Antiviral drugs for influenza: pros and cons

Every year, with the onset of a seasonal epidemic of colds and flu, we face 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 SARS?

Does the effectiveness of antiviral drugs depend on price and manufacturer? Are there pills for influenza and SARS, the effect of which has been tested and proven by international scientific studies? You will find answers to all these questions below.

How to distinguish influenza from SARS?

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 SARS and the need of modern medicine for effective antiviral drugs.

3 clinically proven antivirals

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), clinically validated antivirals include: ^[1]

Baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza)

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

Analogues: does not exist

Price: You can buy baloxavir marboxil in Japan for $50 per 1 tablet.

Pros:

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

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

Baloxavir marboxil acts on influenza viruses A and B, including strains resistant to oseltamivir (Tamiflu). ^[2]

In Russia, a drug with this active ingredient, Xofluza, is now registered.

Tamiflu

Active substance: oseltamivir phosphate

Analogues: Nomides

Price: 1200-1400 rubles

Pros:

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

According to the results of large-scale international studies, Tamiflu reduces the risk of contracting the flu from a sick family member by 92% and the risk of the disease progressing to pneumonia by 78%. ^[3]

Short-term administration of oseltamivir (75 mg once a day for 7 days) can significantly reduce the risk of disease in contact with infected people 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 that can be given to children from 1 year old, and in an influenza pandemic – from 6 months old. The issue of prescribing Tamiflu to pregnant and lactating women is decided on the basis of the ratio of expected benefits and potential harm.

Cons:

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, psychoses and suicidal tendencies. For example, in Japan, according to official figures, 15 teenagers who took Tamiflu committed suicide. However, a direct link 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 public procurement of Tamiflu, which were subsequently stopped due to the discrediting of this antiviral agent.

Relenza

Active substance: zanamivir

Analogues: no

Price: 960-1500 rubles

Pros:

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

Relenza is a fine powder to be sprayed onto the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract using the supplied inhaler. Surfaces treated in this way are covered with a protective barrier that cannot be overcome by the pathogen. And if the infection has already occurred, the use of Relenza allows you to stop the spread of the disease. ^[4]

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

Cons:

The medicine is contraindicated during the period of gestation and breastfeeding, it can not be sprayed with diseases accompanied by bronchospasm. Relenza is very expensive, while recently there have been reports of severe side effects of this drug: Quincke’s edema, epidermal necrolysis, apnea, convulsions, hallucinations, and depression. It should also be borne in mind that Relenza is active only against influenza A and B viruses, it makes no sense to use it against other acute respiratory viral infections.

Remantadine

Active substance: rimantadine hydrochloride

Analogues: Orvirem, Remavir

Price: 70-300 rubles depending on the brand

Pros:

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 from 1 year old (under the brand name Orvirem).

Cons:

Since 2009, it has not been effective against swine flu. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), resistance to adamantanes remains high (>99%) 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.

You can not use this drug during pregnancy and lactation, renal and hepatic insufficiency, 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.

More: Remantadin – instructions for use ➤

Amantadine

Active substance: adamantane-1-amine

Analogues: Midantan

Price: 50-150 rudders

Pros:

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 even managed 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.

Cons:

Since 2009, it has not been effective against swine flu. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), resistance to adamantanes remains high (>99%) 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, with serious pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular, urinary and nervous systems, during pregnancy and lactation. The drug often causes allergies, dyspeptic disorders, headache and insomnia. It should not be taken by people who drive a car or control complex mechanisms, since Amantadine reduces concentration.

Pros and cons of other antiviral drugs

Viferon

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

Analogues: Kipferon

Price: 230-950 rubles

Pros:

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 SARS, 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 for 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 IU to 000 IU.

Cons:

The conditional disadvantages of Viferon can only be attributed to its impressive cost. Undesirable side effects when using these antiviral suppositories are extremely rare and are limited to an allergic skin rash, which disappears by itself 72 hours after the drug is discontinued.

Kagocel

Active substance: sodium salt of gossypol-carboxymethylcellulose copolymer

Analogues: no

Price: 220-280 rubles

Pros:

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

Cons:

This medicine is made from gossypol, a toxic yellow pigment found in cotton. In high 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. ^[5]

Adapromin

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

Analogues: according to the chemical structure and principle of action, it is close to Remantadin

Price: 30-50 rubles

Pros:

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.

Cons:

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.

Amazon

Active substance: enisamia iodide

Analogues: no

Price: 360-420 rubles

Pros:

The drug belongs to the group of endogenous interferon inducers, 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 sooner treatment is started, the more successful the result will be. The drug has no direct analogues on the pharmaceutical market, it 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.

Cons:

The disadvantages of Amizon include the inability to use in childhood, as well as during the period of gestation and breastfeeding. These limitations are explained by the relative novelty of the drug and the lack of research into its effects on the body. Of the side effects, bitterness and burning in the mouth, salivation and swelling of the mucous membrane are occasionally recorded.

Hyporamine

Active substance: sea buckthorn leaf extract

Analogues: no

Price: 120-180 rubles

Pros:

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 under the condition of early initiation of therapy. During the first 3-5 days of illness, Hyporamine sublingual tablets are recommended to dissolve every 2-3 hours. The drug is approved for use in children older than 3 years, the manufacturer has not provided data on the effect on the course of pregnancy and lactation.

Cons:

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

Groprinosin

Active substance: inosine pranobex

Analogues: Isoprinosine

Price: 580-660 rubles

Pros:

The drug belongs to the group of immunomodulators and is effective in case of infection with many viral infections, including influenza and SARS. The active ingredient of Groprinosin is an artificially created chemical compound that helps restore lymphocytic function during the period of immunosuppression, stimulates blastogenesis in a number of monocytes, activates the activity of T-helpers, and prevents a decrease in the body’s immune defenses 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.

Cons:

This is a very serious and potentially dangerous medicine, it causes many side effects on the part of a number of organs and systems, it is contraindicated in pregnancy, lactation, arrhythmia, gout, urolithiasis and kidney failure. Groprinosin is advisable to use for influenza and SARS only in patients with a clinically confirmed immunodeficiency state.

Long time ago

Active substance: sodium deoxyribonucleate

Analogues: no

Price: 230-460 rubles

Pros:

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 anti-cancer, antioxidant, lymphotropic, cardioprotective, anti-ischemic, antihistamine, membrane-stabilizing and anticoagulant effects. Derinat activates cellular and humoral immunity, thereby accelerating the reaction of a specific immune response to the invasion of viruses. 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 and side effects.

Cons:

In patients with diabetes mellitus, the drug can provoke hypoglycemia, this point must be taken into account during therapy and carefully monitor the readings of the glucometer. Other shortcomings, in addition to the impressive cost, the medicine has no.

Immunoflazid

Active substance: extract of pike soddy and ground reedweed

Analogues: Proteflazid, Flavozid

Price: 160-270 rubles

Pros:

The drug is another prominent representative of the group of antiviral and immunomodulatory drugs of natural origin. The extracts of medicinal plants that are in its composition activate the production of B-lymphocytes and cytotoxic lymphocytes, stimulate the activity of macrophage cells, thereby strengthening the natural protective barriers to the spread of acute respiratory viral infections. Immunoflazid is available in the form of a sweet syrup with a characteristic grassy taste, it can be used to prevent and treat influenza and SARS, even in children under 1 year old.

Cons:

In very rare cases, subject to hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, negative manifestations from the gastrointestinal tract can be observed: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, epigastric pain. To avoid this, it is recommended to take the syrup at least 2 hours after eating. Skin itching and urticaria are also occasionally noted, which indicates the presence of an allergy to the active substances of this antiviral agent.

Imupret

Active substance: alcohol-water extract of marshmallow root, horsetail grass, yarrow, medicinal dandelion, chamomile flowers, walnut leaves and oak bark.

Analogues: no

Price: 350-480 rubles

Pros:

A completely natural German-made antiviral and immunomodulatory drug is designed to strengthen the body’s defenses in adults and babies over 1 year old during a seasonal epidemic of acute respiratory diseases and influenza. The complex effect of this drug is provided by a unique combination of extracts of medicinal plants – Imupret produces a pronounced anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antipyretic, analgesic and decongestant effect. The drug is available in the form of dragees and drops for the preparation of a therapeutic solution, has no contraindications and does not have undesirable side effects.

Cons:

Cases of individual intolerance and allergy to Imupret are extremely rare. The disadvantages of this antiviral agent can only be attributed to the high price and the availability of far from every pharmacy.

Interferon

Active substance: human leukocyte interferon

Analogues: Lokferon, Inferon

Price: 80-250 rubles

Pros:

This antiviral agent is sold in packages containing 5-20 ampoules with dry lyophilisate for solution preparation and instillation into the nasal passages. When exposed to mucous membranes, leukocyte interferon strengthens local nonspecific immunity. In domestic pediatric practice, this inexpensive but effective antiviral drug is most often used for the prevention and treatment of acute respiratory infections, since it has no contraindications and is usually well tolerated by young patients. The sooner you start using the drug, the more successful the therapy will be. You can significantly save on the purchase by purchasing a Russian-made product, since foreign counterparts are several times more expensive.

Cons:

Human leukocyte interferon is more dangerous in terms of developing allergies than recombinant forms produced without the participation of donor blood. The drug is not prescribed to people with severe disorders of the nervous system and kidney dysfunction. Interferon can cause serious side effects in the form of nausea, chills, anorexia and asthenia, hypotension, depression, insomnia, menstrual irregularities.

Iodantipyrine

Active substance: iodophenazone

Analogues: no

Price: 200-450 rubles

Pros:

Domestic drug with antiviral, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory action. It is made using a substance that previously acted as a radioisotope label when conducting radiopaque diagnostic studies. Russian scientists have discovered and proved in practice that Yodantipyrin helps fight viruses: it stabilizes cell membranes, preventing the penetration of virions, induces the synthesis of alpha and beta interferons, and stimulates cellular and humoral immunity. The drug is used to treat influenza, SARS, tick-borne encephalitis, hemorrhagic fever and other viral diseases.

Cons:

Yodantipyrin is contraindicated in children under 14 years of age, pregnant and lactating women, people with hyperthyroidism (due to iodine in the composition), patients with liver and kidney failure. The tool can provoke allergic reactions and dyspeptic disorders. With prolonged use, the development of iodism is likely.

Neovir

Active substance: sodium oxodihydroacridinyl acetate

Analogues: Cridanimod

Price: 400-1000 rubles

Pros:

Neovir increases the ability of immunocompetent cells to produce protective proteins upon contact with an infectious agent and creates high titers of endogenous alpha and beta interferons in the body. The drug also activates bone marrow stem cells, eliminates the imbalance in lymphocyte subpopulations, activates the activity of macrophages, T-killers and polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Neovir has an antiviral effect against all RNA and DNA genomic viruses, and this effect persists for a long time after discontinuation of therapy. Produced in the form of ampoules for the preparation of a solution, administered intramuscularly. It is prescribed not only for influenza and SARS, but also for viral hepatitis, chlamydia, lymphogranuloma, chickenpox, cytomegaly, encephalitis, HIV infection.

Cons:

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 kidney disease and autoimmune pathologies. May cause allergies and cause painful bumps at the injection site.

Oxolin

Active substance: oxolin

Analogues: no

Price: 50-70 rubles

Pros:

Oxolinic ointment is a simple and affordable antiviral agent that has been successfully used for many years to prevent influenza and SARS, 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. In order not to catch a cold during an epidemic, it is recommended to lubricate the mucous membrane of the nasal passages with oxolin ointment every 2 hours – this can be done for both adults and young children, this medicine also has no restrictions on pregnancy and lactation.

Cons:

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

Panavir

Active substance: potato shoot extract

Analogues: no

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

Pros:

Panavir is a domestic antiviral and immunomodulatory agent of natural origin, which enhances the nonspecific immune response due to hexose glycoside, which includes glucose, xylose, mannose, rhamnose, galactose, arabinose and a complex of uronic acids. These substances, when released into the bloodstream, 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 skin lesions, as an injection for influenza, SARS, tick-borne encephalitis, gastric ulcer and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as in suppositories for rectal and intravaginal administration for gynecological and urological pathologies. Recently, Panavir nasal sprays with the addition of eucalyptus extract have appeared on sale.

Cons:

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

Crazy

Active substance: complex of polyadenylic and polyuridylic acids

Analogues: no

Price: 160-190 rubles

Pros:

Antiviral and immunostimulating agent from the group of interferon inducers. It activates the production of all cytokines, but to a greater extent affects the synthesis of protective proteins of the alpha class than beta and gamma. It is used as a prophylactic and therapeutic agent for influenza, SARS, 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, during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Poludan is produced in Russia and has an affordable price, rarely causing side effects.

Cons:

Currently, this medication is undergoing the state certification process for the next period, so it may be temporarily out of stock. Sometimes during treatment with Poludan, local allergic reactions occur: skin rash, itching and burning in the nose, swelling and redness of the lower eyelid.

Reaferon-ES

Active substance: interferon alfa-2b recombinant

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

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

Pros:

The drug exhibits immunomodulatory, antiviral and antitumor effects. After entering the body, interferon changes the properties of cell membranes in such a way 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.

Cons:

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

Ridostin

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

Analogues: no

Price: 1100-1300 rubles

Pros:

The drug stimulates the synthesis of endogenous interferons: leukocyte (alpha), fibroblast (beta) and lymphocytic (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 system level, it activates the activity of macrophages and neutrophils. The drug is available in the form of a lyophilisate, for influenza and SARS it is injected, once a day when you see a doctor and a second time two days later, if symptoms persist. Ridostin is approved for use by adults and children over 7 years of age.

Cons:

The drug is contraindicated in pregnancy and severe pathologies of the liver and kidneys. After the administration of Ridostin, there may be pain at the injection site and a temporary aggravation of the febrile syndrome. This antiviral agent is very effective, but it is expensive and not easy to get – it is a scarce product in pharmacies, which usually has to be ordered individually.

Triazavirin

Active substance: triazavirin

Analogues: Ribavirin

Price: 1100-1300 rubles

Pros:

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

Cons:

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

Immunomax

Immunomax is the original Russian herbal immunomodulator for the treatment of a wide range of infections.

The use of the drug Immunomax activates several parts of the human immune system at once, in particular: NK cells (killer cells), monocytes, neutrophilic granulocytes and macrophages. Under the influence of Immunomax, the production of interleukins and the formation of antibodies against foreign antigens are stimulated.

The drug is indicated for the correction of weakened immunity, as well as for the treatment of infections caused by various viruses and bacteria.

If you are already sick with the flu, then detailed instructions on what to drink and for what symptoms will help you, article: flu treatment ➤

Is it possible to drink antibiotics and antivirals 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 joined 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 localization of the complication (throat, ears, eyes, paranasal sinuses), intoxication phenomena increase again, general well-being worsens;

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

• In the case when influenza or SARS 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.

To describe such conditions, doctors use the term “superinfection” – this is when the patient’s body is simultaneously affected by several types of pathogens: viruses, bacteria, protozoa, fungi, parasites. The treatment of superinfection is a very complex task, for the successful solution of which it is necessary to take into account a number of aspects: the age and health of the patient, the presence of allergies and concomitant diseases, the risk of serious side effects or drug incompatibility.

Thus, it is possible to take antiviral drugs for influenza and SARS together with antibiotics., but only if the disease is seriously complicated, or threatens to be complicated by a bacterial infection (according to 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 medicines of this class are well compatible with antiviral drugs. In addition, the more often a person uses the same antibiotic, the worse the medicine works, since the pathogenic flora that inhabits the body adapts and acquires protective means, passing them on to new generations of microbes.

Are all antiviral drugs effective?

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

• OTC sale of most antiviral and immunomodulating agents;

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

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

• A huge number of manufacturers issuing dietary supplements for real medicines – the information that you have a dietary supplement in front of you is indicated in small print at the very end of the instructions, while phrases like “antiviral agent” or “drug for flu and colds” flaunt on the packaging.

Video: the whole truth about antiviral drugs:

В народе этот препарат считают едва ли не панацеей от гриппа и простуды. Однако ни один грамотный специалист не будет рекомендовать его к приёму. Врачи не назначают это лекарственное средство, так как нет фактов, которые бы доказывали его эффективность.

ВОЗ указывает на то, что все проведённые клинические испытания Арбидола не отвечают стандартным требованиям. Однако по просьбе министра здравоохранения этот препарат включили в международную систему классификации лекарств.

В январе 2017 года был обнаружен какой-то механизм действия Арбидола, но вот эффективность этого механизма так и не была доказана.

Амиксин

Ещё Амиксин известен под названиями Лавомакс, Тилаксин, Тилорон. Этот противовирусный препарат применяют для лечения только в России. В других странах мира его не используют. Исследования лекарственного средства были заморожены, так как у испытуемых начали развиваться побочные эффекты.

Ингавирин

До настоящего момента времени нет данных относительно механизма действия этого препарата. Какое действующее вещество лежит в его основе известно только производителю Ингавирина. Исследования лекарственного средства не проводились.

Агри, Анаферон, Грипп-хеель, Афлубин, Инфлюцид, Эргоферон, Оциллококцинум

Все эти препараты относятся к гомеопатическим, то есть они попросту являются пустышками. Такими сладкими «таблетками» можно улучшить вкус чая. В целом, это единственная польза, которую от них можно получить.

Полиоксидоний

Если верить производителю, этот препарат должен способствовать повышению иммунитета. На самом деле не было проведено ни одного исследования, которое доказывало бы его эффективность. До настоящего времени неизвестен механизм его действия. Однако это не помешало учёным включить его в состав отечественной вакцины от гриппа.

Бронхомунал

Разработчики этого лекарственного средства описали механизм работы этого лекарственного средства как нечто из ряда фантастики. Они указывают, что «лизаты бактерий (стафилококков, стрептококков, гемофильной палочки, клебсиеллы) должны скапливаться в пейеровых бляшках кишечника». Оттуда они должны способствовать повышению иммунитета и тем самым бороться с ОРВИ. Вполне логично, что доказательств этому утверждению нет.

Галавит

Этот препарат рекомендуется принимать людям для лечения и профилактики простудных заболеваний. Однако производитель не стал утруждать себя какими-либо клиническими испытаниями.

Гриппферон

Этот препарат содержит интерферон. В форме инъекций его применяют для лечения гепатитов вирусной природы, склероза, раковых опухолей. Однако Гриппфрон выпускается в форме спрея, свечей и капель. В них просто недостаточно активного интерферона, чтобы оказать какое-либо лечебное воздействие.

Если человек получит нужную дозу интерферона, которая действительно могла бы помочь бороться с ОРВИ, это приведёт к развитию побочных эффектов, которые по своей интенсивности не будут уступать самому заболеванию.

Циклоферон

Этот препарат призван стимулировать выработку интерферона в организме. Создан он на основе молекулы «акридон», о которой науке известно очень мало. Поэтому такие препараты, как Цикловир или Неовир не имеют доказанной наукой эффективности.

Цитовир-3

Этот препарат позиционируют как иммуномодулятор нового поколения. Он якобы не имеет всех недостатков лекарственных средств, которые выпускались ранее. Однако ни одно исследование не подтвердило его эффективности.

Эхинацея

Как Эхинацея, так и созданные на её основе препараты (Иммунал, Иммунорм, Эсберитокс и другие) не имеют доказанной эффективности.