is a good addition to folk remedies and hot tea. In cold weather, especially at the height of flu epidemics, I sometimes take it as a preventive measure for a month. Never let you down"

Elena, 37 years old

“This is one of the best antiviral drugs that has virtually no side effects. I give children's Anaferon to my son (he goes to kindergarten) if he has a runny nose and a fever, the illness has never lasted longer than five days. The tablets are sweet, so the child does not need to be persuaded to take the medicine."

Irina, 26 years old

The average price of the drug is 70-90 UAH (166-214 RUR)

Aflubin (tablets, drops)

Aflun has a pronounced antiviral effect, stimulates the synthesis of interferon and improves immunity. It also reduces fever and fights inflammation. The remedy quickly copes with unpleasant symptoms of the disease such as aching joints, headache, chills. Indications for use are colds and flu, as well as their prevention. There are practically no side effects except for possible individual intolerance and an allergic reaction. This is a homeopathic medicine, so it can be taken for a long time.

For the treatment of children, adults can use the drug in a reduced dosage, as well as Aflubin for children 2 years old in the form of drops.

We could not find any negative reviews about this drug.

“I don’t trust homeopathic remedies, but Aflubin is an exception. I haven’t tried to treat serious illnesses like the flu with it, and I’ve never had it, but it helps me protect myself from colds.”

Nikolay, 29 years old

“It’s a good drug, effective and not dangerous. I took it during pregnancy, and now sometimes, to avoid getting sick. The only drawback is the high price."

Tatiana.

The price of Aflubin ranges from 65 to 280 UAH (154-667 RUR) depending on the number of tablets in the package.

Remantadine (tablets)

This is a strong chemotherapy drug that has a pronounced antiviral effect. Effective against influenza, including those caused by viruses B and A, as it destroys the protein shell of the virus and prevents their reproduction. Remantadine is used in the treatment of influenza, tick-borne encephalitis, the course of taking the drug is 5 days.

Remantadine should not be taken by children under 7 years of age, during pregnancy, or by people with chronic kidney and liver diseases. Side effects can be observed in the nervous, digestive and respiratory systems.

Reviews about this drug are mixed, but most of them are positive.

“I took Remantadine several times when I became very ill with ARVI. Treatment was started as soon as obvious symptoms of the disease appeared. Never let me down - after 2 days it was already getting much better. The tablets, however, are bitter, you should immediately drink water. ”

Ekaterina, 31 years old

“Remantadine is an inexpensive and fairly effective drug. Its side effects are depressing, but not fatal.

Cat Behemoth

The price of Remantadin is about 30 UAH (72 r)

Mefenamic acid (tablets)

This broad-spectrum drug is used as an antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic. The antiviral effect consists of stimulating the production of interferon, increasing the activity of T-leukocytes and the ratio of T-helper cells. Mefenamic acid is used for many diseases, including the complex treatment of influenza and ARVI. Treatment lasts from 7 days.

Mefenamic acid helps to quickly cope with the disease, but it also has its side effects, which are most often expressed in disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract and decreased blood clotting. People with peptic ulcers or hemorrhagic gastrointestinal diseases should not take this drug so as not to cause an exacerbation of the disease.

Most reviews are positive, the main disadvantages are the presence of side effects.

“I have been using mephenamine for 5 years now, and it should always be in my first aid kit. It helps to bring down the temperature and get rid of ARVI when paracetamol and ibuprofen are powerless.”

Victoria-K

“A good drug, effective and inexpensive. I rarely buy cheap antiviral drugs, but this one is an exception. Mefenamic acid helps me quickly cure a cold; I have never observed any side effects.”

Olga, 42 years old

The price averages 40-60 UAH (95-143 RUR)

Oxolinic ointment (Ointment)

An effective antiviral agent of local action, undeservedly forgotten in recent times. Oxolin is able to destroy the herpes virus, adenovirus, most influenza pathogens, shingles, and molluscum contagiosum. The drug is used externally for the treatment of viral skin lesions, conjunctivitis, as well as for the treatment of viral rhinitis (the nasal mucosa is lubricated). The ointment can be applied to the nasal mucosa during influenza epidemics, during and after communication with people with influenza and SARS.

This product is non-toxic and can be used to treat children over 5 years old; if the child is younger, you should consult a doctor. You can use the ointment for a long time if there are no adverse reactions, since it does not accumulate in the body.

Reviews about this old but effective remedy are mostly good.

“I work in a large team, and in the cold season it’s difficult to stay cheerful - someone is always sick, but they come to work. For the last 2 years I have been using oxolinic ointment, applying it to the nasal mucosa. It’s not very convenient to apply it; at first you feel a slight burning sensation, but it effectively protects me from colds!”

MorkovKa, 23 years old

“A controversial remedy for influenza and ARVI, since the symptoms of the disease have not disappeared. But as a preventive measure it’s not bad. I don’t know, but this is due to the ointment or immunity. But what the medicine fights with a bang is herpes. The same nasty herpes that appears on the lips during colds and stress. Oxolinic ointment “suffocates” it at the very beginning, when redness first appears, and the herpes disappears.”

Natasha, 28 years old

The price of the ointment ranges from 10 to 20 UAH (23-46 RUR)

Altabor (tablets)

An effective antiviral drug used in the complex treatment of influenza, vesicular stomatitis and herpes. Contains plant phenolic acids, many antioxidants, and also produces an anti-inflammatory effect. In case of influenza and ARVI, it significantly facilitates the course of the disease, helps to avoid consequences, and successfully shave with symptoms. The drug can also be used as a prophylactic during flu epidemics or contacts with sick people.

Altabor is a very strong drug, it can be taken by adults and adolescents from 14 years of age for three to seven days. Contraindications for use are pregnancy, allergic reaction and intolerance to one of the components.

Almost all the people who left reviews were satisfied with the drug.

“Good, effective, and most importantly - a natural medicine that helped me a lot with the flu. It was recommended to me by a pharmacist at a pharmacy, and I was very pleased. There were no side effects, no complications of the disease. It’s a pity that it can’t be given to children.”

Inna

“I found out about this medicine a week ago, and was immediately convinced of its effectiveness. I always tolerated ARVI poorly, I was sick for a long time, but here it all went away in three days. Now there are only symptoms of a mild cold, nothing more. I recommend."

Sasha, 26 years old

The average price of Altabor is 38-50 UAH (90-120 RUR)

When should you take antiviral drugs?

To combat real-life viruses, the drug must be prescribed by a doctor. The fact is that viruses mutate very quickly and have many strains, so it is difficult to choose an antiviral drug, for this you need a medical examination and tests to understand which virus has infected a person.

Antiviral drugs, inexpensive and expensive, help with influenza in only 30% of cases, while the remaining 70 patients need hospitalization. But in case of ARVI, these remedies will help you recover faster. They are also recommended for people who care for flu patients to prevent infection.

What can replace antiviral drugs?

If there is a virus in the body, then nothing can replace special medications. It is possible to combine drugs that eliminate the symptoms of the disease to alleviate the condition with immunomodulators, but in this case, the treatment may be delayed for a long time, complications are not excluded.

Antiviral drugs for ARVI can be replaced with drugs that lower the temperature and also eliminate other symptoms. These include Nurofen, Immunal, Coldrex, Gripex, Tamiflu and other drugs, which are presented in every pharmacy in a wide range. They all have a similar composition, differing only in additives and price. Less expensive, but no less effective alternative to these drugs are well-known paracetamol, ibuprofen, aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid). These drugs can be used as painkillers, antipyretics and anti-inflammatory drugs, while taking immunomodulators or, in the old fashioned way, drinking tea with lemon, honey and jam.

Effective antiviral drugs for children

Most of the antiviral drugs described above are available in both adult and pediatric dosages. Homeopathic medicines are relatively safe even for children as young as 2 years old. It is important to remember that children should be given antiviral drugs only if they are completely sure of the diagnosis, and for this they need to consult a pediatrician. You can treat a cold at home, but if it doesn't go away within a few days, you may have a virus. Doctor Komarovsky often talks about this.

There are no safe medications for children over 3 years of age that can cure the flu at home. But the greatest danger lies in an incorrectly recognized virus, which may not respond to the medicine and “rage” with renewed vigor in a child’s body, weakened by aggressive drugs.

The best solution in case of the first symptoms of a cold will be homeopathic medicines, which can also be used during flu epidemics for prevention. Some of them can be taken from 1 year. It is also important not to forget about nutritious and fortified nutrition for the child and other ways to strengthen his immunity, as recommended by Dr. Komarovsky.

When taking antiviral drugs, do not forget about additional means that alleviate the condition: plenty of warm drinks, good nutrition, vitamins, as well as natural antibacterial products such as garlic, ginger, lemon.

If obvious symptoms of ARVI do not go away when taking antiviral drugs, you should consult a specialist. Take care of yourself and be healthy.

The range of antiviral drugs today is quite large, and pharmaceutical companies around the world release more and more new types of medicines for colds, flu and acute respiratory viral infections every season.

Prices for drugs vary from several tens of rubles to several hundred. As you know, the high cost of a drug does not always indicate its effectiveness. And today I propose to talk about how to choose from a great variety of drugs inexpensive but effective means for the prevention and treatment of viral diseases in children.

What to consider?

When choosing an antiviral medicine for children, you must first take into account the opinion of your attending pediatrician. Although antiviral medications are sold freely in Russia, without prescriptions, their uncontrolled and spontaneous use can greatly harm your child.

If it is not possible to immediately contact a doctor, and the remedy is required urgently, the initial choice may not be an easy task. Let's say you noticed signs of flu or SARS in a baby at the moment when you and your whole family got out to the country, out of town, for a picnic ... It's far from the clinic, and it's quite possible that it's the weekend.

Remember that antiviral drugs are most effective if they are given to a child in the very first hours after the onset of symptoms of an incipient respiratory viral infection (rapid fever, runny nose, cough, headache and muscle pain, sore throat, etc.). In this situation, confused moms and dads find themselves face to face with the problem of choosing a medication.

What should you pay attention to?

• For age restrictions. It is important to select antiviral drugs based on the age of the baby, so as not to harm the fragile immune system.

• On the mode of action of the drug. Antiviral drugs according to the method of influencing the virus can be different - immunomodulators, immunostimulants, drugs that directly affect the virus, interferons. Parents should ask the pharmacist at the pharmacy which group the drug he recommends belongs to. You need to be as careful as possible with the use of interferons - they have a wide range of side effects. Immunomodulators and immunostimulants should not be taken as emergency medication for any cold, as they will unbalance the baby’s own immunity. Homeopathic remedies with antiviral effects are widely used. They have almost no side effects and can be used for children of any age, but their effectiveness is quite doubtful, at least so far no one has been able to clinically prove it due to the extremely small doses of active ingredients in their composition.

• On the release form. When choosing a medicine for a child, give preference to those drugs that have “children’s” release forms. Drops and rectal suppositories are ideal for babies from birth. Antiviral drugs in suspension or syrup are the best thing you can come up with for children who have not yet learned to take pills and do not understand the importance and necessity of taking the solid form of the drug.

• To the manufacturer. This is a very important point. Modern antiviral drugs can be either original or created on the basis of originals (so-called “generics”). The difference between them is not only in price, but also in efficiency. The clinical effectiveness of generic drugs is often not studied. Generic drug companies don't spend much on large-scale testing of their products.

However, proven effectiveness of original antiviral drugs is also not observed very often. Viruses have an incredible ability to mutate, which is why medications work against them differently. Often their use is generally quite questionable.

A good solution for those who intend to reduce costs on medicines is to buy a dry substance for home preparation of a suspension or syrup, if such a release form is provided by the manufacturer. This option will cost about 30% less than the finished suspension. The medicine can be offered in tablet form to a child over 6 years of age. Dispersible (dissolving) or sublingual tablets can be offered to children from -5 years of age. Doctors recommend taking capsules for children over 12 years of age.

Injectable antiviral drugs should not be used at home; they are intended for inpatient treatment.

As for the cost, generics, naturally, are much cheaper than the originals. For example, “Immunal”, the cost of which ranges from 270 rubles to 320 rubles, can be easily replaced with echinacea tincture, which on average costs about 145 rubles in pharmacies. Since these two drugs are based on the same active ingredient - echinacea.

And children's "Nurofen", the cost of which is more than 300 rubles, can, if desired, be replaced with "Ibuprofen", the maximum price for a children's suspension is only 80 rubles.

List of available popular drugs

A drug	Manufacturer	Dosage form of release	Age restrictions	average price
"Remantadine"	Russia	Pills	Children from 7 years old	From 80 rubles
"Orvirem"	Russia	Syrup	Children from 1 year	From 346 rubles
"Kagotsel"	Russia	Pills	Children from 6 years old	From 240 rubles
"Viferon"	Russia	Rectal suppositories, external gel	Children from birth	Gel from 170 rubles, rectal suppositories from 270 rubles
"Arbidol"	Russia	Tablets and capsules, powder for diluting suspension	Children from 3 years old	Capsules from 240 rubles, tablets from 170 rubles, powder for suspension - from 340 rubles
"Anaferon for children"	Russia	Sublingual tablets, children's drops	Children from 1 month	Tablets about 220 rubles, drops from 250 rubles
"Oxolinic ointment" (oxolin)	Russia	External ointment and nasal ointment	Children from 2 years old	About 60 rubles
"Alpizarin"	Russia	Tablets, ointment	Children from 2 years old	Ointment - 115 rubles, tablets - about 200 rubles.
"Tsitovir-3"	Russia	Syrup, capsules, powder for oral solution	Children from 1 year - syrup, powder for making syrup; capsules - for children from 6 years old	Syrup - about 400 rubles, powder for syrup - 280 rubles, capsules from 400 rubles.
"Ingavirin - 60"	Russia	Capsules	Children from 7 years old	From 350 rubles
"Tamiflu"	Russia	Capsules, powder for suspension.	Children from 1 year	About 1000 rubles

How to choose analogues of expensive drugs?

When choosing analogues, pay attention to the composition of the drug. Manufacturers always indicate the main active ingredient in the instructions for use. If it is the same for an expensive and cheap product, then they can be considered generics.

If the active ingredients are different, but the described effect of two medications is as close as possible to each other or even similar, then such drugs are usually called analogues.

Which children's drugs are most often replaced with cheaper analogues? Often " Remantadine"Suggest to replace with" Rimantadine». The difference is one letter in the name, the savings are no more than 10-20 rubles, but for some this is important. "Grippferon", which can be given to newborns, children aged 2-5 years, and older children, costs approximately 250 rubles in pharmacies. Without much difference in action, it can be replaced with Interferon, paying half as much.

If the drug is needed to prevent influenza and ARVI in a child, doctors may recommend Ergoferon, Anaferon, Kagocel. Their cost is in the range of 200-400 rubles. If it is not possible to purchase such a medicine, do not despair, because there is “Echinacea” and “Echinacea P”. A hundred tablets of this drug will cost 70-80 rubles. Pharmacies sell echinacea briquettes, which are even cheaper. They are brewed and given to children as tea. In terms of effectiveness, cheap Echinacea is in no way inferior to expensive antiviral drugs.

Antiviral drugs are one of the most popular products in pharmacies. The greatest demand for these medicines occurs in spring and autumn, when epidemics of influenza and ARVI occur throughout the country. We will discuss below what types of antiviral agents can be purchased from the offered range, and whether they are really effective.

Over the past two decades, the pharmaceutical market around the world has not come up with any fundamentally new drugs from reducing fever to relieving headaches. Old medicines are repackaged and reshaped, given a new label and presented as a completely new product. What transformations occur with antiviral drugs?

Medicines for colds and ARVI

A cold in its true form and ARVI are one and the same disease. All other types of colds - on the lips, women's colds and others - are just popular names for cystitis, herpes and similar diseases that have nothing to do with the above.

ARVI itself is caused by viruses that infect the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract. More than two hundred of these viruses are known, so no one will determine what type of virus is affecting your tonsils. The doctor will prescribe a broad-spectrum antiviral drug and send you home to rest until recovery.

There are only three types of antiviral drugs:

• Vaccines
• Immunostimulants
• Drugs - neuraminidase inhibitors
• M-2 inhibitors

Annual vaccinations against influenza and other diseases are common throughout the world. A vaccine is a drug with antigenic material that stimulates the production of antibodies from our immune system even before the disease itself. In this way, we are protected in advance from viral infection.

Immunostimulants are used directly in the treatment of the disease. Your immune system is artificially stimulated to produce interferons - body proteins that specialize in protecting against viruses. These are drugs such as Interferon, Amiksin or Arbidol.

Neuraminidase inhibitor drugs can be easily purchased at any pharmacy. The main effect of Tamiflu and its analogues is to suppress the mechanism of viral reproduction. That is, your body will fight the virus on its own.

M-2 inhibitors are designed to prevent the virus from entering the cell. Rimantadine and other drugs in this series act in exactly this way.

Antiviral drugs for rotavirus infection

Rotavirus infection (in simple terms - intestinal flu) is provoked by a virus from the Reoviridae family. The main source and carrier of rotaviruses is humans, and transmission to other persons occurs through the fecal-oral route, that is, due to dirty hands.

• This virus can be transmitted through food or water;
• The virus spreads especially often through dairy products;
• The virus survives well in cold environments (for example, in a refrigerator) and can cause illness in humans even after a long stay in an unfavorable environment.
• Children are most susceptible to rotavirus infection, especially in preschool age.

Antiviral drugs for this disease should be taken only as prescribed by a doctor. Interferon preparations are often prescribed. This can be “Laferon” in the form of suppositories or a low-volume suspension “Lipoferon”.

You should also write about the vaccine to prevent intestinal flu. Certified in Russia, Rotatek has been successfully used in the West for several years. Vaccination allows you to develop immunity to the five most common types of rotavirus and protects against severe disease when infected with other forms of the same virus.

Full vaccination takes place in three doses. The vaccine is presented in the form of oral drops, which are first given to a child aged 6-12 weeks. Subsequent appointments take place at intervals of more than 4 weeks.

Antiviral drugs for prevention

Advertising and other media unanimously speak about the effectiveness of Arbidol and similar medicines as a prevention of ARVI. Frankly, these drugs can't help much if you're constantly in crowded places.

The most common preventive measures are drugs of the interferon series (Anaferon, Cycloferon), as well as vaccination to prevent the disease. Anaferon for prevention is taken once a day during the entire period of the epidemic. Cycloferon has a more complex application regimen, described in detail in the instructions.

Vaccination and taking medications for prevention should begin approximately two weeks before the expected start of the disease epidemic. During the outbreak itself, it is better to focus on maintaining immunity through food and a healthy lifestyle.

To prevent infection it is recommended:

• Avoid large crowds of people
• Dress according to the weather
• Support immunity
• Carry out wet cleaning indoors more often
• Ventilate the room

Antiviral drugs for children, adults and pregnant women

The instructions for all antiviral drugs describe the gradation of the dose of drugs depending on the age of the patient. Medicines should be taken based on the recommendations of the doctor or the drug manufacturer. Therefore, we note only a few features of different types of antiviral agents.

Immunostimulants:

• Contraindicated for use in pregnant and breastfeeding women
• Contraindicated for children under 1 month
• Many of these drugs have an age limit of up to 4 years.

Medicines, suppressing viral replication:

• Used to treat diseases in children over 1 year of age.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women should seek advice from a specialist, since the active substance of these drugs can pass into breast milk, and their effect on the fetus has not yet been studied.
• After the first dose, approximately half of patients induce vomiting. This is a normal reaction to the drug.

M-2 inhibitors:

Like immunostimulants, they are contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women
Children under 7 years of age are not recommended as a medicine.

All antiviral drugs should be taken with caution by people with kidney failure or liver disease.

Effective antiviral drugs

In recent years, the number of virus types resistant to Amantadine and similar drugs has been growing. Immunostimulants, in turn, can help only at the first signs of the disease.

The most commonly used drugs in the fight against viruses are:

• At the first signs of illness, take Anaferon or similar Cycloferon. These drugs stimulate your immune system to produce interferon.
• Derinat can also be used as an immune stimulant.
• Arbidol also has a similar effect.
• If the condition worsens, you can turn to Tamiflu and its analogues.
• Preparations of the Rimantadine series are very effective in the fight against viruses.

Arbidol: instructions for use

Few people know, but the well-known Arbidol is just a trade name, and the real name of the drug hidden under it is Umifenovir. The medicine has become so popular in Russia that, according to statistics, in 2000 it was the best-selling antiviral drug.

An interesting fact is that the action of Arbidol has not been scientifically proven. No studies have been conducted on its effects, and if they have been conducted, there is simply no data on them. The manufacturer himself claims that the product is capable of modulating immunity, but there is no evidence of this fact.

The funny thing is that when the bird flu epidemic broke out in the United States, some companies tried to smuggle Arbidol into the country for treatment in “emergency cases.” But the Food and Drug Administration banned the use of the drug.

It is not known what the Americans didn’t like, but in our country Arbidol is not prohibited and is very actively used. Moreover, when the Soviet patent expired in 2007, many pharmaceutical companies began to produce its generics - that is, drugs with the same composition, but under a different name. Today in pharmacies you can find cheaper drugs analogues of Arbidol - Arpetol, Anaferon, Immusstat. Their effect is somewhat similar to the effect of Echinacea tincture.

The drug is prohibited for use:

• pregnant and lactating women
• children under 6 years old
• people with kidney failure, heart, liver and vascular diseases

Amiksin: instructions for use

The active substance of this drug is Tiloron. Quite a lot is known about this substance, because unlike the previous Arbidol, Tiloron has been subject to significant research. Thus, scientists were able to establish that taking the drug can:

• cause miscarriage during pregnancy
• cause osteopenia
• provoke mucopolysaccharidosis in the body

It is difficult to say whether Amiksin can really help with influenza and ARVI. Authoritative sources indicate only one case of research on the drug as an antiviral agent. In 1972, Tiloron was actually tested on rats, and the production of interferon in the body was indeed increased, but for this purpose huge doses of the drug were administered.

In more recent studies, the antiviral properties of Amiksin were not analyzed. The only experience that was carried out in the 21st century showed that the drug can be used in the treatment of breast cancer with metastasis, but the result of its effectiveness was the lowest among all tested drugs.

Features of using Amiksin:

Contraindicated for children under 7 years of age, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women.

If the drug is completely beyond your means, do not despair, but ask your doctor to find you a cheaper analogue with a similar effect:

• Arbidol
• Interferon
• Cycloferon
• Anaferon
• Derinat

Kagocel: instructions for use

The drug Kagocel stimulates the production of interferon in the body, which fights various viruses. The main active ingredient of this remedy is gosypol. Kagocel is actively used in the former Soviet Union, while the World Health Organization does not recognize it as a drug with proven effectiveness. The product is not registered in European countries.

An interesting fact is that the active ingredient of Kagocel, gosypol, was previously used as a method of male contraception, because it greatly reduces the quality of sperm production. Later, the drug was banned for this purpose as a toxic agent, the benefits of which do not exceed the risk of negative consequences.

	Children 3-6 years old	Children from 6 years old	Adults
Prevention	3-7 days - break	Days 1-2: 1 tablet per day 3-7 days - break Days 8-9 - one tablet per day	Days 1-2: 2 tablets per day 3-7 days - break Days 8-9: 2 tablets per day
Treatment	Days 1-2: 1 tablet 2 times a day	Days 1-2: take one tablet 3 times a day. Days 3-4: 1 tablet per day	2 tablets 3 times a day for the first two days. The next two days - one tablet 3 times a day

You should avoid taking Kagocel:

• expectant mothers
• breastfeeding
• children under 3 years old

Other antiviral agents have a similar effect:

• Tsitovir-3
• Anaferon
• Remantadine
• Cycloferon

Remantadine: instructions for use

The drug was developed back in 1963 by American scientists and was used with high efficiency to treat influenza. Later in the United States, the drug was canceled because studies showed that its active ingredient, adamantane, is powerless to fight the influenza virus, which has adapted to it.

Contraindications:

• lactation
• pregnancy
• all types of hepatitis
• thyroid disease
• kidney disease

Ingavirin: instructions for use

Another domestic antiviral drug, which has been produced since 2088. The effectiveness of the drug has not been proven; the drug is not registered in Europe and the USA and is not considered a drug.

On the territory of the Russian Federation, studies of Ingavirin have shown that the dose of the substance permissible for the body does not have a direct antiviral effect, and an increase in its concentration is toxic to living cells.

The effect on the fetus or mother's milk has not been studied and is therefore not recommended for use.

Analogues of the product:

• Grippferon
• Viferon
• Kagocel
• Anaferon and others.

Are you taking antiviral drugs?

No one can answer this question unambiguously. The action of most drugs is aimed at strengthening the existing immune system, which is forced to fight viruses on its own. In addition, the huge number of conflicting reviews about medications is confusing.

At the moment, the effect of immunostimulants has not yet been fully studied, as well as the mechanism of immunity itself.

There are many theories that antiviral drugs are a myth that is in no way valid in real life. Many scientists and doctors say that there is no medicine against the virus and only the body itself, including its protective and immune mechanisms, can overcome the viral disease.

Why are there so many antiviral drugs on pharmacy shelves? The answer is banal: pharmaceutical companies successfully make multimillion-dollar fortunes from our health. Whether drugs for colds are really ineffective - time will tell, because pharmacology and medicine do not stand still, but for now it remains to be treated with these drugs, which either really help, or the placebo effect is triggered.

Video: Antiviral agents. School of Doctor Komarovsky

Every year, with the onset of a seasonal epidemic of colds and flu, we are faced with the question: are there inexpensive, effective antiviral drugs for adults on sale that really help protect against infection, or at least speed up recovery and prevent serious complications of ARVI?

Does the effectiveness of antiviral drugs depend on price and manufacturer? Are there tablets for influenza and ARVI, the effects of which have been tested and proven by international scientific research? You will find out the answers to all these questions below.

How to distinguish influenza from ARVI?

Acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI)- these are the most widespread inflammatory diseases in the world, which are caused by more than three hundred different viruses, affect the upper respiratory tract and are easily transmitted from a sick person to a healthy person. This explains the high epidemiological danger of ARVI and the need of modern medicine for effective antiviral drugs.

3 clinically proven antiviral drugs

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), clinically proven antiviral drugs include:

Place	Brand	Price

Baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza)

Active substance: the first drug in the group of cap-dependent endonuclease inhibitors.

Analogs: does not exist

Price: You can buy baloxavir marboxil in Japan for $50 per tablet.

This is the only single-dose antiviral drug that eliminates symptoms in two days and normalizes body temperature in just one day.

The clinical effectiveness of the drug is significantly superior to Tamiflu and other existing analogues.

Baloxavir marboxil acts against influenza A and B viruses, including strains resistant to oseltamivir (Tamiflu).

As of 2018, it is registered only in Japan and the USA.

Active substance: oseltamivir phosphate

Analogs: Nomides

Price: 1200-1400 rubles

Oseltamivir is a well-tolerated orally active neuraminidase inhibitor that significantly shortens the duration of symptomatic illness and accelerates return to normal activity levels when given immediately to patients with influenza. It therefore represents a useful therapeutic alternative to zanamivir (especially in patients who prefer oral administration) and the M2 inhibitors amantadine and rimantadine (due to its broader spectrum of anti-influenza activity and lower likelihood of resistance).

According to the results of large-scale international studies, Tamiflu reduces the likelihood of contracting the flu from a sick family member by 92% and the risk of the disease progressing to pneumonia by 78%.

Short-term administration of oseltamivir (75 mg once daily for 7 days) can significantly reduce the risk of illness from exposures when administered within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms in an infected person.

The drug is available in the form of capsules and powder for the preparation of a suspension, which can be given to children from 1 year, and in conditions of a flu pandemic - from 6 months. The issue of prescribing Tamiflu to pregnant and lactating women is decided on the principle of the ratio of expected benefits and potential harm.

In addition to the obvious drawback - the high price - the drug has a wide list of side effects, including not only allergies and dyspeptic disorders, but also such frightening manifestations as anaphylactic shock, hallucinations, convulsions, nightmares, psychosis and suicidal tendencies. For example, in Japan, according to official data, 15 teenagers who took Tamiflu committed suicide. However, a direct connection between the drug and the tragedies has not been proven. During the swine flu epidemic, the governments of the United States and Great Britain carried out massive government purchases of Tamiflu, which were subsequently stopped due to the discreditation of this antiviral drug.

Active substance: zanamivir

Analogs: No

Price: 960-1500 rubles

This French-made antiviral drug is a selective inhibitor of the neuraminidase enzyme, through which influenza virions are introduced into the cells of the human body.

Relenza is a fine powder that must be sprayed onto the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract using the included inhaler. Surfaces treated in this way are covered with a protective barrier that cannot be overcome by the pathogen. And if infection has already occurred, using Relenza helps stop the spread of the disease.

It is also noteworthy that the drug works in the extracellular space, without penetrating inside and without disturbing the normal state of tissues. Relenza can be used from the age of five.

The medicine is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding; it cannot be sprayed for diseases accompanied by bronchospasm. Relenza is very expensive, and recently reports of severe side effects of this drug have become more frequent: Quincke's edema, epidermal necrolysis, apnea, convulsions, hallucinations, depression. It should also be taken into account that Relenza is active exclusively against influenza A and B viruses; there is no point in using it against other acute respiratory viral infections.

Active substance: rimantadine hydrochloride

Analogs: Orvirem, Remavir

Price: 70-300 rubles depending on the brand

The drug belongs to the category of M2 channel blockers; it prevents virions from releasing their RNA after entering cells.

The drug is available in the form of tablets for adults and syrup for children over 1 year of age (under the brand name Orvirem).

Since 2009, it has not been effective against swine flu. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), high levels of resistance remain (>

This drug should not be used during pregnancy and lactation, renal and liver failure, thyrotoxicosis and severe forms of epilepsy. There is evidence that in elderly patients with hypertension, rimantadine increases the risk of hemorrhagic stroke. The medicine can cause allergies, headache, dyspeptic disorders, insomnia, nervousness and impaired concentration.

Active substance: adamantane-1-amine

Analogs: Midantan

Price: 50-150 rudders

This drug is the “ancestor” of the group of M2 channel blockers. Amantadine was first used as an antiviral agent in the 60s of the last century. Later, its effectiveness as a cure for Parkinson's disease was discovered and confirmed. And in the USA, with the help of Amantadine, they were even able to cure rabies in humans.

In Russia, Amantadine and Midantan are widely used for the prevention and treatment of influenza along with Remantadine; all these antiviral drugs belong to the same class and have a similar principle of action.

Since 2009, it has not been effective against swine flu. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), high levels of resistance (>99%) to adamantanes remain among circulating influenza A (H3N2) and influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 (“2009 H1N1”) viruses. Therefore, amantadine and rimantadine are not recommended for antiviral treatment or prophylaxis of currently circulating influenza A viruses.

Amantadine has a very long list of contraindications: it is not used in childhood, for serious pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular, urinary and nervous systems, during pregnancy and lactation. The drug often causes allergies, dyspeptic disorders, etc. It should not be taken by people driving a car or operating complex machinery, since Amantadine reduces concentration.

Note! Any antiviral medications are only effective if you start taking them within the first 48 hours of the onset of cold symptoms.

Pros and cons of other antiviral drugs

Brand	Main plus
	Rectal suppositories are one of the most powerful stimulants of nonspecific immunity.
	Stimulates both innate and acquired immunity.
	Effective against influenza A/H/3N2 and B viruses. It prevents viral particles from entering cells and releasing their harmful RNA.
	Interferon inducer. It has a minimal incidence of side effects.
	Sublingual tablets - temporarily increase nonspecific resistance to influenza.
	A chemical compound that helps restore lymphocytic function, stimulates blastogenesis in a number of monocytes, and activates the activity of T-helper cells.
	The nasal spray compares favorably with most other antiviral agents and activates cellular and humoral immunity.
	A natural preparation that activates the production of B-lymphocytes and cytotoxic lymphocytes, stimulates the activity of macrophage cells.
	Produces a pronounced anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antipyretic, analgesic and decongestant effect.
	Ampoules for preparing a solution and instilling into the nose. Strengthens local nonspecific immunity.
	Stabilizes cell membranes, preventing the penetration of virions, induces the synthesis of alpha and beta interferons, stimulates cellular and humoral immunity.
	Increases the production of interferon upon contact with an infectious agent and creates high titers of endogenous alpha and beta interferons in the body.
	Oxolinic ointment - acts locally.
	Strengthens the nonspecific immune response thanks to hexose glycoside.
	Activates the production of all cytokines, but has a greater effect on the synthesis of protective proteins of the alpha class than beta and gamma.
	Changes the properties of cell membranes so that the penetration of viral particles into them becomes impossible.
	Stimulates the synthesis of endogenous interferons: alpha, beta and gamma. At the systemic level, it activates the activity of macrophages and neutrophils.
	A modern Russian drug, active against 15 strains of influenza, is similar in origin and principle of action to Ribavirin.

Active substance: alpha-2b human recombinant interferon, tocopherol acetate, ascorbic acid

Analogs: Kipferon

Price: 230-950 rubles

This medicine is available in the form of rectal suppositories; this method of administration ensures the best absorption of interferon and minimal risk of side effects. Viferon helps to cope not only with influenza and ARVI, but also with severe chronic pathologies of a bacterial nature, since this drug is one of the most powerful stimulants of nonspecific immunity. Viferon suppositories are prescribed even to premature babies with congenital infectious diseases and sick pregnant women to minimize intrauterine infection of the fetus. The drug is available in a wide range of dosages: from 150,000 IU to 3,000,000 IU.

The only disadvantages of Viferon include its impressive cost. Undesirable side effects when using these antiviral suppositories are extremely rare and are limited to an allergic skin rash, which goes away on its own 72 hours after stopping the drug.

Active substance: sodium salt of a copolymer of gossypol and carboxymethylcellulose

Analogs: No

Price: 220-280 rubles

One of the most popular antiviral drugs for influenza and ARVI, it belongs to the group of inducers of endogenous interferons, however, Kagocel’s sphere of influence also extends to macrophages, T- and B-lymphocytes, fibroblasts, granulocytes and endothelial cells, that is, stimulation of both innate and and acquired immunity. The drug not only has an immunomodulatory and antiviral effect, but also protects the body from radiation and even suppresses the growth of tumors - this property is currently being actively studied. Kagocel is approved for use by adults and children over 3 years old; it is available in tablets; the course of treatment for influenza or ARVI takes 4-7 days.

This medicine is made from gossypol, a toxic yellow pigment found in cotton plants. In large doses, gossypol even stops spermatogenesis in men. However, it should be understood that Kagocel is the sodium salt of the copolymer, and not gossypol itself, so the drug exhibits completely different properties. However, sometimes it causes allergic reactions, and it is not prescribed to expectant and nursing mothers.

The Society of Evidence-Based Medicine Specialists, specifically Vasily Vlasov, criticizes two available studies that allegedly prove the effectiveness of Kagocel. In fact, these studies contain a lot of evidence of bad practice, they are sponsored by manufacturers and even accompanied by promotional materials.

Active substance: a-propyl-1-adaptyl-ethylamine hydrochloride

Analogs: in chemical structure and principle of action it is close to Remantadine

Price: 30-50 rubles

The drug belongs to the group of ion channel blockers, has scientifically proven efficacy against influenza viruses A / H / 3N2 and B. Adapromin prevents viral particles from entering cells and releasing their harmful RNA, thereby stopping the spread of infection throughout the body. You can take Adapromin as a prophylactic during a seasonal influenza epidemic, and during the first three days from the onset of the disease to alleviate its symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.

Adapromine is a rather toxic substance, its intake is often accompanied by dyspeptic disorders. This antiviral drug is intended strictly for adults, is contraindicated in people with diseased kidneys and liver, as well as pregnant and lactating women. Also keep in mind that Adapromin helps only against the above types of influenza, it is unsuitable for the prevention and treatment of SARS.

Active substance: enisamium iodide

Analogs: No

Price: 360-420 rubles

The drug belongs to the group of inducers of endogenous interferons; after entering the bloodstream, it stimulates the production of the corresponding protective protein. This allows Amizon to indirectly prevent the spread of influenza and ARVI viruses, and the earlier treatment is started, the more successful the result will be. The medicine has no direct analogues on the pharmaceutical market, and has a minimal incidence of side effects - only about 6%, which is very good in comparison with other antiviral drugs from the group of interferon inducers.

The disadvantages of Amizon include the impossibility of use in childhood, as well as during pregnancy and pregnancy. These limitations are explained by the relative novelty of the drug and insufficient research into its effects on the body. Side effects occasionally include bitterness and burning in the mouth, drooling and swelling of the mucous membrane.

Active substance: sea buckthorn leaf extract

Analogs: No

Price: 120-180 rubles

This antiviral drug is a natural interferon inducer; it temporarily increases nonspecific resistance to influenza, adenoviruses, rhinoviruses, parainfluenza and other respiratory infections. The drug demonstrates the greatest effectiveness if therapy is started early. During the first 3-5 days of illness, Hyporamin sublingual tablets are recommended to be dissolved every 2-3 hours. The drug is approved for use in children over 3 years of age; the manufacturer has not provided data on the effect on pregnancy and lactation.

In case of prolonged excess of the dosage, the blood clotting properties may increase, but this indicator quickly returns to normal after discontinuation of the drug. The antiviral effect of Giporamine does not have a strong evidence base, so we can say that you purchase it at your own peril and risk.

Active substance: inosine pranobex

Analogs: Isoprinosine

Price: 580-660 rubles

The drug belongs to the group of immunomodulators and is effective in cases of infection with many viral infections, including influenza and ARVI. The active component of Groprinosin is an artificially created chemical compound that helps restore lymphocyte function during the period of immunosuppression, stimulates blastogenesis in a number of monocytes, activates the activity of T-helper cells, and prevents a decrease in the body's immune defense during prolonged exposure to glucocorticoids. Groprinosin is approved for use in adults and children over 3 years of age and weighing more than 15 kg.

This is a very serious and potentially dangerous medicine, it causes many side effects from a number of organs and systems, and is contraindicated during pregnancy, lactation, gout, urolithiasis, etc. It is advisable to use Groprinosin for influenza and ARVI only in patients with a clinically confirmed immunodeficiency state.

Active substance: sodium deoxyribonucleate

Analogs: No

Price: 230-460 rubles

The drug is available in a convenient form of nasal drops and spray, which simplifies its use for the prevention and treatment of acute respiratory viral infections. The active component of the drug exhibits not only immunostimulating and antiviral properties, but also has anticancer, antioxidant, lymphotropic, cardioprotective, anti-ischemic, antihistamine, membrane-stabilizing and anticoagulant effects. Derinat activates cellular and humoral immunity, thereby accelerating the specific immune response to viral invasion. This drug compares favorably with most other antiviral agents that strengthen exclusively non-specific protection and lose their effectiveness 3-5 days after the onset of influenza or SARS. In addition, Derinat has no contraindications or side effects.

This is a very serious drug that should not be dispensed without a doctor's prescription. It is not prescribed for children under 18 years of age, pregnant and lactating women, people with severe and autoimmune pathologies. May cause allergies and cause painful bumps at the injection site.

Active substance: oxolin

Analogs: No

Price: 50-70 rubles

Oxolinic ointment is a simple and affordable antiviral agent that has been successfully used for many years to prevent influenza and ARVI, as well as to treat herpes, herpes zoster, molluscum contagiosum and warts. The drug acts locally, it stabilizes cell membranes, prevents the penetration and replication of virions. To avoid catching a cold during an epidemic, it is recommended to lubricate the mucous membrane of the nasal passages with oxolinic ointment every 2 hours - this can be done by both adults and small children; this medicine also has no restrictions on pregnancy and lactation.

Sometimes after applying the ointment, a burning sensation in the nose occurs, which quickly passes. In rare cases, short-term rhinorrhea develops. The effectiveness of this antiviral drug for influenza and acute respiratory viral infections is very modest, observed only as part of prevention, or in the initial stages of the disease, subject to careful use.

Active substance: potato shoot extract

Analogs: No

Price: 140-3600 rubles depending on the form of release

Panavir is a domestic antiviral and immunomodulatory agent of natural origin, which enhances the nonspecific immune response thanks to a hexose glycoside, which includes glucose, xylose, mannose, rhamnose, galactose, arabinose and a complex of uronic acids. These substances, when released into the blood, stimulate the induction of endogenous interferons, therefore Panavir is effective against a wide range of diseases of viral and bacterial etiology. The drug is available in the form of a gel for external use for herpes, papillomas and non-healing wound lesions of the skin, as an injection solution for influenza, ARVI, tick-borne encephalitis, gastric ulcer and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as in suppositories for rectal and intravaginal administration for gynecological and urological pathologies. Panavir nasal sprays with the addition of eucalyptus extract have recently gone on sale.

This remedy is not prescribed to children under 12 years of age and nursing mothers; suppositories should not be used during pregnancy, but the use of solution and gel is acceptable. The drug is contraindicated for people with severe kidney and spleen diseases. Its antiviral effect is recognized only in Russia. The fabulous price of the medicine raises many questions, given the availability of biological raw materials from which Panavir is produced.

Active substance: complex of polyadenylic and polyuridylic acids

Analogs: No

Price: 160-190 rubles

Antiviral and immunostimulating agent from the group of interferon inducers. Activates the production of all cytokines, but has a greater effect on the synthesis of protective proteins of the alpha class than beta and gamma. It is used as a preventive and therapeutic agent for influenza, ARVI, viral rhinitis, conjunctivitis, keratitis and uveitis. Poludan is available in the form of a lyophilisate for injection, as well as eye and nasal drops, which is very convenient to use. This drug is approved for use in childhood, pregnancy and breastfeeding. Poludan is produced in Russia and has an affordable price and rarely causes side effects.

Currently, this medicine is undergoing the state certification process for another period, so it may be temporarily unavailable for sale. Sometimes during treatment with Poldan, local allergic reactions occur: skin rash, burning in the nose, swelling and redness of the lower eyelid.

Active substance: interferon alpha-2b recombinant

Analogs: Altevir, Genferon-Light, Interferal, Laifferon, Laferobion

Price: 180-2500 rubles depending on the form of release and manufacturer

The drug exhibits immunomodulatory, antiviral and antitumor effects. After entering the body, interferon changes the properties of cell membranes so that the penetration of viral particles into them becomes impossible. Therefore, it is best to use Reaferon-EC and similar drugs either to prevent infection with influenza and SARS, or during the first 3-5 days of illness, when nonspecific immunity plays a leading role in resisting the pathogen. The drug is available in the form of a dry lyophilisate, from which a therapeutic solution is prepared for injection or intranasal administration. Recombinant interferon, unlike the donor protein, rarely causes allergies and adverse reactions. This tool has no restrictions for use, in addition to pregnancy and lactation.

Currently, the cost of antiviral drugs for influenza and ARVI based on recombinant interferon alpha has increased significantly. Long-term therapy may be accompanied by dyspeptic disorders, attacks of chills, insomnia, and eating disorders.

Active substance: sodium salt of double-stranded ribonucleic acid of fungi-saccharomycetes (baker's yeast)

Analogs: No

Price: 1100-1300 rubles

The drug stimulates the synthesis of endogenous interferons: leukocyte (alpha), fibroblast (beta) and lymphocyte (gamma), which, in turn, prevent the processes of penetration and reproduction of viruses and other intracellular infectious agents. Ridostin is an early type inducer; at the systemic level, it activates the activity of macrophages and neutrophils. The medicine is available in the form of a lyophilisate; for influenza and acute respiratory viral infections, it is administered by injection, once on the day of visiting the doctor and a second time two days later, provided the symptoms persist. Ridostin is approved for use by adults and children over 7 years of age.

The drug is contraindicated during pregnancy and severe pathologies of the liver and kidneys. After administration of Ridostin, pain at the injection site and temporary worsening of the feverish syndrome may be observed. This antiviral drug is very effective, but it is expensive and difficult to purchase - it is a scarce product in pharmacies, which usually has to be ordered individually.

Active substance: triazavirin

Analogs: Ribavirin

Price: 1100-1300 rubles

A modern Russian antiviral drug, active against 15 strains of influenza. Launched on the market in 2014, it is similar in origin and principle of action to Ribavirin: it is included in the RNA of virions instead of adenine or guanine and forms complementary pairs with uracil and cytosine, which leads to failure in the RNA-dependent phase of replication. The drug is very promising and shows excellent results in clinical studies. Available in the form of capsules containing 250 mg of active substance. The therapy is well tolerated and side effects are rare.

Triazavirin is not prescribed to patients under 18 years of age, pregnant and lactating women, and people with severe liver and kidney dysfunction. All these restrictions are explained by insufficient study of the drug; perhaps in the future they will be softened or removed. The disadvantages of Triazavirin, of course, include its rather high cost.

An easy way to prevent getting the flu or SARS is to wear a disposable face mask and change it every few hours. Such a measure would be much more effective, cheaper, and, most importantly, safer than antiviral drugs.

Is it possible to take antibiotics and antiviral drugs at the same time?

A virus is a non-cellular infectious agent against which antibacterial drugs are powerless. Therefore, if you have the flu or SARS, antibiotics are not just useless, but even harmful, because they poison the body that is already exhausted by intoxication. However, in some cases, viral diseases are complicated by a bacterial infection - sinusitis, otitis media, bronchitis, or even pneumonia develop. Most often this happens through the fault of the patient himself, who neglects the recommendations of the attending physician regarding complete rest and suffers the flu “on his feet”. Pathogenic and opportunistic microbes are activated in the body weakened by the disease, which leads to the occurrence of complications.

You can determine that a bacterial infection has been added to ARVI or influenza by the following signs:

4-8 days after the acute onset of the disease and the gradual subsidence of its symptoms, a sharp jump in body temperature occurs, pain occurs at the site of the complication (throat, ears, eyes, paranasal sinuses), intoxication symptoms increase again, and general well-being worsens;

The nature of nasal mucus changes - if at the beginning of the disease it was transparent and watery, now it becomes thick, cloudy, viscous and yellowish-green;

In cases where influenza or acute respiratory viral infection is complicated by bronchitis or pneumonia of bacterial etiology, the patient is tormented by a cough with copious sputum, which also has a viscous consistency and a yellowish-green color, and sometimes an unpleasant odor.

Thus, you can take antiviral drugs for influenza and ARVI together with antibiotics, but only if the disease is seriously complicated, or threatens to be complicated by a bacterial infection (in the opinion of the attending physician). And even in this case, the selection of an antibacterial agent should be carried out as carefully as possible, because not all medications of this class are well compatible with antiviral drugs. In addition, the more often a person uses the same antibiotic, the worse the medicine acts, since the pathogenic flora inhabiting the body adapts and acquires means of defense, passing them on to new generations of microbes.

Self-administration of antibiotics for influenza or ARVI is strictly unacceptable, since this will increase the toxic load on the body and weaken the antibacterial effect of the drugs used in the future, when they may really be needed.

Are all antiviral drugs effective?

This is by no means an idle question, given the situation in the domestic pharmaceutical market:

Over-the-counter availability of most antiviral and immunomodulatory agents;

Almost complete lack of real control over the activities of pharmacy chains;

The presence on sale of many drugs with unconfirmed effectiveness and serious side effects, certified only in Russia;

A huge number of manufacturers pass off dietary supplements as real medicines - information that this is a dietary supplement is indicated in small print at the very end of the instructions, while phrases like “antiviral agent” or “drug for flu and colds” are on the packaging.

Video: the whole truth about antiviral drugs:

A modern Russian pharmacy is something like a medieval healer’s shop, where potentially dangerous substances are side by side with harmless plant extracts that supposedly help you recover, but how exactly is unclear. Or they help, but not everyone and not always. But for some reason they are quite expensive. The list of antiviral drugs we have presented for influenza and ARVI is replete with such drugs: it seems to have the simplest natural composition, but the price is prohibitive - should I buy it or not?

It's up to you to decide, but think for yourself: what explains the huge range and high cost of cold remedies? Of course, their demand. And also – almost “elusive” efficiency. How will you determine why you were lucky enough not to get sick this winter: did the pills help or did your immunity fail? How can you prove that the flu turned into pneumonia due to the fault of a low-quality drug? That’s right, nothing, because the complication could have resulted from many other reasons.

This is where the difficulty lies in answering the question: are all antiviral drugs effective?

Unfortunately, many of them simply don't work in reality. The creator of the website Encyclopatia.ru, author of the books Fashionista, neurologist-epileptologist and ultrasound diagnostician Nikita Zhukov told which antiviral drugs are useless.

The doctor made it clear that drugs that are positioned as means to improve immunity are in fact just a product of advertising. It turned out to be so effective that these drugs were even included in the list of essential medicines. While no research has been conducted on their effectiveness.

In higher medical schools, students are told that these drugs really work. After receiving a diploma and starting to work in their specialty, doctors recommend them to patients. According to Zhukov, no changes are expected in the next 20 years, which is why it is so important to be able to critically perceive such information.

Adding to the disorientation of the public and doctors is the fact that the use of these drugs not only does not meet resistance, but is often supported by government health authorities. and academic circles.

In the people, this drug is considered almost a panacea for flu and colds. However, no competent specialist will recommend him for admission. Doctors do not prescribe this drug because there is no evidence to prove its effectiveness.

WHO points out that all clinical trials conducted on Arbidol do not meet standard requirements. However, at the request of the Minister of Health, this drug was included in the international drug classification system.

In January 2017, some mechanism of action of Arbidol was discovered, but the effectiveness of this mechanism has never been proven.

Amiksin is also known under the names Lavomax, Tilaksin, Tiloron. This antiviral drug is used for treatment only in Russia. It is not used in other countries of the world. Studies of the drug were frozen because subjects began to develop side effects.

Ingavirin

To date, there is no data regarding the mechanism of action of this drug. What active substance is its basis is known only to the manufacturer of Ingavirin. No studies have been conducted on the drug.

Agri, Anaferon, Gripp-heel, Aflubin, Influcid, Ergoferon, Oscillococcinum

All these drugs are homeopathic, that is, they are simply dummies. These sweet “tablets” can improve the taste of tea. In general, this is the only benefit that can be obtained from them.

Polyoxidonium

According to the manufacturer, this drug should help improve immunity. In fact, there has not been a single study done to prove its effectiveness. The mechanism of its action is still unknown. However, this did not stop scientists from including it in the domestic flu vaccine.

Bronchomunal

The developers of this drug described the mechanism of operation of this drug as something out of science fiction. They point out that "lysates of bacteria (staphylococci, streptococci, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella) should accumulate in the Peyer's patches of the intestine." From there, they should help increase immunity and thereby fight ARVI. It is quite logical that there is no evidence for this statement.

Grippferon

This medicine contains interferon. In the form of injections, it is used to treat viral hepatitis, sclerosis, and cancer. However, Grippfron is available in the form of a spray, suppositories and drops. They simply do not contain enough active interferon to have any therapeutic effect.

If a person receives the required dose of interferon, which could really help fight ARVI, this will lead to the development of side effects that are not inferior in intensity to the disease itself.

Cycloferon

This drug is designed to stimulate the production of interferon in the body. It was created on the basis of the “acridone” molecule, about which science knows very little. Therefore, drugs such as Cyclovir or Neovir do not have scientifically proven effectiveness.

Tsitovir-3

This drug is positioned as a new generation immunomodulator. It supposedly does not have all the disadvantages of medicines that were produced earlier. However, no studies have confirmed its effectiveness.

Echinacea

Both Echinacea and the drugs created on its basis (Immunal, Immunorm, Esberitox and others) have no proven effectiveness.

About the doctor: From 2010 to 2016 practicing physician of the therapeutic hospital of the central medical unit No. 21, the city of Elektrostal. Since 2016, she has been working at the diagnostic center No. 3.