A he althy person is not at all interested in the causes of diseases. But the first "sneezing" or "sniffing" makes him rush to the pharmacy. This is where the question arises: "Which drug to choose?" The source of the common cold is a bacterial or viral infection. The first is perfectly eliminated by antibiotics. But often a cold is caused by a viral infection. Antibacterial therapy is useless here. Only an antiviral remedy for a cold can help.
Expediency of admission
As you know, the immune system is a protective barrier against viruses. It is she who is able to resist many of them, preventing the disease from developing. Unfortunately, a weakened immune system is unable to protect the body. In this case, the best antiviral agents come to the rescue. They should be started right away. Then it is possible to avoid serious complications and exacerbation of chronic ailments.
Antiviral remedy for colds helps reduce inflammation, lower fever and promotesrecovery of the body. These medicines are also recommended for prevention before the onset of seasonal colds.
It's hard to tell what type of virus is causing the illness, so doctors advise using an antiviral for a broad-spectrum cold. Important. The doctor should prescribe the necessary medications after the examination.
Let's take a look at the best antivirals. Each of these drugs is able to quickly defeat a cold. And at the same time prevent the development of unpleasant complications.
Kagocel medicine
This is an immunomodulatory antiviral medication. The composition of the drug contains the sodium s alt of the copolymer. This component contributes to the production of late interferon. Thus, an antiviral effect occurs.
Kagocel is most effective if its use is started on the first day of illness.
Side effect is rare. It manifests itself in the form of allergic reactions. The medicine "Kagocel" is approved for use by children from three years of age. For pregnant and lactating women, this remedy is not recommended.
Tsitovir 3 medicine
An effective antiviral agent with a complex action. The drug includes ascorbic acid, bendazole, which stimulates the production of endogenous interferon in the body.
The medicine is produced in several forms:
- capsules intended for adults;
- syrup approved for children from 1year;
- powder for mortar.
Possible side effects such as lowering blood pressure in those who suffer from VSD.
Medication is contraindicated for patients with diagnoses:
- hypotension;
- urolithiasis;
- gastric ulcer;
- diabetes.
Not recommended for pregnant women. Extreme caution should be used on children.
The therapeutic effect occurs already on the second or third day.
Drug "Amiksin"
Good antiviral agent. It has excellent immunomodulatory properties. In addition, it is an interferon inducer. The drug "Amixin" perfectly fights colds with viral ailments. It is effective in a wide range of diseases of this group. Use the medicine "Amixin" not only for treatment. It is advisable to use it for the prevention of viral diseases.
Children under 7 years of age are not prescribed medicine. It should not be used by pregnant women or breastfeeding women.
Relatively rare side effects. The only manifestation is an allergic reaction.
Means "Ingavirin"
The drug is in demand for the treatment of influenza A, B, parainfluenza, adenovirus infection and many other ailments. It is an excellent immunomodulator. It activates the body's defense against viral pathogens.
Product intended for adults only. Under 18 years of age, its use is not recommended. pregnant women andlactating women can take the drug "Ingavirin" only as directed by a doctor.
Possible side effects are allergies.
Tamiflu
Sufficiently effective antiviral agent for colds. It is used to fight influenza viruses A, B. In relation to other colds (ARVI), the medicine is ineffective. The drug is not intended for prevention.
The product can be used for children over 1 year old. An important condition is the correct dosage. The drug "Tamiflu" is allowed to use during lactation and pregnancy. In this case, you should be careful and carefully monitor your well-being.
Using this product can cause side effects:
- insomnia;
- diarrhea;
- headache;
- nausea.
The medicine is forbidden to use for a long time without interruption. Since it can provoke depression and psychosis in the patient.
Medicine "Arbidol"
Popular antiviral pills for colds. They are effective in the treatment of a number of viral ailments. This drug is not prescribed for children under 3 years of age. Pregnant women can use the remedy, but only under the supervision of a doctor.
Side effects of medication include:
- headache;
- individual allergic reaction.
This drug was invented in 1974. To this day, it remains in demand. Since the medicine "Arbidol" is an effective and safe remedy that has a widespectrum of impact.
Drug "Anaferon"
This is a homeopathic medicine that can stimulate antiviral immunity. The drug is used to treat influenza. In addition, it is prescribed for preventive purposes. The drug reduces the risk of complications.
The medicine "Anaferon" is allowed to be used by lactating and pregnant women. In addition, when choosing effective antiviral drugs for colds for children, the choice of most parents and doctors stops at this remedy. For crumbs, manufacturers have released a special form of medicine.
The drug "Anaferon" is contraindicated in persons who are lactose intolerant. Basically, the remedy does not cause complications. Yet very effective.
Drug "Oscillococcinum"
Homeopathic preparation, which is available in granules. The tool provides effective prevention. Good for colds and flu. The drug has almost no contraindications. The only exception is lactose intolerance. The tool is allowed to use newborns, from the first days. It is prescribed for lactating and pregnant women.
The medicine is most effective if it is started at the first symptoms of the oncoming disease. The drug "Oscillococcinum" helps to suppress the activity of the influenza virus, protects against possible complications.
Treatment of children
Nature provided us with the best antiviral agents. These are lemon, garlic, ginger, honey, aloe, rosehip. Regularly supporting the baby's immunity with suchaffordable and simple means, the need for drugs will disappear by itself.
But if the crumbs have all the symptoms of the disease, then drug therapy is indispensable.
Children's antiviral drugs for colds are as follows:
- Homeopathic remedies. In these medicines, the content of active substances is extremely small. How they affect the body is still not clear. But the positive effect is quite often denied. Doctors recommend using the one day rule. If a homeopathic medicine does not give a favorable effect during the day, there is no need for further administration. Such drugs are: Oscillococccinum, Aflubin, Anaferon, Ergoferon, Vibrukol (candles).
- Interferon inductors. These are effective immunostimulants. They force the body to produce interferon on its own. They are prescribed with extreme caution. At the same time, it is recommended to use these funds for a short time. Since long-term use depletes resources. In this connection, the effectiveness of drugs is significantly reduced. This group includes drugs: "Citovir", "Kagocel", "Viferon" (candles), "Grippferon" (drops). The drug "Derinat" of a new generation is very effective. It is noticed that under its influence the body produces its own interferon much faster. Antiviral suppositories (for example, Viferon) deserve special attention. Studies have confirmed that rectal administration can increase the bioavailability of interferon to80%.
- Drugs of combined action. These are excellent antiviral agents, and at the same time, excellent interferon inducers. These include drugs: "Cycloferon", "Amiksin", "Arbidol", "Ingavirin", "Isoprinosine", "Panavir". All agents act on viruses and at the same time stimulate the production of interferon. They are not used for children under two years of age, since the drugs have side effects.
- Anti-influenza. This group includes drugs: Tamiflu, Remantadin, Relenza. Their effect extends only to influenza viruses. For other diseases, they are ineffective.
Using drugs for children
It must be remembered that an antiviral remedy for a cold is a powerful weapon. If used incorrectly, it will not cure SARS, influenza. And it can even hurt. Therefore, use the medicine only in the prescribed dosages and according to the indicated schemes.
The following list of funds will allow parents to find out which children's antiviral drugs for colds are suitable for their crumbs.
The following medications may be prescribed for newborns:
- "Aflubin" (drops).
- Interferon.
- Oscillococcinum.
- "Viferon" (candles).
- Grippferon.
- Kipferon.
- Genferon light (rectal suppositories).
- Acyclovir.
Babies who are 1 month old are allowed to use the Anaferon children's product. 6 month old babies are allowedthe use of the drug "Ergoferon".
From the age of 1, babies can be treated with drugs:
- Remantadine.
- "Tsitovir 3".
- Tamiflu.
Two-year-old children may be prescribed Isoprinosine.
Babies under 3 years of age are eligible for medication:
- Kagocel.
- Arbidol.
For four-year-old children, the use of the drug "Cycloferon" in tablet form is allowed.
Five-year-old babies can already take drugs:
- Relenza.
- "Aflubin" (tablets);
Seven-year-old children can be treated with Amiksin. And from the age of 13, children are allowed to use the drug "Ingavirin".
Important warning
In conclusion, take any antiviral drugs you choose very carefully. You shouldn't do this often. Constant stimulation of the immune system depletes the system. The body's own defenses begin to work less effectively. Doctors advise for one year to conduct no more than 3-4 courses of antiviral drugs. A person who uses these drugs more often is at great risk. Since it is quite dangerous for the immune system.