During the peak of influenza epidemics, we often hear people ask for it in pharmacies. High hopes are placed on this ointment, it is considered reliable protection.
In the article we will tell you what oxolinic ointment is, what it is used for, how to use the remedy correctly, and why it is bought up so quickly in pharmacies when influenza epidemics are rampant.
What is oxolinic ointment?
This is an ointment, the main active ingredient of which is oxolin. It is believed that this component has an antiviral effect. For the first time, the ointment was released in the seventies of the last millennium in Russia. It was absent from the list of international codes until recently.
What is oxolinic ointment for? The effectiveness of the tool has not yet been proven, trials are only planned. Nevertheless, this "miracle ointment" in winter is in great demand in pharmacies. It is considered a panacea for the flu. Many are satisfied with the result of using the product and say that it really helps. Is it so? And what are the functions of the ointment? We'll try to figure it outbelow.
What is oxolinic ointment for
Variants for the use of funds can be divided into two areas: treatment and prevention. The ointment has an antiviral effect. Viruses are considered sensitive to it, including those that cause herpes, lichen and some types of influenza.
When treating, the ointment should be used strictly according to the doctor's instructions. The same applies to prevention, because this drug is not as simple as it seems, and also has side effects and contraindications.
Oxolinic ointment (for which it is used, we will describe below) gained its popularity and fame in 2009, when the news about the so-called "bird" flu sowed panic. The ointment was then called a good prophylactic, and in pharmacies it was simply brushed off the shelves, and even in such quantity that people who really needed it (for example, to treat the same herpes or lichen) had to order it and wait weeks for replenishment.
Why was this product so sold out? It was believed that if the drug "Oxolinic ointment" smeared the nose, it would save from the flu. There is a reason for this, because it is through the nasal mucosa that the virus enters our body. When this shell is covered with a virus-killing agent, it will reduce the chances of infection. But there are some nuances here. For example, the ointment is ideal as a protective agent when going to the clinic, but using it every day when going to work is not very rational. The manufacturer recommends such prophylaxis duringpeak time of epidemics, but not longer than twenty to twenty-five days. With longer use, the active substance dries out the nasal mucosa, making it vulnerable. Remember the rule that everything needs a measure. The same applies to the use of ointment.
Instructions for use
Indications for the use of the ointment are the following diseases:
- Viral infections of the skin, eyes.
- Rhinitis of viral etiology.
- For the treatment of lichen (shingles and vesicles).
- Influenza prevention.
Its action is due to the presence of oxolin, to which viruses are sensitive. Apply the ointment externally to the affected areas (or to the conjunctiva for eye infections) several times a day.
When first applied to the nasal mucosa, a short burning sensation and itching may occur.
The ointment quickly penetrates into the blood, while it is also quickly excreted from the body, does not accumulate in the organs.
Contraindications and side effects
Among the main contraindications to the drug on the tube, we see the standard warnings - do not use in case of hypersensitivity to the main or auxiliary components of the remedy.
Side effects have not yet been identified either. At the first application, quickly passing itching and burning sensation at the site of application are possible. But this phenomenon is temporary and due to the specifics of the action of the ointment.
It is not recommended to use the ointment for more than 25 days. You shouldn't use italong with vasoconstrictor drops, as this threatens to dry the mucosa, leading to internal trauma and capillary bleeding.
During pregnancy and lactation, use is possible if the potential risk to the fetus is less noticeable than the benefit to the mother's body. There are no positive or negative proven effects. All because research in this area has not been conducted.
It can be said that oxolinic ointment is a universal remedy. Can children use this drug? With children, the same option as when using the drug by pregnant women - there were simply no studies in this direction. It is absolutely not necessary to use ointment for newborns and infants, at least up to a year. Older children are advised to "use with caution".
"Oksolinka" and flu
Prevention of influenza, for which oxolinic ointment is most often used, is impossible without an integrated approach. You should not think that if you smeared your nose with “oxolinka”, you are protected. This is a completely wrong suggestion. The ointment will kill a certain amount of viruses, but if your immunity is weakened, and the general condition of the body is completely deplorable, the ointment will not save you not only from the flu, but also from many other viruses and bacteria. You need to take care of strengthening the immune system, monitor the quality of sleep and nutrition. Then oxolinic ointment as a means of protection and prevention will strengthen the barriers of your body.
Viruses are very insidious and look for weakness, protecting only the nose, you will not save the wholethe body, if it is weakened or exhausted. Moreover, even moral breakdown and depression can lead you to vulnerability and reduced immunity.
Reviews and conclusions
So what is oxolinic ointment for? Let's see what the reviews say about the drug and its effectiveness in the fight against influenza. There are many positive customer reviews of the product. If we talk about negative ones, then not all of them need to be taken into account, because many sick people, convinced that the ointment will save them, simply did not use and did not store it according to the instructions. Oxolin is sensitive to high temperatures, the most comfortable storage degree for it is about 5-10. The best place to store the ointment is in the refrigerator, where it will not leak and lose its properties.
Besides, do not forget that this tool is not armor, on which viruses crumble like enemy arrows. If immunity is at zero, such minimal prevention is unlikely to help, strengthen your immunity and do not get sick!
