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Colds most often (up to 90% of the total number of cases) are caused by influenza or parainfluenza viruses, as well as adeno- and rhinoviruses.
It all starts with a sore throat, weakness and a slightly noticeable headache. Gradually, the symptoms intensify, coughing, sneezing, nasal congestion, chills join. The temperature can rise up to 38-38,5℃.
You need to start treatment from the first signs of the disease. Before visiting the doctor, as an ambulance, take symptomatic remedies that will alleviate the condition, but only a doctor will prescribe a truly effective treatment.
Don’t rely on one miracle cure. Modern research has proven the effectiveness of complex treatment of the common cold. An experienced specialist will help you choose an antiviral agent, a drug to relieve symptoms, an antiseptic for the mouth and nose, multivitamins and herbal teas.
Let’s take a look at the top 10 effective and affordable cold pills recommended by our expert.
Rating of the top 10 inexpensive and effective cold pills according to KP
1. Rimantadine
The first registered antiviral substance. For 45 years, it has been helping people during periods of mass illnesses with influenza and SARS. Included in some new cold medicines. For children, rimantadine is available as a syrup. When following the recommendations for use, it shows a good result. It is the most studied of all drugs in this segment.
Important! Contraindicated in violation of the absorption of glucose-galactose, with lactose deficiency, galactosemia, with severe violations of the liver and kidneys, with thyrotoxicosis, during pregnancy and in children under 7 years of age (for tablets). Caution should be taken during lactation, people with epilepsy and hypertension. The annotation contains a treatment regimen and a prevention regimen.
2. Rinicold
Combined drug for use in colds with antipyretic, decongestant, analgesic action. Eliminates nasal congestion, facilitates breathing, reduces fatigue and drowsiness. Contains caffeine, paracetamol, phenylephrine, chlorphenamine. Eliminates headache, muscle and joint pain. Released without a doctor’s prescription.
Important! Contraindicated in pregnant and lactating women, children under 6 years of age and those taking antidepressants and beta-blockers.
It is not recommended to take it together with alcohol. This tool affects the ability to perform work that requires concentration, speed of motor and mental reactions.
3. AnviMax
The active ingredients in these cold tablets are: rimantadine, paracetamol, rutoside, ascorbic acid, calcium gluconate. The package contains a set of blue and red capsules. The drug has an antiviral, antipyretic, analgesic, antihistamine effect. It is used for the etiotropic treatment of influenza type A, as well as the removal of the main symptoms of influenza and SARS.
In pharmacies, two more dosage forms of this drug are presented: powders for preparing hot drinks and effervescent tablets.
Important! Contraindicated in the following cases:
- increased susceptibility to constituent components;
- diseases of the stomach or intestines;
- children up to 18 years;
- with pathology of the thyroid gland, kidneys and liver (occurring in an acute form);
- chronic alcoholism;
- the period of bearing a child and breastfeeding;
- lactose intolerance.
With caution, this drug may be prescribed:
- elderly patients;
- patients with diabetes mellitus, epilepsy and atherosclerosis.
4. Antigrippin-ANVI
Remedy for the treatment of colds. Can be used from 15 years old. The release form is a set of capsules A and B. Two capsules (A and B) are taken at the same time 2-3 times a day. Ingredients: diphenhydramine hydrochloride, ascorbic acid, analgin, aspirin, rutoside, calcium gluconate. The combined composition of the drug has an antipyretic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous effect. It inhibits the aggregation of platelets and red blood cells, strengthens the vascular wall.
Important! Since the list of contraindications is quite large, be sure to read the instructions for this drug.
The drug is not recommended for more than 7 days. Do not exceed the daily dosage due to the risk of side effects. This is one of the most famous means, its composition completely repeats the pharmaceutical formulation of anti-grippin powder, packaged in single bags.
5. Coldact Flu Plus
Indian drug eliminates the symptoms of flu and colds, accompanied by high fever, chills, headache and muscle pain, runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat, sneezing, body aches.
Can be taken by children from 12 years of age. Released without a prescription.
Important! Do not use this drug with alcohol, sleeping pills, tranquilizers, or psychotropic drugs as this increases the risk of cardiovascular side effects.
6. Flogardin
An antiviral immunostimulant that helps reduce the period of intoxication and catarrhal phenomena (runny nose, cough). Stimulates the formation of all types of interferons in the body. Increases the production of antibodies to influenza and ARVI viruses.
For the prevention of colds, one tablet per week is taken. For treatment – one tablet per day for the first two days of treatment, then one tablet after 48 hours. Six tablets are enough for one person per course.
It’s important! Contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, children under 18 years of age (for this dosage). Allergic reactions, dyspeptic symptoms, short-term chills are possible.
7. Cycloferon
It is an inducer of interferon, and this determines its biological activity (antiviral, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory).
The drug is effective against herpes viruses, influenza and pathogens of acute respiratory diseases. It has a direct antiviral effect, suppresses the reproduction of the virus in the early stages (1-5 days) of the infectious process. Released without a doctor’s prescription.
Important! Pregnancy, breastfeeding, children under 4 years of age, individual intolerance to the components of the drug, decompensated cirrhosis of the liver are contraindications for taking the drug. In case of thyroid diseases, consultation of an endocrinologist is necessary.
With caution, these cold pills are taken for diseases of the digestive system in the acute stage.
The adult form is dispensed without a doctor’s prescription. Children’s dosage form – by prescription.
8. Cytovir-3
Immunostimulating agent for the treatment of influenza and SARS. Available in three forms: capsules for adults, syrup and soluble powder for children.
It is a means of etiotropic therapy, has an antiviral effect against influenza A and B viruses and viruses that cause acute respiratory viral diseases.
Normalizes the body’s immune response. Vitamin C increases the body’s resistance to infections, restores capillary permeability and reduces inflammation.
Important! Contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, pregnancy, as well as children under 6 years of age (for capsules). May cause a short-term decrease in blood pressure in elderly people with vegetovascular dystonia.
9. Trekrezan
Antiviral drug in tablets, with a dual mechanism of action:
- Immunomodulator. It suppresses the reproduction of viruses, prevents the development of complications, strengthens cellular and humoral immunity.
- Adaptogen. Increases the body’s resistance to viral infections of various etiologies, reduces the symptoms of viral intoxication, relieves post-infectious asthenia.
Helps with the appearance of the first symptoms, and at the peak of the disease. Convenient regimen: on the first day, three tablets once, and on subsequent days, one tablet per day. One package is enough for a course of treatment. Released without a prescription.
Important! Contraindicated in children under 12 years of age, pregnant women and during breastfeeding. Does not affect the management of vehicles, does not slow down psychomotor reactions.
10. Anasbarbarized
This is the only homeopathic remedy on the list of the best cold pills that prevents the inflammatory process in the nasopharynx due to hypothermia or contact with patients.
Helps to interrupt a cold at its first manifestations, has an immunomodulatory effect. The use of Anasbarbarisan is indicated for the treatment and prevention of mild to moderate severity of influenza and SARS.
Released without a doctor’s prescription. Acceptance by children from the first year of life is possible. Does not cause addiction and withdrawal syndrome, does not slow down the speed of psychomotor reactions. One package of granules is enough for a family reception.
Important! During the period of gestation and breastfeeding, the medicine should be taken with caution, only as directed by a doctor.
How to choose cold pills
There are many medications available to help relieve cold and flu symptoms and restore immune system function. An effective treatment regimen is prescribed by a specialist, taking into account clinical recommendations, as well as
- the patient’s condition
- accompanying illnesses;
- age of the patient;
- individual intolerance in history;
- type of pathogen;
- time from the onset of the disease;
- indications and contraindications of the drug.
Properly selected treatment reduces the time of illness, does not allow the development of intoxication and complications, improves the state of immunity and the person recovers faster.
To make it easier to distinguish a cold from a coronavirus, we have compiled a table of symptoms for both. It should be borne in mind that the severity of the symptoms of coronavirus may vary depending on the severity of the disease.
Symptom | Cold | Coronavirus |
---|---|---|
Temperature | A sharp rise in temperature to 38-39 ° C | In the first days 37-37,5°C. By 5-7 days 38-39°С |
Cough | Cough with copious sputum or difficult expectoration | Dry cough. Chest pain when coughing or taking a deep breath |
Runny nose | Mucous discharge is clear at first and then yellowish green | Rarely runny nose |
Lung saturation indicators | 96% and above | Less than 95% |
A sore throat | Pain, swelling, redness, hoarseness | Not expressed. Feeling itchy and dry mucous membranes |
Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing | Almost never | Marked dyspnea. Increases by 7-10 days of illness |
Popular questions and answers
What symptoms should you call an ambulance for?
Can I treat myself?
● from the side of the cardiovascular system: infectious myocarditis, angina pectoris, hypertensive crisis;
● from the respiratory system: chronic bronchitis, nasopharyngitis, chronic sinusitis, chronic tonsillitis, pneumonia;
● from the genitourinary system: pyelonephritis, nephritis, renal failure;
● from the musculoskeletal system: rheumatoid and reactive arthritis;
● from the side of the central nervous system: neuroinfections – inflammation of the membranes and tissues of the brain and spinal cord, as well as peripheral nerves;
● on the part of the sound-conducting system: chronic otitis media, sepsis, perforation of the tympanic membrane, hearing loss, deafness.
Pathological processes are manifested as a result of an untreated disease or untimely therapy.
Properly chosen treatment tactics and strict implementation by the patient of the doctor’s recommendations guarantee recovery.