Contents
Arbidol belongs to the group of immunomodulatory and antiviral drugs. Produced in the form of capsules or coated tablets. Inside the capsule is a granular powder of a yellowish-cream color. The active ingredient of the drug is called umifenovir, one Arbidol tablet contains 100 or 200 mg of umifenovir, and one capsule contains 50 or 100 mg.
Instructions for the use of Arbidol states that this medicine can prevent human infection with acute respiratory infections, including influenza A and B viruses, and if the disease has already occurred, Arbidol can significantly speed up the healing process and reduce the risk of complications. The antiviral effect of the drug is to inhibit the process of fusion of the lipid membrane of viruses with cell membranes of human tissues. Thus, Arbidol prevents the introduction of the pathogen into the body and the further spread of the viral infection.
According to the manufacturer, Arbidol also has antioxidant, immunomodulatory and interferon-inducing effects, stimulates the work of cellular and humoral elements of the immune system and enhances the phagocytic function of macrophages. Thanks to Arbidol, the body’s natural defenses are strengthened, and a person more successfully copes with such common diseases as SARS and influenza.
Arbidol is completely absorbed after 1,2-1,5 hours after administration, the duration of the half-life varies from 17 to 21 hours. The active substance accumulates mainly in the liver and is evacuated with bile.
Indications for the use of Arbidol
Arbidol is taken for the prevention and treatment of viral infections: SARS, influenza, complicated respiratory syndrome, acute and chronic bronchitis of viral etiology, as well as viral pneumonia.
In addition, the drug is prescribed to reduce the frequency of recurrences of herpes and to combat acute intestinal infections of rotavirus origin.
Arbidol also helps to prevent infectious complications in the postoperative period and strengthen the immunity of patients who have recently undergone surgery.
Rules for taking and dosage
Arbidol is taken orally before meals with a small amount of water. For prophylactic purposes, with the threat of infection with the virus, adults are prescribed 2 tablets every 24 hours for two weeks. On the recommendation of doctors, during the season of the SARS and influenza epidemic, the drug is drunk 1 tablet per day with an interval of 3-4 days for three weeks. If an acute respiratory disease has already been diagnosed, 2 tablets should be taken every 6 hours for 3-5 days to stop the spread of the infection and speed up recovery.
Patients with viral pneumonia and bronchitis are first prescribed 8 tablets per day, the main course lasts 5 days, and then another 2 tablets for 3-6 days. With complications of influenza and SARS – such as bronchitis and pneumonia, Arbidol is drunk 3 times a day in the amount of 2 tablets for 5 days. When the course ends, for prevention, continue to take 2 tablets once a week for about a month.
For children, Arbidol is prescribed only by a pediatrician on an individual basis. The duration of the course and dosage are dictated by different conditions, including the age of the child and his immune status, the type of disease and the severity of pathogenesis. According to the instructions for the use of Arbidol, the drug is prescribed for children 0,5-2 tablets 4 times a day.
Side effects and special instructions
Arbidol is very well tolerated and does not enter into dangerous interactions with any other drugs. In medical practice, the side effects of Arbidol and cases of overdose have never been recorded to date. During the period of prophylactic administration of the drug and treatment of acute respiratory viral infections, you can drive a car and perform work that requires mental stress and prolonged concentration – it has been proven that Arbidol does not reduce concentration.
Meanwhile, around this drug, scientific discussions and medical disputes regarding the mechanism of its action and the appropriateness of its use do not subside. It is believed that Arbidol has been repeatedly lobbied by pharmaceutical corporations and governments of developed countries, including the United States and Russia. Many experts question the effectiveness of Arbidol, but there are also doctors who unequivocally recommend it to their patients, based on the successful practice of using it during seasonal cold epidemics.
Official instruction
