Effective cold and flu remedies for adults, inexpensive antibiotics. Fast-acting cold medicine, inexpensive What to buy for colds and flu, inexpensive


Almost every person suffers from a cold at least once a year. No matter how strong the human body is, it cannot be completely protected from viruses and infections, especially if it is the off-season or winter. Manufacturers offer inexpensive cold and flu medications to combat illness. You should know which ones are not only cheap, but also effective.

Antiviral drugs are inexpensive but effective

All flu and cold remedies are divided into three broad categories:

  1. Antiviral. These medications fight the virus and make the body's cells more resistant to its effects.
  2. Immunomodulators. Preparations for correcting the body's defense reactions to natural levels.
  3. For symptomatic treatment. Drugs in this group do not suppress infection, but simply relieve the symptoms of a cold or flu.

Antiviral tablets

The most famous drugs in this category:

  1. Tamiflu, Oseltamivir. Adults and teenagers take 1 tablet twice a day for five days. The medicine is not recommended for those with kidney disease.
  2. "Amiksin". Adults take two 125 mg tablets on the first day of illness, and then one tablet every other day. The dosage of the children's drug has been halved. The drug should not be taken by pregnant women.
  3. "Ribavirin". A new generation drug, very effective. Adults take 0.2 g four times a day. Course – 5 days.

Immunomodulators

Inexpensive good cold and flu medicines in this category:

  1. "Cycloferon". The drug is for adults and children who are already four years old. The course is 20 days, take one tablet every other day.
  2. "Kagocel". This medicine can be combined with antibiotics. Adults take two tablets three times the first two days, and then one at a time. Kagocel should not be taken by pregnant women for the first three months.
  3. "Anaferon". Homeopathic medicine. Adults take one tablet 3-6 times a day.

For symptomatic treatment

List of drugs that can remove signs of the disease:

  1. Coldact Flu Plus. Capsules with paracetamol and excipients. You need to drink one every 12 hours. During treatment, you must categorically abstain from alcoholic beverages.
  2. Coldrex. Helps with colds with wet cough. You need to take one tablet 3-4 times a day. You should not take this drug if you have diabetes or liver or kidney failure.
  3. "Rinza." Tablets are taken 4 times a day. They should not be drunk by pregnant women, children under 15 years of age, or people with heart or vascular diseases. Course – 5 days.
  4. "Fervex". The drug is produced in the form of sachets of powder, which must be dissolved in warm water. You should not use Fervex for more than three days. You should not drink more than 4 packets per day.

Cold remedies

Apart from pills, there are many other medications that effectively fight the disease. If you do not want to take antiviral medications for colds and flu, or drink complex symptomatic medications, then you can try another treatment tactic. The decision must be made based on the severity of the disease. There are many inexpensive cold and flu medications that can provide relief.

For sore throat

The following medications will help you relieve inflammation and irritation:

  1. "Grammidin." Fast-acting lozenges with anesthetic. You need to take two of them 4 times a day, following a weekly course.
  2. "Strepsils". They relieve pain and have an antiseptic effect. The tablets should be dissolved one at a time every three hours. Treatment with the drug is allowed for children over five years of age. A sore throat will be completely removed in three to four days.
  3. "Faryngosept". A powerful medicine that should not be taken by children under six years of age. It is recommended to dissolve the tablets after meals and then not drink liquids for a while. Per day - no more than five pieces. The course of treatment is three days.

Nasal drops

The following medications will help you get rid of a runny nose:

  1. "Sanorin". They have a vasoconstrictor effect. They do not treat nasal congestion, but temporarily eliminate it. These drops should not be used for more than five days in a row. Contains a reduced concentration of vasoconstrictors and eucalyptus oil.
  2. "Pinosol." Medicinal drops that have a healing effect. They slowly fight the causes of a runny nose, but do not eliminate congestion.
  3. "Aqua Maris" A product for moisturizing the nasal mucosa. Prevents blood vessels from drying out and speeds up the healing process. It is recommended to use moisturizing drops for any type of runny nose.
  4. "Vibrocil." Antiviral drug. Drops remove not only a runny nose, but also its cause. They have a vasoconstrictor, antihistamine effect, kill bacteria, and relieve swelling.

Antipyretics

The following medications will quickly reduce the temperature:

  1. "Paracetamol". A time-tested and inexpensive remedy that relieves heat, relieves pain and inflammation. It has virtually no side effects. Paracetamol is the main active component of many other drugs: Panadol, Fervex, Flucolda, Coldrex.
  2. "Ibuprofen." This medicine is more of an anti-inflammatory, but it also lowers the temperature well. It should not be taken by those who have ulcers, kidney or liver disease. Included in Nurofen and Ibuklin.
  3. "Aspirin" (acetylsalicylic acid). Antipyretic and analgesic. It should not be taken by pregnant women, children under 12, or those with reduced blood clotting. It is the main component of a huge number of other antipyretic drugs.

For herpes

The following ointments will help overcome this unpleasant symptom of a cold:

  1. "Acyclovir". The most inexpensive remedy. Fights the virus and prevents it from multiplying. If you are pregnant or nursing a child, do not use the drug. If you get herpes often, it is better to alternate Acyclovir with another antiseptic ointment or cream so as not to become addictive.
  2. "Zovirax". The cream contains propylene glycol, thanks to which the active substance penetrates cells faster and more efficiently. Absorbs well into the skin. Zovirax must be used strictly according to the instructions.
  3. "Fenistil Pentsivir." A very powerful medicine that eliminates herpes instantly. Prevents wounds from becoming scars. The drug should not be used by pregnant, nursing mothers, or children under 12.

Against cough

Table of drugs:

Inexpensive drug analogues

If you cannot afford even the cheapest antiviral drugs, use Paracetamol, Aspirin or Ibuprofen. For symptomatic treatment, use local remedies: Naphthyzin or Farmazolin nasal drops, Septifril tablets for treating sore throat, cough medicine. Gargling with Chlorophyllipt will also be effective.

Medicines to prevent flu and colds

To protect yourself from the disease, rather than cope with its manifestations, it is best to use drugs with an immunomodulatory effect. The rules for preventive use are described in the instructions for each of them. You can try Broncho-munal capsules, which can be combined with almost all medications. Medicines such as Ribomunil, Immunal, Rimantadine, Arbidol, and Amizon have a good preventive effect.

Video: homemade Coldrex for colds

Reviews

Olya, 27 years old: At the first symptoms of the flu, I always take some symptomatic medicine, for example, Rinza or Coldrex. This prevents the infection from getting worse. I have never taken immunomodulators because of the high price. And I try to treat the child with folk remedies, only I bring down his temperature with Paracetamol. I trust domestic drugs more.

Lena, 35 years old: Nowadays the pharmacy offers so many names of cold medicines that it’s hard not to get confused. I try to use antipyretic drugs, for example, Aspirin or Paracetamol. If a runny nose starts, I use Pinosol. It helps a lot, although it doesn't pierce the nose. If a sore throat starts, I use Chlorophyllipt.

Tanya, 24 years old: My ARVI always goes away with fever and cough. I drink Fervex powders and also buy ACC. Thanks to this treatment, my illness goes away in three or four days. Last winter I took Arbidol for prevention, but I still got sick, so I don’t accept medications to correct the immune system. I am being treated when the cold has already started.

Review of antiviral drugs for ARVI and influenza

Any disease, especially acute respiratory viral infections and influenza, is easier, cheaper and safer not to treat, but not to allow, to prevent its occurrence. Lately, I have been especially concerned about the “point” - safer. Is it worth taking antiviral pills at all? In today's complex world, how to understand the issues:

  • Will there be any effect from using an expensive antiviral drug?
  • What is the best medicine for the flu for adults and children?
  • Won't this remedy cause harm to health?
  • Is there a best cure for the flu?
  • Are effective antiviral drugs advertising, business, dummies or not?

Antiviral drugs for the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections on the Russian pharmaceutical market have the following in common:

Almost all antiviral drugs for acute respiratory infections and influenza do not have an evidence base for their antiviral effectiveness. The studies are very expensive and are carried out by the manufacturers themselves and the parties interested in a positive conclusion. Today, most clinical trials of new drugs are regularly falsified in order to bring “miracle” drugs to the market with a new price tag. Considering the fabulous commercial benefits from the sale of expensive antiviral drugs during an epidemic, one cannot believe in the honesty and objectivity of the research. As is known, today approximately 90 percent of pharmacological publications, even in medical journals, are custom-made advertising articles.

Today in pharmacy chains there is an abundance of various medicines, some of which are not essentially “medicines”, since there are a lot of fakes, outright dummies and ineffective remedies. Patient rights advocates in Ukraine, for example, claim that no active substance was found in 4 drugs registered as antiviral drugs. However, a wide advertising campaign allows manufacturers to earn millions of hryvnia a year.

Antiviral drugs for ARVI are conventionally divided into:

  • Vaccines - stimulate the production of antibodies before infection with a virus
  • Immunostimulants - drugs that short-term enhance nonspecific immunity, promoting the production of interferons
  • Antiviral drugs - drugs that affect neuraminidase (viral enzyme), suppressing viral replication (Oseltamivir, Zanamivir) and M2 channel blockers Amantadine, Remantadine - these drugs have proven clinical effectiveness, but like any drug they have a number of side effects.

Most antiviral drugs for ARVI and influenza have been developed and used for no more than 10-40 years. A drug must have a longer “trial period” in order to make a conclusion about its effectiveness and side effects. As for immunostimulants, these drugs can have delayed consequences (risks of developing autoimmune diseases, blood cancer, etc.) and should be prescribed according to strict indications.

Immunomodulators and antivirals

Immunostimulants produced today show activation of immune reactions at the biochemical level (what is called “in vitro”), but their real benefits and long-term consequences of use are rather complex, little-studied areas. Since information about many mechanisms of immunity has become known relatively recently, and every year scientists receive more and more information about its functioning. Therefore, there is no confidence in the safety and correctness of general stimulation of the “understudied” immune system (see what immunity is and whether drugs are needed to increase it). Particular care should be taken in the prophylactic use of immunostimulants and treatment of ARVI with antiviral drugs in children.

“Pharmacy immunostimulants can not only help the body, but also harm,” says Ph.D. Tatyana Tikhomirova, immunologist-allergist. Such a condition as hyperactivation of the immune system, as well as immunodeficiency, is extremely dangerous; the human body functions normally only when the immune system is in balance. And if a person stimulates each time (“increases his immunity”), then in the presence of predisposing factors this can result in pathological inflammation, triggering immune aggression on healthy tissues, hyperactivation of the immune system and theoretically (in extreme situations) the development of an autoimmune or oncological disease.

If immediate family members have any autoimmune disease (rheumatoid arthritis, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, Sjögren's syndrome, multiple sclerosis, etc.), then the person should under no circumstances use any immunostimulants. Even if a person is healthy, there are already disorders of the immune system, and you can live with them all your life, but if you roughly and persistently try to stimulate your immune system, this may end in the debut of an autoimmune disease.

Fortunately, for most healthy people, without any predisposing factors, it is quite difficult to “stimulate” their immunity so much as to seriously harm their health. Since most of the known immunostimulants either do not work at all or hardly work. One part of the drugs is an ordinary deception, the other is ineffective means. But it should be remembered that any medicine has side effects.

Drug groups Action Drug names
Interferon preparations Blockade of viral mRNA translation, presentation of viral antigens Recombinant alpha/gamma interferons
Etiotropic drugs Neuraminidase inhibitors
  • Relenza
  • Peramivir
Ion channel blockers Rimantadine (Remantadine, Orvirem)
Antiviral drugs with varying degrees of evidence of action Enable synthesis
endogenous interferons
  • Kagocel
  • Cycloferon
  • Lavomax (Amiksin, Tiloron)
Specific chaperone GA
NP protein inhibitors

Alexander Hadjidis, chief clinical pharmacologist of St. Petersburg, states the following: “Some doctors, for some reason, first prescribe antipyretic drugs to patients, and then immunomodulators, supposedly to produce interferon - which is illogical and generally absurd. That is, first, by lowering the temperature, they “forbid” the body from fighting the virus (at a high temperature, antibodies are produced against the virus and infection), and then they artificially “force” it to do so.

In developed countries, there are no interferonogens (drugs that stimulate the production of interferon) at all. Interferons can only work when administered parenterally (intravenously), and even then, their effectiveness is questionable. In Russia, these drugs are extremely popular, despite the fact that they are useless.

As for antipyretics for a virus, it is better to bring down the temperature with paracetamol and once when the temperature rises, and not 4 times a day - “just in case.” Taking Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) for acute respiratory viral infections, especially for children under 12 years of age, is contraindicated; it can cause severe damage to the central nervous system and liver; its use is not recommended for those who have suffered from gastrointestinal ulcers.”

A well-known doctor in Russia, Alexander Myasnikov, states that all immunomodulators widely advertised in our country today are a waste of money. In the USA and Western Europe, it has already been clearly recognized and proven that these drugs are ineffective, but the majority of Russian doctors continue to believe in the power of immunomodulators in the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections.

Pharmacological action: Complex immunostimulating, antiviral drug, has an interferonogenic effect. The medicine contains Thymogen sodium, ascorbic acid, bendazole. Thymogen is a synthetically obtained dipeptide; it enhances the body's nonspecific resistance. Ascorbic acid normalizes capillary permeability, reducing the activity of the inflammatory process. Bendazole stimulates the production of endogenous interferon in the body.

Side effects: in persons suffering from vegetative-vascular dystonia, it causes a decrease in blood pressure.

Contraindications: during pregnancy, children under 1 year of age, thrombophlebitis, severe hypotension, diabetes mellitus, stomach ulcers, urolithiasis.

Produced: since 2001 in capsules, for children since 2006 in syrup, in powder for preparing a solution
Research: There are no reliable data on clinical trials confirming its effectiveness and safety. Doctors and pharmacists often recommend this remedy for children, but it should be used with caution or not used at all to treat children.

Reviews: There are quite a lot of reviews from patients using Cytovir about the effectiveness and absence of side effects. Improvement in well-being is observed on the second or third day; in isolated cases, the drug did not help.
Price: Tsitovir 3 - average 240-580 rub.

Kagocel

Pharmacological action: inducer of interferon synthesis, has antiviral, immunomodulatory effect. Composition: sodium salt of the copolymer, which causes the formation of late interferon, which has high antiviral activity. The greatest effect occurs if treatment is started within the first 24 hours of the disease, but no later than the 4th day after the onset of acute infection. For prevention purposes, it can be taken at any time, preferably immediately after contact with a patient with acute respiratory viral infection or influenza.

Side effects: the appearance of allergic reactions.
Produced: Registered in 2003, since 2005 it has been produced in tablets, since 2011 it has been approved for use in children over 3 years of age for the treatment of influenza; it can be used in children over 6 years of age as a prophylaxis against acute respiratory viral infections.

Efficacy and safety studies: There is conflicting information here. The active ingredient is the sodium salt of the copolymer gossypol with carboxymethylcellulose. Moreover, Gossypol itself, a natural polyphenol, has been banned in the world since 1998 due to its toxicity. Gossypol has been actively studied in some countries for a very long time as a contraceptive; with its prolonged use, spermatogenesis completely stops. Chinese and Brazilian scientists say boys and men taking gossypol may suffer from infertility in the future. However, Kagocel is not gossypol in its pure form; it is a sodium salt of a copolymer, which has other properties that differ from the properties of the chemical substance itself.

The manufacturer actively advertises the drug and states that the salt in Kagocel is negligible, the concentration is 4 times lower than that allowed by international standards. Multiple stages of product purification ensure the absence of free Gossypol in the final drug, which is checked during quality control of each batch of Kagocel tablets. The method used to test for the presence of free gossypol is very accurate and can detect levels greater than 0.0036%. At the beginning of 2013, data on tests conducted on rats were published - no changes in reproductive function in animals could be detected.

That is, no studies have been carried out on primates? It is known that gossypol for different types of animals has its own maximum toxic dose; according to the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority), for rats the maximum toxic dose is 2200-3300 mg/kg., for pigs 550, for guinea pigs up to 300 mg/kg. Studies carried out by the manufacturer involved administering therapeutic doses to male rats, and doses 25 times higher than therapeutic ( 250 mg/kg). Can the rest of the claims and “research” be trusted?

Kagocel is not used neither in Western Europe nor in the USA; it is not included in the WHO drug lists. The effectiveness of the drug has not been proven according to representatives of the Formulary Committee of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences and SDDM. As of fall 2013, no statistical studies have been conducted on the development of side effects.

Reviews: It helps many; some children and adults experience allergic reactions in the form of rash, swelling, itching.
Price: Kagocel - average 180-280 rub. In 2012, sales volume amounted to 2.64 billion rubles

Tiloron (Amiksin, Lavomax)

Pharmacological action: the active substance Tiloron has antiviral and immunomodulatory action, it is a synthetic interferon inducer that stimulates the formation of alpha, beta, gamma interferons.

Side effects: short-term chills, allergic reactions, contraindicated during breastfeeding and pregnancy.

Released: almost 40 years ago, children under 7 years of age are strictly prohibited from using it.

Research: The benefits of the drug are undoubted for both the treatment and prevention of viral diseases, but this may be outweighed by the potential harm to the body. In the 80s in the USA, after tests on mice, the drug was banned as it had a highly toxic effect, retinal dissection, liver lipidosis and other side effects were observed in experimental animals. It does not apply in the United States and the European Union. In our country, they continue to produce the antiviral Amiksin and doctors prescribe it to patients.
A small study involved 14 patients who were prescribed tilorone at doses of 152 and 189 g; in 2, the drug caused keratopathy and retinopathy (with no decrease in visual acuity), these effects were reversible. The authors of the study concluded that the drug is potentially hazardous to health.
Reviews: The occurrence of allergic reactions, the high cost of the medicine.
Price: Amiksin - on average 500-560 rub. Sales volume in 2012 amounted to 1.17 billion rubles.

Additionally! Medicines, the so-called immunomodulators - Lykopid, Polyoxidonium, Cycloferon, Proteflazid, Thymogen, Panavir, Isoprinosine, Neovir, Groprinosin, etc. - should not be used to treat children (with various diseases) without an immunogram and serious indications, since they do not have the proper clinical trials of effectiveness and safety in the treatment of children.

Antiviral agents

Below are just some antiviral drugs for ARVI, reviews about them, a brief description, comments on well-known studies of their effectiveness, and the average price in pharmacies.

Pharmacological action: active substance imidazolylethanamide pentanedioic acid. Shows activity against adenovirus infection, influenza A, B, respiratory syncytial infection, parainfluenza. It is an immunomodulator that affects the functional activity of the interferon system.

Side effects: allergic reactions

Contraindicated for: children under 18 years of age.

Produced: as a drug for the treatment of influenza and ARVI since 2008, before that, according to prof. Vlasov Vasily, the drug Vitaglutam (pentanedioic acid imidazolylethanamide) was used in Russia until 2008 as a stimulator of hematopoiesis in cancer patients receiving anticancer therapy.

Research: According to manufacturers, the idea of ​​​​producing Ingavirin arose back in the 1980s, but only after many years of research into its safety and effectiveness was the drug submitted for registration by 2008. When Vitaglutam was used in patients with cancer, there was no convincing evidence of its effectiveness. And when Ingavirin appeared on the pharmaceutical market in 2008 without full research, a “swine flu epidemic” began in the country, so Ingavirin was actively sold. The drug was recommended by the Ministry of Health and Social Development, even despite the lack of placebo-controlled studies, substantiated evidence of its effectiveness.

One study conducted per 105!!! patients with confirmed influenza showed the following results:

  • Taking ingavirin reduced the duration of fever to 34.5 hours (provided it was used in the first 1-1.5 days from the onset of the disease)
  • In the placebo group it is 72 hours
  • In the group taking Arbidol - 48 hours

Having analyzed the duration and intensity of influenza symptoms - weakness, headache, dizziness in the study groups when taking Ingavirin, a decrease in the severity of the disease was confirmed, no side effects were identified.

In May 2009, Alexander Chuchalin, chief therapist of the Russian Federation, ( he led the drug development team) gave an interview to Ogonyok magazine: “The new antiviral drug Ingavirin is much more effective than the American one. The Russian drug quickly and easily integrates into the genome of the A/H1N1 virus, immediately destroying it. It is also effective against other dangerous viruses.”

Reviews: The drug does not help most; isolated cases confirm a reduction in the duration of the disease.

Price: 380-460 rub. From January to June 2010, sales of Ingavirin amounted to 220 million rubles, 467 thousand packages were sold .

Pharmacological action: Antiviral agent, has the ability to suppress influenza A and B viruses, SARS - severe acute respiratory syndrome associated coronavirus. Arbidol is also used in the complex therapy of acute rotavirus intestinal infections.
Active ingredient: Methylphenylthiomethyl-dimethylaminomethyl-hydroxybromindole carboxylic acid ethyl ester.

Side effects: use in children under 3 years of age is prohibited, individual allergic reactions.
Produced: invented in 1974, its industrial production began in 1992.

Research: Until 2013, there was no convincing evidence of its effectiveness and safety. The studies conducted in the USSR were never published. In Russia in 2008, a study of 300 people showed that Viferon was more effective than Arbidol. In 2004, trials in China on 230 patients with ARVI symptoms showed that it was not effective, unlike Tamiflu and Ingaverin. In 2009, in the UK journal Antiviral Research, study authors stated that strains resistant to Arbidol are formed less frequently than those of Remantadine and Amantadine.

The US Drug Administration has denied registration of Arbidol in the US, and the WHO has never considered this drug as an effective antiviral drug.

Latest information about the drug: At the end of 2013, the World Health Organization registered Arbidol (umifenovir) as a direct-acting antiviral drug, assigning it the individual code J05AX13. Thus, Pharmstandard received nominal permission for the widespread use of the drug in the Russian Federation, where Arbidol is included in the standards for the treatment and prevention of influenza and ARVI in children and adults.

However, the multicenter trial of the effectiveness of Arbidol, which was planned to be completed in 2013, has not been completed to this day, and its dates have already been postponed to 2015. The results of this trial, which has serious sponsors and does not suffer from a lack of patients, could dot the I's in the Arbidol epic, but for unknown reasons this does not happen. That is There is still no evidence of effectiveness, just wait...

Reviews: The same number of positive reviews and opinions about the ineffectiveness of its use. There are isolated cases of allergic reactions in the form of dermatitis, Quincke's edema, and pain in the epigastric region.
Price: Arbidol - average 130-710 rub. In 2012, sales volume was over 5 billion rubles.

An analogue of Arbidol, produced by Lekpharm JLLC, has appeared on the Belarusian pharmaceutical market. This is a generic drug, in Belarusian import-substituting packaging - Arpetol. The instructions for it indicate that the active ingredient is: arbidol hydrochloride? The commercialization of today's pharmaceutical market and the lack of proper control are once again proven!

Pharmacological action: an antiviral drug, which includes oseltamivir carboxylate (active metabolite), suppresses influenza A and B viruses. It is not effective for acute respiratory viral infections.

Side effects: Nausea, insomnia, diarrhea, dizziness, lethargy, cough, headaches, use with caution in pregnant women and during lactation. Contraindicated for children under 1 year of age.

Produced: since 1996 by the pharmaceutical company "F. Hoffmann-La Roche has registered the right to develop drugs that contain oseltamivir.

Research: Tamiflu has the disadvantage of complicating diagnosis because the side effects are similar to flu symptoms. During an epidemic, this becomes dangerous when taken long-term. Only short-term use is optimally effective - a few days at the very beginning of the flu. Independent researchers demanded a standard report of 4-5 research modules from the Swiss manufacturer. To which the pharmaceutical company provided only the first modules, repeated requests for complete information were never satisfied.

Since 2004, cases of neuropsychiatric disorders began to be recorded, more often in children and adolescents who took Tamiflu during the flu - hallucinations, nightmares, confusion, convulsions, anxiety, etc.

Japanese post-marketing studies of this drug in 2006 announced the risk of developing disorders of consciousness in humans - psychosis, depression, suicidal tendencies, especially in children. And 54 deaths were also recorded after using Tamiflu, 16 of which were in adolescents 10-19 years old (15 committed suicide, 1 died after being hit by a car), the rest died from kidney failure (it is possible that due to severe influenza).


The latest information about this drug: Back in April 2014, the Cochrane Society (an independent health research network) represented by Tom Jefferson's group and the British Medical Journal published data from a Cochrane review of studies that did not confirm the effectiveness of Tamiflu and Relenza in treating and preventing influenza. The effectiveness of reducing influenza complications by taking these drugs has also been questioned. Timid attempts by the manufacturer Roche to fight back with a firm promise to provide irrefutable evidence in the form of randomized trial results have so far been unsuccessful. Evidence is still awaited.

On April 10, 2014, the results of these 26 clinical trials of Relenza and 20 clinical trials of Tamiflu, involving 24,000 people, were published on the Cochrane Collaboration website.

As a result of research, it was found that:

  • Oseltamivir, as a prophylactic agent, slightly reduces the risk of developing influenza in families, without reducing the ability of the influenza virus to be transmitted from person to person.
  • The duration of symptoms is reduced by 16 hours (from 7 to 6.3 days); in children this effect is completely absent.
  • The drug does not have any effect on the risk of severe complications (sinusitis, otitis media, pneumonia, bronchitis), that is, it does not reduce the likelihood of complications.
  • The medicine is considered quite toxic, increasing the risk of nausea and vomiting in both children and adults.
  • When used for preventive purposes, the drug turned out to be dangerous to health, since it leads to mental disorders, impaired renal function, and in some cases it has been found that it helps to reduce the production of one’s own antibodies to the virus.

Based on these studies, health officials in the leading countries of the world should decide to stop mass purchases of antiviral drugs with the active substance Oseltamivir due to the high risk of side effects and low effectiveness as a drug for the treatment and prevention of influenza virus during the epidemic.

Reference: Based solely on the claims of the manufacturer of Tamiflu that the drug significantly reduces the risk of serious complications and hospitalization of patients during the epidemic, countries such as the UK and the USA purchased 40 million doses of these drugs in connection with the swine flu epidemic in 2009 ( USA 1.3 billion dollars, UK 424 million pounds sterling).

Based on the latest data on the low effectiveness and safety of this antiviral drug, an international group of experts on evidence-based medicine called on the governments of the leading countries of the world to stop mass purchases of Tamiflu and Relenza.

Reviews: There are enough reviews about side effects in the form of vomiting, dizziness, psychosis, headache. Many confirm its effectiveness against influenza.

Price: Tamiflu - average 1200-1300 rub.

Remantadine (Rimantadine)

Pharmacological action: an antiviral drug, an adamantane derivative, suppresses various strains of the influenza A virus (including swine flu).

Side effects: contraindicated for pregnant women and children under 1 year of age. Reduces concentration, causes dizziness, nervousness, headache, increased fatigue, nausea, vomiting, dry hair mouth

Produced: information about the first uses of the drug has been known since 1968.

Research: Trials were conducted from 1981 to 2006, mainly showing that Remantadine was less toxic than Amantadine. One study showed that Amantadine was 61% more effective in preventing influenza infection compared to a placebo group and, if a person became ill, it reduced fever by 1 day. In the same study, it was compared with Tamiflu, and it was 73% effective compared to the placebo group. Rimantadine (Remantadine) is currently considered a drug with proven clinical effectiveness, but some strains of the influenza virus may be resistant to it.

Reviews: There are reviews that Remantadine causes side effects - dizziness, tachycardia, bitterness in the mouth. The reviews are mostly positive.
Price: Remantadine - average 50-150 rub.

It is with the flu (including swine flu) that at the first symptoms, therapists and pediatricians recommend: for adults - Remantadine, Tamiflu. Orvirem (rimantadine syrup), Viferon are indicated for children over 1 year of age. Children over 8 years old can take Remantadine (in the table), Tamiflu.

Interferon preparations

Interferons are messenger proteins that are secreted by cells infected with viruses. They seem to inform other cells about the infection and the required inactivation of the virus. Alpha interferons are produced by lymphocytes, beta interferons are produced by fibroblasts. In addition to Viferon, the alpha group includes Intron, Reaferon, Kipferon.

Viferon

The creation of the drug was scientifically substantiated in the period 1990-1995. a group of scientists from the Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology named after. N.F. Gamaleya under the guidance of Prof. Malinovskaya V.V.
Since December 1996, on the basis of the same research institute, serial production of recombinant interferon alpha-2b in suppositories began. Viferon are suppositories with different contents of active ingredients.

Application:

  • Viferon-1 (150,000 IU) is designed for children from birth to 7 years. It is used for acute respiratory viral infections, herpetic infections, as an additional remedy for prolonged pneumonia or sepsis, including in premature infants with intrauterine infections. The drug is prescribed for a course of 5 days. For children under 7 years old, 1 candle 2 times a day is recommended. Prematures born at more than 34 weeks - the same as children under 7 years of age. With a shorter gestation period - 1 suppository three times a day. If necessary, after a five-day break, the course can be repeated for another 5 days.
  • In children over seven years of age and adults, the drug in suppositories of 500,000 IU is used twice a day for five days. It is possible to use Viferon in pregnant women.
  • Suppositories containing Viferon 1,000,000 and 3,000,000 IU are used in the treatment of viral hepatitis and herpetic infections.
  • The drug in the form of an ointment is intended for the treatment of herpes on the skin and mucous membranes in adults and children over one year of age.

Side effects: the main side effect of Viferon drugs can be an allergic reaction, which happens infrequently.

Research: As for the effectiveness of the drug, it is not included in list A of evidence-based pharmacology. That is, large randomized human studies that meet international standards have not been conducted. However, there is positive practical experience of treatment with Viferon in pediatric practice. (By the way, nitroglycerin also does not have randomized studies proving its effectiveness, which does not make it an ineffective first-line drug for relieving angina). Publications of data from clinical trials of the drug are available only in Russian and were carried out only in domestic clinics. The price-quality ratio allows pediatricians to recommend the drug for the treatment of ARVI in children under seven years of age. For adults, the drug has limited use in the treatment of ARVI due to the rectal form of administration and the availability of alternative drugs.

The main arguments of opponents of the drug:

  • high molecular weight of protein molecules that cannot be absorbed in the intestine
  • lack of clinical trials that meet international standards.

Kipferon

Suppositories are a bit expensive for treating common colds. Therefore, it is replaced by Viferon. But, in severe forms of intestinal dysbiosis in children in the first two years of life, the drug shows good clinical results.

Studies: No randomized studies have been conducted, i.e. the drug belongs to the list of drugs with unproven effects. Main complaints:

  • high molecular weight, which interferes with normal absorption
  • adding components of donor blood to the drug that can cause fever and allergies.

Cycloferon

Cycloferon was initially registered as a veterinary drug in 1993 for the treatment of animals with viral infections, and in 1995 it was already a honey. a drug.

The drug Cycloferon is approved for use in adults and children over four years of age. Available in solution for injection, tablets, liniment. It belongs to immunomodulatory drugs; it is an inducer of interferon, enhancing its production and exhibiting antiviral, anti-inflammatory and immunostimulating properties.

Application: in the Russian Federation it is used in the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections, influenza, viral hepatitis, herpes infections, human papillomaviruses and other urological and gynecological pathologies (for example, candidiasis, chlamydia).
Contraindications: The drug is not recommended for pregnant and lactating women. May cause allergic reactions.
Research: Cycloferon is an immunostimulant that stimulates the action of the immune system and the production of interferons. That's all for today clinical trials of this drug published in the medical literature, were carried out only on the territory of the Russian Federation and do not comply with international standards.

There are no serious clinical trials for cycloferon that would prove its effectiveness or refute the absence of long-term harmful effects of this drug (the development of autoimmune diseases). It is worth recalling that all drugs that have been on the pharmaceutical market for less than five years are still at the fifth level of pharmacological testing and it is quite possible that previously unknown undesirable effects from drugs of this series will be identified. If there are newly identified harmful effects, the drug will be withdrawn from pharmacy chains and discontinued from production, and the majority of those who were treated with this drug and developed some kind of health problems are unlikely to receive any compensation.

Conclusions:

Ineffectiveness of antiviral drugs due to resistance of virus strains

The lack of a positive effect when using some antiviral drugs for influenza is also possible due to the fact that drug-resistant viruses appear and a specific strain of influenza may already be resistant to a specific drug (for example, Remantadine).

Other treatments and the placebo effect

It is also possible that patients whose reviews indicate the effectiveness of such drugs recovered quickly thanks to other methods of symptomatic treatment, and a placebo effect cannot be ruled out (see amazing facts about placebos).

Strong immunity

In a healthy body, after 2-3 days the immune system produces enough protective antibodies against the virus; it does not need additional medications. It is enough to follow the well-known rules - bed rest, plenty of hot drinks, fortified foods and drinks, clean air in the patient’s room, gargling, etc.

Fast recovery with antiviral drugs

In various life situations, reducing the duration of illness even by one day can be very important, for example - a wedding day, an urgent business trip, an important business transaction, an exam, an interview, etc. It is in such cases that the use of antiviral drugs, which reduce by 2-3 days the duration of the illness may be meaningful.

No adequate research

The lack of benign studies on the effectiveness and side effects (on a large group of people, of different ages, over a long time) of most antiviral drugs for acute respiratory infections and influenza suggests caution in their use or even abandonment.

Don't waste your money on pacifiers

It is probably not advisable to spend money, in some cases considerable amounts, on drugs with unproven effectiveness, side effects, and questionable safety. Any medicine, even a useless one or a pacifier, can cause harm to the body.

Video transmission: How the placebo effect works

  • from 9:24 min. - what medications are most often prescribed by doctors
  • from 24:00 - about the effect of placebo on the functioning of the immune system
  • from 31:07 - about the high placebo effect in children
  • from 33:55 - about dummy drugs prescribed for ARVI
  • from 34:40 - about homeopathy and antiviral drugs for ARVI
  • from 42:27 - about how modern research is carried out

Cold and flu medicines: a list of the best quick-acting remedies

Every year during seasonal temperature fluctuations, people suffer from many unpleasant symptoms caused by colds.

In pharmacy chains, the range of antiviral drugs is simply overwhelming in its diversity.

Medicines differ not only in price, but also in their principle of action, release form, and composition.

Naturally, you shouldn’t voluntarily prescribe medications for colds, but in order to get a little insight into such remedies, you should read the proposed article. A list of cold medicines will help you understand the characteristics of each drug.

Arbidol, Theraflu, Anaferon

Arbidol is a film-coated anti-virus tablet. Their main active ingredient is umifenovir, auxiliary: potato starch, microcrystalline cellulose. The remedy is indicated for:

  1. acute respiratory disease (ARI);
  2. severe respiratory syndrome;
  3. influenza type B, A,

The medicine may well become part of complex therapy in the treatment of pneumonia and chronic bronchitis. Much less often, it is recommended for the prevention of health problems after surgery in order to strengthen the immune system.

Fast-acting tablets for colds and flu. They will help improve the patient’s condition the very next day after the start of treatment.

Arbidol has no contraindications. The only caveat when using it: cannot be used for children under 3 years of age. Children under 12 years of age are given 1 tablet per day, and 2 tablets for adults and children over 12 years of age.

This cold remedy is not prescribed to healthy patients for prophylactic purposes.

Theraflu powder

It needs to be diluted with hot boiled water. The main active ingredient is paracetamol. The excipients were pheniramine maleate and phenylephrine hydrochloride.

This is a new generation cold remedy. It can relieve illness and runny nose in just a day, but subject to strict adherence to the doctor’s instructions and bed rest. Theraflu is characterized by the following actions:

  • antivirus;
  • antipyretic.

The powder should not be taken together with beta-blockers and antidepressants. Theraflu should not be prescribed to patients with diabetes mellitus, pregnant or lactating women, people suffering from alcoholism, or children under 12 years of age.

The medicine is fast-acting, but it is better to use it carefully. This is relevant if the patient suffers from arterial hypertension, severe impairment of the kidneys and liver.

Tablets for colds and flu contain antibodies that activate the functioning of the human immune system. The drug is recommended for the treatment of children over 12 years of age and adult patients. A special product, Anaferon for Children, is produced for children. It can be used from 1 year of age.

You should know that this medicine is not only against viruses, but also to strengthen the immune system during seasonal fluctuations in air temperature. It helps treat mild herpes virus infections well.

Cold medicine Anaferon:

  1. acts quickly;
  2. has no contraindications;
  3. does not cause adverse reactions.

The drug should be discarded only if there is an individual intolerance to any of its components. In extremely rare cases, a skin rash may occur.

Kagocel, Coldrex, Antigrippin

Kagocel is the best fast-acting remedy against colds. Not suitable for children under 3 years of age, pregnant women and during lactation. You should not take pills if you are hypersensitive.

Preparations of this type are good to use to get rid of a runny nose, herpes, flu, and acute viral infection. Kagocel is also suitable for the prevention of these ailments.

To avoid getting sick in the autumn, it is enough to take 1 tablet every day for a week. If the cold has already begun, you should take 2 pieces three times a day in the first few days. Children are given 1 tablet.

Provided that the patient strictly follows the doctor’s instructions and strictly adheres to the instructions for use, the possibility of developing adverse reactions in the body is negligible. When the patient notices the development of an allergy, you need to stop taking the medication and consult a doctor to replace it.

Coldrex

This cold remedy comes in powder form. It should be diluted with boiling water and drunk hot. The drug Coldrex is characterized by a powerful antiviral effect and helps to cope with the symptoms of ARVI. The list of symptoms, in addition to a runny nose, included:

  • headache;
  • nasal congestion;
  • increased body temperature;
  • aching joints;
  • discomfort in the throat.

Coldrex is no less effective against a runny nose. The powder is not recommended for children, pregnant or lactating women who have a cold, severe liver dysfunction, diabetes, heart problems, or closed-angle glaucoma.

Adults should take 1 packet every 4 hours for colds and flu in the first days of illness. As soon as the symptoms of the disease stop, there is no need to use the powder. The maximum course of therapy should not exceed 5 consecutive days.

If an overdose occurs, the patient risks severe liver damage. In addition, long-term use of the drug increases the chance of developing side effects, for example, disturbances in night sleep, increased blood pressure, attacks of nausea, and headaches.

You should refrain from treatment with Coldrex without first consulting your doctor.

Antigrippin

Another drug against viruses is Antigrippin. It is believed that the medicine is the best and helps against runny nose and colds quickly and effectively. The product is produced in tablet form, like many similar drugs. It is prescribed to patients over 15 years of age.

This medicine will not help with a bacterial infection. It should be taken 1 piece 2-3 times a day until the patient feels better.

Antigrippin should not be taken by children with hypersensitivity to vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and paracetamol. It is also prohibited for the following violations:

  1. renal failure;
  2. phenylketonuria;
  3. prostatic hyperplasia.

Contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women. It is prescribed with extreme caution to patients with viral hepatitis, alcohol dependence, and the elderly.

Fervex, Amiksin, Ingavirin

There are medications that instantly help with colds. Fervex powder is usually classified as such. It will be no less effective for the disease rhinopharyngitis.

The powder can be taken in combination with other anti-flu medications. If the phase of the disease is acute, it is recommended to take 1 packet three times a day. During therapy, a gap of at least 4 hours should be maintained between use.

The drug should not be taken by sick people suffering from renal failure or excessive sensitivity to its individual components. During pregnancy, it is allowed only from the second trimester.

As for the lactation period, some components of the product may pass into breast milk. For this reason, it is better to avoid Fervex at this time.

Cold medicine should not be combined with products containing alcohol. This can cause severe liver damage. Sometimes patients complain of the development of adverse reactions:

  • nausea;
  • pain in the abdominal cavity;
  • gagging;
  • dizziness.

It is extremely rare that allergic reactions may occur, such as skin itching or rashes.

This anti-virus agent has an immunomodulatory effect. It is produced in the form of tablets, the main active ingredient is tilaxin. Auxiliary components: croscarmellose sodium, calcium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose.

The tablets combine well with other drugs against viruses and influenza. During seasonal temperature fluctuations they can be used to prevent ARVI (in adults and children).

For adult patients with flu and colds, it is enough to take 1 tablet once a day for 3 days. For prevention, take 1 piece. The drug cannot be prescribed to patients with hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, during pregnancy or lactation.

Cold and flu medications under this name are produced in capsule form. Ingavirin helps quickly and efficiently. Fever, headache, discomfort in the throat, body aches disappear within a day after taking the product.

Capsules are prescribed to be taken once a day, regardless of meals. Usually the total course of treatment does not exceed 5-7 days. Therapy is started immediately after the first symptoms of the disease, for example, a runny nose. When treatment is delayed, the drug, like other drugs, begins to work less effectively.

So, if the first capsule was drunk a few days after the onset of the disease, the result will not come quickly.

Viferon, Anvimax, Grippferon

Many of the cold remedies and runny nose medications discussed above are not always approved for expectant and young nursing mothers and children. Therefore, the treatment of colds, runny nose, and acute respiratory viral infections in these patients cannot be done without the drug Viferon.

Suppositories are perhaps the fastest way to treat viral ailments. They have no contraindications, except for the first trimester of pregnancy. This effective medicine helps relieve symptoms during colds and flu.

Viferon copes better with acute respiratory infections than tablets and other drugs. Adult patients are prescribed 1 suppository three times a day. For children over one year of age, the dosage is reduced to 1 suppository per day. And it should be noted that this is an extreme treatment for ARVI and influenza at home

There are usually no side effects for those who have used cold and flu remedies in suppositories. Allergic rashes and skin itching occur only in particularly extreme cases. If this happens, treatment is canceled and other drugs against the common cold and viruses are used. The list of permitted means is very extensive.

Anvimax cold and flu remedy is available in powder form. It is necessary for symptomatic therapy; it is not able to influence the root cause of the disease. Includes:

  • ascorbic acid;
  • paracetamol.

Patients with excessive sensitivity to these components should use such medications against runny nose and other symptoms of a cold with extreme caution. Powder is the best remedy among the rest. Anvimax is a fast-acting drug that relieves body temperature, headaches, aches and sore throat. If used correctly, the medicine helps to overcome the disease in a short time.

The powder should not be prescribed to patients under 18 years of age, people with renal failure, sarcoidosis, chronic alcohol dependence, hypercalcemia, phenylketonuria.

Like many other cold medicines, Anvimax cannot be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Take the powder strictly according to the instructions. During an exacerbation of symptoms, you need to drink 1 packet 2 to 3 times a day. On average, the course should not be longer than 5 days in a row.

Grippferon

Grippferon is a good interferon-based medicine that helps fight viruses. It is also characterized by an immunomodulatory effect on the body.

The medication is approved for the treatment of pregnant women and children under one year of age. The only contraindication is intolerance to individual components. The course of treatment is 5-7 days.

The named tablets and other drugs are not a complete list of effective drugs. Flu medications should be selected on an individual basis. However, even in this case, the development of adverse reactions cannot be avoided. Therefore, the treatment process must be carried out under the supervision of a doctor, which is discussed in detail in the video in this article.

Antiviral drugs for colds are the main remedy in the fight against this category of ailments.

As you know, during the period of intensification of colds, it is better to prevent them, and not to bring them to a state where treatment is already necessary. Activating your immune system during the cold season is the most effective measure to protect yourself from colds. Then the disease will not develop, or at least the situation will not become severe.

If the disease is of a viral nature - acute respiratory viral disease (ARVI) - then treatment is indispensable. And the best way to deal with the problem in this case is antiviral drugs. The essence of their action is their impact on the virus itself, which is the etiological factor.

Antiviral drugs are used to treat ARVI and influenza. These medications affect the replication of the virus in such a way as to stop it from multiplying. Antiviral drugs have a synthetic or natural base. They are used both in the fight against the disease and for its prevention. Different stages of a cold may be affected by antiviral drugs. Today, modern science knows about five hundred causative agents of different types of colds. There are few antiviral drugs to combat them.

Basically, viral diseases are treated with three types of drugs:

  • broad spectrum flu medications;
  • drugs to treat herpes infections.
  • means to combat cytomegalovirus.

In case of a severe form of the disease, antiviral drugs are taken; in case of a mild form, the use of interferons is permissible. Within a day and a half after the first symptoms appear, it is necessary to urgently start taking an antiviral drug. If the virus is allowed to multiply to such a scale that it colonizes the entire body, then it can be reached to the point that taking medications will not have any effect.

Effect of antiviral drugs for colds

With the help of antiviral drugs, the causes of the occurrence and development of acute respiratory disease are eliminated. The results of this action are:

  • reducing the risks of exacerbations of chronic diseases (chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, etc.);
  • reducing the duration of a cold by several days, alleviating its symptoms;
  • reducing the risk that severe complications will develop after suffering an acute respiratory illness.

Antiviral drugs for colds are also used as emergency prevention when one of the family members is sick and the risk of infection to healthy people needs to be reduced.

Antiviral tablets for colds

In the class of synthetic antiviral drugs that work well against the influenza virus, there are two groups of effective drugs. The essence of the action of M-channel blockers is to block the virus so that it cannot penetrate cells and multiply. Some of the proven drugs against viruses in this category are “Amantadine” (“Midantan”), as well as “Rimantadine” (“Remantadine”). For the desired effect, they must be taken as soon as the disease begins to manifest itself. Another drawback is that it is not always possible to understand what kind of virus a person has fallen ill with. And these antiviral drugs are indicated during an epidemic against the influenza A virus. In addition, bird and swine flu are resistant to them. It is important to remember that taking an antiviral drug for a cold should be done not only by the sick person himself, but also by all members of his family.

An effective antiviral remedy for colds

But neuraminidase inhibitors act on influenza A and B viruses. The essence of their action is to suppress the enzyme that is responsible for the reproduction of the virus. Representatives of this group of drugs are Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and Zanamivir (Relenza). You can start taking them within two days from the initial manifestations of the disease.

List of antiviral drugs for colds

  • "Relenza";
  • "Grippferon";
  • "Amiksin";
  • "Kagocel";
  • "Remantadine";
  • "Viferon";
  • "Ribavirin";
  • "Amizon";
  • "Cycloferon".

Antiviral drug for colds "Zanamivir"

Zanamivir is prescribed for influenza in adults and children over 5 years of age, 5 mg inhalation twice a day for 5 days. The total daily dose reaches 10 mg. The drug is not combined with other inhaled drugs (including bronchodilators), due to the fact that exacerbations are possible in patients with bronchial asthma and other nonspecific lung diseases. A number of people without pulmonary pathology may experience signs of irritation of the nasopharynx, which in rare cases reaches the appearance of bronchospasm.

Antiviral drug for colds "Ozeltamivir"

For influenza for adults and children over 12 years of age, the recommended dose of Oseltamivir is 75 mg 2 times a day for at least 5 days. Oseltamivir is prescribed to children over 1 year old - with body weight less than 15 kg - 30 mg, from 15 to 23 kg - 45 mg, from 23 to 40 kg - 60 mg, over 40 kg - 75 mg twice a day for five days.

The drug is prescribed with caution in case of renal failure; it may cause nausea and vomiting when taken.

Antiviral drugs for colds with a wider spectrum of action are “Ribavirin” (“Ribarin”) and “Inosin Pranobex” (“Groprinosin”).

Antiviral drug for colds "Ribavirin"

"Ribavirin" acts on influenza A and B viruses, parainfluenza, respiratory syncytial virus, coronaviruses, rhinoviruses. A special feature of the drug is its high toxicity, so it is used only if respiratory syncytial infection is confirmed, which often leads to bronchiolitis in children.

Ribavirin is used to treat influenza in adults over 18 years of age (200 mg 3-4 times a day with meals for 5-7 days) in the absence of pregnancy, renal failure and hemolytic anemia.

Antiviral drug for colds "Inosine pranobex"

"Inosine pranobex" fights influenza viruses, parainfluenza, rhinoviruses, adenoviruses. This antiviral drug for colds stimulates the human body's defenses. For the treatment of influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections, it is recommended to take it: adults, 2 tablets 3-4 times a day at regular intervals for 5-7 days; For children, the daily dose is 50 mg per kilogram of body weight.

Take the daily dose in 3-4 doses at equal intervals. The duration of treatment is 5–7 days.

Interferons and interferon inducers

Another large group of antiviral drugs for colds are interferons and interferon inducers. Interferons are protein substances that the body synthesizes as a response to infection, making the body more resistant to viruses. They have a wide spectrum of action, which makes them stand out from many other synthetic drugs. But some experts argue that they are not very effective for ARVI. In case of colds, they are prescribed as nasal drops and rectal suppositories. Native leukocyte interferon is instilled four to six times a day, Reaferon (interferon alfa-2a) two drops two to four times a day. Viferon (alpha-2b interferon) usually comes as suppositories; adults usually use Viferon 3 and 4.

There are also interferon inducers. These are drugs that stimulate the body to produce its own interferons. Colds are treated with Tiloron (Amiksin), Meglumina acridone acetate (Cycloferon) and a number of other antiviral drugs for colds.

Antiviral drug for colds "Amiksin"

For the treatment of influenza and acute respiratory infections, Amiksin is prescribed orally after meals, two tablets of 0.125 g for adults and 0.06 g for children over 7 years of age on the first day of illness and then 1 tablet every other day.

For a course of treatment - up to 6 tablets. Contraindicated for pregnant women and children under 7 years of age.

Antiviral drug for colds "Cycloferon"

"Cycloferon" is used for the treatment of influenza and acute respiratory infections in the form of intramuscular injections at a dose of 250 mg (12.5% ​​2 ml) two days in a row, then every other day or 1 tablet 0.15 g every other day for 20 days.

Antiviral drug for colds "Kagocel"

"Kagocel" is an interferon inducer with direct antiviral and immunomodulatory effects.

It is usually prescribed for influenza and acute respiratory infections in adults, 2 tablets 3 times a day in the first two days (daily dose is 72 mg), then 1 tablet 3 times a day (daily dose 36 mg). In total, a 4-day course contains up to 18 tablets.

Antiviral drug for colds "Arbidol"

An antiviral drug such as Arbidol is effective in treating colds. It acts against viruses A, B, and also treats parainfluenza, syncytial infections, and adenoviruses. The essence of the drug’s action is to stimulate the production of endogenous interferon; it has an antioxidant effect and strengthens the immune system.

Arbidol for colds without complications is prescribed: children from 3 to 6 years old - 50 mg, from 6 to 12 years old - 100 mg, over 12 years old and adults - 200 mg 4 times a day (every 6 hours) for 5 days. With the development of complications (bronchitis, pneumonia, etc.), children from 3 to 6 years old take Arbidol 50 mg, from 6 to 12 years old - 100 mg, over 12 years old, adults - 200 mg 4 times a day (every 6 hours ) for 5 days, then a single dose once a week for a month.

Antiviral drug for colds "Amizon"

The antiviral drug for colds "Amizon" is an inducer of endogenous interferon and has antiviral, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects.

Adults take Amizon 2–4 times a day after meals for moderate influenza and acute respiratory infections, 0.25 g, for severe cases, 0.5 g for 5–7 days; The course dose of treatment is 3–6.5 g. Children aged 6–12 years drink 0.125 g 2–3 times a day for 5–7 days.

Antiviral drug for colds "Anaferon"

"Anaferon" refers to homeopathic remedies with antiviral and immunomodulatory effects. It is also used to treat colds and flu. Directions for use for adults: 1 tablet, sublingually from three to six times a day, depending on the severity of the disease.

Treatment begins at the first respiratory symptoms. After improvement of the condition, it is recommended to switch to taking the drug once a day for 8-10 days. For children from six months to three years old, dissolve one tablet in 15 ml of water and give it to drink. For prophylaxis, Anaferon is prescribed one tablet once a day for one to three months.

Antiviral drug for colds "Grippferon"

"Grippferon" is an immunomodulatory, antiviral and anti-inflammatory drug for intranasal use. The duration of the course of use and dose of the drug "Grippferon" is usually determined by the attending physician.

The recommended dose for children under 1 year of age is 500 IU (1 drop of the drug) 5 times a day; for children from 1 to 3 years old is 1000 IU (2 drops of Grippferon) 3-4 times a day; from 3 to 14 years old is 1000 IU (2 drops of the drug “Grippferon”) 4-5 times a day. The recommended dose for adults is 1500 IU (3 drops) 5-6 times a day. The duration of the course of application is 5 days.

Herbal antiviral drugs for colds

Some medicinal herbs also have antiviral effects. The action of many herbal preparations is directed against viruses belonging to the herpes family. Colds are often accompanied by herpetic rashes, in addition, the course of cytomegalovirus infection also often occurs with the same symptoms as ARVI. Alpizarin belongs to this category of drugs. The active ingredient in it is an extract of plants such as alpine kopek, yellow kopek, and mango leaves. The antiviral drug "Flacozide" contains an active substance that is obtained from Amur velvet and Laval velvet. For external use, use the ointments “Megozin” (cottonseed oil), “Helepin” (aerial part of Lespedeza kopecky), “Gossypol” (obtained when cotton seeds or cotton roots are processed).

Antiviral drugs that are used for colds also include Altabor. It is based on an extract of gray and black (sticky) alder fruits.

Turf pike and ground reed grass give life to the drug “Proteflazid”; it is also used in the treatment of colds, flu and for their prevention. The German drug “Imupret” has an antiviral and immunomodulatory effect. It contains horsetail, walnut leaves and oak bark.

Price of antiviral drugs for colds

The price range for antiviral drugs for colds is quite wide - from 20 to 200 hryvnia (of course, it still depends on the packaging and the number of tablets). In any case, it is better to consult with your doctor, who will prescribe the drug that will be most effective in a particular case.

If we name the approximate prices for the main antiviral drugs used to treat colds, in Ukrainian pharmacies they are: “Amizon” - from 20 UAH, “Arbidol” - from 50 UAH, “Amiksin” - from 30 UAH, “Anaferon” - from 40 UAH, "Remantadine" - from 11 UAH, "Kagocel" from 70 UAH, "Viferon" - from 70 UAH - from 110 UAH.

Inexpensive antiviral drugs for colds

Inexpensive antiviral drugs for colds, which are often prescribed by doctors and are widely used - “Amizon”, “Amiksin”, “Anaferon”. For 20-40 hryvnia you can buy 10 tablets. But once again, please note: before deciding to purchase an antiviral drug for a cold, you should consult with your doctor.

With the help of antiviral drugs, it is not the consequence, but the cause of the cold that is eliminated. This is a great advantage of antiviral drugs in the treatment of colds, and this also explains their effectiveness. Antiviral drugs shorten the duration of a cold by two to three days and make it easier. Due to the use of antiviral drugs for colds, the risk that other chronic diseases will worsen (exacerbation of bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis and other diseases) is reduced, and various complications will not arise, as often happens with other drugs. In addition, antiviral drugs for colds have an excellent effect in the prevention of acute respiratory viral infections and influenza, including among healthy family members when a sick person is at home.

Inexpensive cold medicines

Antiviral medications are often used for colds. Not everyone has the opportunity to buy expensive medicine, so the question arises, what inexpensive remedy can be used to quickly recover. A thrifty person knows that it is easier to prevent a disease than to treat it. During the peak of colds, it is necessary to activate the immune system.

The effects of antiviral drugs on the body

ARVI is best treated with an antiviral drug; it stops the multiplication of the virus and prevents it from getting worse. There are two groups of drugs - synthetic and natural. They can be used for treatment and preventive purposes. Pharmacology has developed three main groups of drugs to combat viruses:

  • Flu medications.
  • Medicines for herpes infection.
  • Drugs for cytomegalovirus.

They all have different prices, much depends on the manufacturer. The same drug may have different prices. For example, one produced abroad will cost more, but a domestic drug with the same composition is always cheaper. Please note that cold medications are effective only at the beginning of the disease. When the virus has already completely colonized the entire body, the antiviral drug will no longer help.

The drug eliminates the cause and development of ARVI, with its help you can:

  • Protect against further exacerbation of a chronic disease (tonsillitis, laryngitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, rhinitis, sinusitis, sinusitis, etc.).
  • Reduce the duration of a cold and alleviate symptoms. After taking it, the person recovers within 2 days.
  • Reduces the risk of severe complications of ARVI.
  • Protects against infection. The drug is used as a prophylactic drug. If one of the family members gets sick, it is necessary to take medicine, this way you can protect yourself from ARVI.

Inexpensive cold tablets

Proven synthetic drugs are Rimantadine and Amantadine. To increase effectiveness, they should be taken at the first symptoms of the disease. Please note that they are more suitable for the influenza A virus, and when a person gets sick, he cannot independently find out what virus he has.

Inexpensive and effective cold remedies include neuraminidase inhibitors; they help with influenza B and A viruses. They completely destroy enzymes and stop the activity of the virus. This group of drugs includes Tamiflu, Grippferon, Relenza, Kagocel, Amiksin, Anaferon, Arbidol, Viferon, Amizon.

Anti-cold diseases of plant origin

The inexpensive group includes medications that contain herbs. They are recommended for use when herpetic rashes are observed during a cold. The following antiviral herbal preparations can be distinguished:

  • Alpizarin It contains mango leaves, yellowing pennyweed, and alpine pennyweed.
  • Flacoside consists of Amur velvet and Laval.
  • Megosin ointment used externally, it contains cottonseed oil.
  • Helepin ointment consists of the terrestrial part of Lespedeza penny.
  • Gossypol ointment contains cotton root and cotton seeds.
  • Altabor– an effective anti-cold medicine. It contains black and gray alder.
  • Proteflazid Suitable for treating flu, colds. It contains ground reed grass and turf pike.
  • Imupret is an expensive German drug. It consists of oak bark extract, horsetail and walnut leaves.

Prices for cold medications

The cost of all medicines is different. It is best to pay attention to effectiveness and safety. You can first save money and then treat the consequences after taking the drugs. Without a doctor, you do not need to prescribe medications yourself.

Inexpensive antiviral drugs include Amiksin, Anaferon, Amizon. You can first buy a plate of 10 tablets, check your reaction and the effect of the drug, if everything is fine, you can continue treatment with this remedy.

Please note that cold remedies do not eliminate the symptoms of a cold, but the cause of its occurrence, and therefore are effective. With their help you can reduce the disease.

Inexpensive cold remedies to relieve symptoms

To speed up recovery, it is necessary to pay attention to all disruptions in the body. When your throat hurts, you can prepare a soda-salt solution at home and constantly gargle with it. Tincture of calendula and eucalyptus will help relieve sore throat. You need to take 200 ml of warm water and dilute a tablespoon of tincture in it. Rinse every 3 hours.

The following inexpensive drugs will help relieve a sore throat:

  • Septefril– an antiseptic drug, it is used to treat pharyngitis, sore throat, stomatitis.
  • Chlorophyllipt contains extracts from eucalyptus. The drug relieves pain and removes purulent plugs from the tonsils. Available in the form of an oil and alcohol solution, also in the form of a spray.
  • Streptocide It is recommended to use it for a very sore throat. Efficiency increases if you mix Streptocide powder with honey.
  • Miramistin solution has an antiseptic effect, helps with colds and gets rid of inflammation in the throat.

If you experience nasal congestion, you can use inexpensive nasal drops such as Sanorin, Naphthyzin, Farmazolin, Pinosol, Galazolin for several days. Eucalyptus and peppermint oil softens the nasal mucosa. Constantly rinse your nose with saline solution, this will quickly clear the mucous membrane of the virus.

When a cold is accompanied by a high temperature, it is necessary to use antipyretic drugs. Inexpensive medications include Acetylsalicylic acid, Paracetamol, Ibuprofen.

So, to avoid having to spend money on cold medications, keep an eye on your immune system. Constantly strengthen your body, temper it, play sports, eat right and move as much as possible!

A lot of different tables have appeared on social networks, which show cheap analogues of expensive medicines for the treatment of influenza and ARVI. The problem is that this kind of advice is given by non-professionals who ignore, for example, the absence of important excipients in the drug. Sometimes recommendations on the Internet are correct, but the real difference in price between a medicine and its analogue is insignificant.

ON THIS TOPIC

Olga Ferova, General Director of the Feola pharmacy chain, told website that in original drugs, in addition to the active substance, there may also be auxiliary ones that, for example, reduce the risk of side effects. “The analog may not contain these substances to make them cheaper. But the chemical formula is the same,” she explained.

In turn, medical marketing expert, candidate of medical sciences Oleg Bely noted that in addition to original drugs, pharmacies sell many generic drugs that are almost identical in composition. He emphasized that a scientist who patents a useful molecule has the exclusive right to receive maximum profit from his discovery for some time.

“15-20 years have passed, and the patent protection period for this molecule has expired. And there are a number of companies in line that produce generic analogues. Their task is to make approximately the same tablet and show chemists in the laboratory that they have approximately the same drug, in which has approximately the same percentage of active substance,” explained Oleg Bely. “They do not undergo significant checks. These companies say – we are almost the same, but buy us,” said the candidate of medical sciences. In this regard, many identical drugs have appeared on the market at completely different prices.

Note that the cost of the medicine may also be affected by its release form. “Say, a tablet dissolves in the stomach and causes some harm to it. To prevent this from happening, they make a capsule that dissolves only in the intestines,” explained Olga Ferova.

All cold medications vary in the symptoms they treat - antipyretics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and cough medications. Doctors use antihistamines and vasoconstrictors that eliminate swelling of the nasal mucosa and reduce the number of discharges. And each type of medicine has original remedies or cheap analogues.

Known anti-inflammatory agent Nurofen(120 rubles) can be replaced with tablets Ibuprofen(15 rubles). It is noteworthy that the expensive medicine contains a similar active ingredient, ibuprofen. In fact, the analogue is no less effective, although it lacks a number of excipients.

It looks like the situation is the same with antipyretics. The basis of drugs like Fervexa(300 rubles) and Teraflu(350 rubles) is the active ingredient paracetamol, tablets of which can be found in a pharmacy even for six rubles. Also the active substance in medicinal powders is ascorbic acid, which can also be bought in tablets for 20 rubles.

"I myself drink simple Soviet Citramon(30 rubles), there is aspirin and paracetamol,” said Oleg Bely. “Fervex is psychotherapy, a pill for two rubles cannot cure, you have to buy it for at least thirty. It’s boring, there’s nothing to do, I want to drink sweet water with some flavor, so let’s give Fervex,” the expert says.

The active ingredient of a popular cough medicine Lazolvan in tablets or syrup form (250 rubles) is Ambroxol. It can be purchased in the same release forms (50 rubles).

You won’t be able to save much on eliminating nasal congestion and clearing the airways. However, not only drops help in treatment For the nose(80 rubles) and Xymelin(150 rubles), but also their cheaper analogue Galazolin(50 rubles). All three drugs are based on 0.05% and 0.1% solutions of xylometazoline.

Let us add that an important component of the systemic treatment of colds are immunostimulating agents. The most common are Grippferon(300 rubles), Imudon(600 rubles) and Amiksin(750 rubles). In this case, taking herbal preparations such as extract will be no less effective. echinacea(50 rubles).

COUGH MORE FREQUENTLY – HIGHER PRICES

In September-October, the peak season begins for pharmacy chains: people frantically purchase medicines for colds and flu, both for prevention and for future treatment, says pharmaceutical market expert, head of the Center for Social Economy David Melik-Huseinov.- Well, what seller in such a situation would not take the chance to increase profits by raising prices?!

As a result, starting from mid-autumn, cold medicines on pharmacy shelves have risen in price by an average of 10 - 15%. True, not all: there is a list of vital drugs, the cost of which is regulated by the state, setting maximum trade markups. This list includes popular drugs to relieve the symptoms of flu and colds, for example, acetylsalicylic acid, paracetamol. At the same time, more “sophisticated” analogues of such drugs - in the form of effervescent powders, sprays, etc., are not subject to state regulation. And pharmacies can raise their prices to the ceiling.

DIFFERENT OUTSIDE, SIMILAR INSIDE

Pharmacists themselves admit: over the past 20 - 30 years, no fundamentally new drugs for headaches or for reducing fever have appeared. “If you compare many more expensive drugs and their cheaper analogues, it will be like a car: with a basic set of functions and a tuned one with additional options,” David Melik-Huseinov gives an example. So, instead of a tasteless or bitter pill, you can choose a pleasant-tasting drink - medicinal powder dissolved in hot water. And instead of simple nasal drops, there is a spray in a beautiful bottle with bright packaging. But, just as a car drives regardless of the presence of heated seats, analogue drugs will perform their main function (antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, etc.) regardless of taste, color, smell and, in most cases, form.

If the production technology is not violated, then drugs with the same active ingredient (that is, analogue drugs) will have the same therapeutic effect on the body, regardless of the difference in price, doctors confirm.

IS THERE A PANACEA FOR VIRUSES?

Together with experts, we have selected 7 main drugs that help get rid of the unpleasant symptoms that accompany colds and flu: “off-scale” temperature, headache, tightly clogged nose and cough. In the table you can find both more expensive drugs and their analogues - drugs with the same active ingredient, but at a much lower price.

There are no antiviral agents that are guaranteed to cure the cold itself in the selection. Why?

There is currently debate all over the world about the effectiveness of drugs for ARVI (acute respiratory viral infections). “Colds are caused not by one or even 10 viruses - there are seven different families, each has subfamilies, and in total there are more than two hundred varieties!” explains the scale of the problem Professor John Oxford, virologist at Queen Mary University of London. At the same time, viruses have few of their own components that can be influenced - these insidious infectious agents are built into human cells, using them as material for their own reproduction.

As for influenza, there are a couple of antiviral drugs recommended by the World Health Organization - they are based on innovative developments (the active ingredients oseltamivir and zanamivir). These drugs are produced by major pharmaceutical companies that have conducted a lot of clinical trials. However, a number of scientists doubt the veracity of these studies and their results.

“In any case, it makes sense to take antiviral medications only if you start doing this in the first 24 hours after the onset of the disease, that is, the appearance of the main symptoms - headache, nasal congestion, sore throat,” notes ex-head of the Kremlin, doctor of the highest category, candidate of medical sciences Alexander Myasnikov. Keep in mind: already on the second day, the concentration of the virus in the blood will be such that it is pointless to fight it with existing medications; you’ll just waste your kidneys and liver.

ON A NOTE

Foods instead of drugs

Research conducted in Cardiff University Cold Research Center (Wales), have shown that blackcurrant juice with hot water is no less effective than many medications. This drink helps relieve nasal congestion, reduces inflammation in the throat and cough.

Hot water (but not boiling water!) with lemon and honey is also an excellent way to help with sore throat, notes Professor of Pharmacy at the University of Reading (England) Elizabeth Williamson.

Data from scientific studies conducted in the USA have confirmed the life-saving effect of chicken broth. It slows down the movement of immune cells called neutrophils, which cause unpleasant cold symptoms. This reduces nasal congestion and inflammatory reactions in the throat.

STAY IN TOUCH!

The main mistakes when treating flu and colds

You should not lower your temperature by taking antipyretics if the thermometer shows below 38 - 38.5 degrees. At this temperature, the body quickly copes with viruses on its own. The exception is cases of individual reactions, when the patient very poorly tolerates even a minimal increase in temperature (a strong heartbeat, headache, etc. begins) - then it is worth taking an antipyretic.

Do not overuse vasoconstrictors that relieve nasal congestion. These drugs “burn” the nasal mucosa and, if used frequently, can lead to the development of chronic runny nose. Therefore, if during a cold your nose is not so clogged that it is impossible to breathe, it is better to endure it, doing without medications or using folk remedies (garlic, inhalations, etc.).

Horse doses of vitamin C or other vitamin complexes are more likely to harm than help. Recent scientific studies have shown that artificially synthesized vitamins are not absorbed by the body, but are excreted, putting additional stress on the kidneys.

Save on treating colds

Under the influence of television advertising, expensive medicines are forced upon us. Meanwhile, the popular drugs have inexpensive analogues that practically do not differ in their effects on the body. The collection from Komsomolskaya Pravda will help you navigate the whole variety of medicines that are full of bright packaging on pharmacy displays.

Almost every person suffers from a cold at least once a year. No matter how strong the human body is, it cannot be completely protected from viruses and infections, especially if it is the off-season or winter. Manufacturers offer inexpensive cold and flu medications to combat illness. You should know which ones are not only cheap, but also effective.

Antiviral drugs are inexpensive but effective

All flu and cold remedies are divided into three broad categories:

  1. Antiviral. These medications fight the virus and make the body's cells more resistant to its effects.
  2. Immunomodulators. Preparations for correcting the body's defense reactions to natural levels.
  3. For symptomatic treatment. Drugs in this group do not suppress infection, but simply relieve the symptoms of a cold or flu.

Antiviral tablets

The most famous drugs in this category:

  1. Tamiflu, Oseltamivir. Adults and teenagers take 1 tablet twice a day for five days. The medicine is not recommended for those with kidney disease.
  2. "Amiksin". Adults take two 125 mg tablets on the first day of illness, and then one tablet every other day. The dosage of the children's drug has been halved. The drug should not be taken by pregnant women.

Immunomodulators

Inexpensive good cold and flu medicines in this category:

  1. "Cycloferon". The drug is for adults and children who are already four years old. The course is 20 days, take one tablet every other day.
  2. "Kagocel". This medicine can be combined with antibiotics. Adults take two tablets three times the first two days, and then one at a time. Kagocel should not be taken by pregnant women for the first three months. Find out more, and for children.
  3. "Anaferon". Homeopathic medicine. Adults take one tablet 3-6 times a day.

For symptomatic treatment

List of drugs that can remove signs of the disease:

  1. Coldact Flu Plus. Capsules with paracetamol and excipients. You need to drink one every 12 hours. During treatment, you must categorically abstain from alcoholic beverages.
  2. "Coldrex". Helps with colds with wet cough. You need to take one tablet 3-4 times a day. You should not take this drug if you have diabetes or liver or kidney failure.
  3. "Rinza". Tablets are taken 4 times a day. They should not be drunk by pregnant women, children under 15 years of age, or people with heart or vascular diseases. Course – 5 days.
  4. "Fervex". The drug is produced in the form of sachets of powder, which must be dissolved in warm water. You should not use Fervex for more than three days. You should not drink more than 4 packets per day.

Cold remedies

Apart from pills, there are many other medications that effectively fight the disease. If you do not want to take antiviral medications for colds and flu, or drink complex symptomatic medications, then you can try another treatment tactic. The decision must be made based on the severity of the disease. There are many inexpensive cold and flu medications that can provide relief.

For sore throat

The following medications will help you relieve inflammation and irritation:

  1. "Grammidin." Fast-acting lozenges with anesthetic. You need to take two of them 4 times a day, following a weekly course.
  2. "Strepsils". They relieve pain and have an antiseptic effect. The tablets should be dissolved one at a time every three hours. Treatment with the drug is allowed for children over five years of age. A sore throat will be completely removed in three to four days.
  3. "Faringosept". A powerful medicine that should not be taken by children under six years of age. It is recommended to dissolve the tablets after meals and then not drink liquids for a while. Per day - no more than five pieces. The course of treatment is three days.

Nasal drops

The following medications will help you get rid of a runny nose:

  1. "Sanorin". They have a vasoconstrictor effect. They do not treat nasal congestion, but temporarily eliminate it. These drops should not be used for more than five days in a row. Contains a reduced concentration of vasoconstrictors and eucalyptus oil.
  2. "Pinosol". Medicinal drops that have a healing effect. They slowly fight the causes of a runny nose, but do not eliminate congestion.
  3. "Aqua Maris". A product for moisturizing the nasal mucosa. Prevents blood vessels from drying out and speeds up the healing process. It is recommended to use moisturizing drops for any type of runny nose.
  4. "Vibrocil". Antiviral drug. Drops remove not only a runny nose, but also its cause. They have a vasoconstrictor, antihistamine effect, kill bacteria, and relieve swelling.

Antipyretics

The following medications will quickly reduce the temperature:

  1. "Paracetamol". A time-tested and inexpensive remedy that relieves heat, relieves pain and inflammation. It has virtually no side effects. Paracetamol is the main active component of many other drugs: Panadol, Fervex, Flucolda, Coldrex.
  2. "Ibuprofen". This medicine is more of an anti-inflammatory, but it also lowers the temperature well. It should not be taken by those who have ulcers, kidney or liver disease. Included in Nurofen and Ibuklin.
  3. "Aspirin"(acetylsalicylic acid). Antipyretic and analgesic. It should not be taken by pregnant women, children under 12, or those with reduced blood clotting. It is the main component of a huge number of other antipyretic drugs.

For herpes

The following ointments will help overcome this unpleasant symptom of a cold:

  1. "Acyclovir". The most inexpensive remedy. Fights the virus and prevents it from multiplying. If you are pregnant or nursing a child, do not use the drug. If you get herpes often, it is better to alternate Acyclovir with another antiseptic ointment or cream so as not to become addictive.
  2. "Zovirax". The cream contains propylene glycol, thanks to which the active substance penetrates cells faster and more efficiently. Absorbs well into the skin. Zovirax must be used strictly according to the instructions.
  3. "Fenistil Pentsivir". A very powerful medicine that eliminates herpes instantly. Prevents wounds from becoming scars. The drug should not be used by pregnant, nursing mothers, or children under 12.

Against cough

Table of drugs:

Inexpensive drug analogues

If you cannot afford even the cheapest antiviral drugs, use Paracetamol, Aspirin or Ibuprofen. For symptomatic treatment, use local remedies: Naphthyzin or Farmazolin nasal drops, Septifril tablets for treating sore throat, cough medicine. Gargling with Chlorophyllipt will also be effective.

Medicines to prevent flu and colds

To protect yourself from the disease, rather than cope with its manifestations, it is best to use drugs with an immunomodulatory effect. The rules for preventive use are described in the instructions for each of them. You can try Broncho-munal capsules, which can be combined with almost all medications. Medicines such as Ribomunil, Rimantadine, Arbidol, Amizon have a good preventive effect.

If you're going to get sick, then do it in a big way. If you have the flu, then the whole family has it. If you get the flu, you get it for a long time, getting infected from each other.

Right? No! This is no longer the case.

Do you feel like you're getting sick? Take Oscillococcinum rather. Don’t forget also about your home: this drug can be given to both adults and children. No more “family” lingering flu - Oscillococcinum treats flu and strengthens natural immunity!

Gorzdrav is a pharmacy chain covering more than 750 pharmacies in Moscow, St. Petersburg and surrounding areas. We provide the opportunity to choose the cold remedy you need with minimal time. On the site you can:

  • find the medicine prescribed by the doctor;
  • order the drugs you are interested in at a pharmacy located near your home or place of work.

Using cold tablets

A cold is a cooling of the body, which causes various diseases[i]. Most often in everyday life a cold is called:

  • ARVI (acute respiratory viral infection);
  • flu;
  • pharyngitis;
  • laryngitis.

Among the main symptoms of the diseases listed above may be:

  • headache;
  • chills;
  • feeling of weakness, weakness;
  • muscle pain;
  • headache;
  • cough, sneezing;
  • nasal congestion.

You can cope with them with the help of effective antiviral drugs. There are contraindications for the use of many medications, so before using them, carefully read the instructions or consult a specialist.

Release forms

Medicines to cope with colds are produced in different forms. This allows you to select the optimal solution based on the patient’s age, severity of the problem, and other factors. The catalog on our website includes:

  • flu and cold tablets;
  • sprays for the nose and throat;
  • homeopathic capsules;
  • solutions for oral administration;
  • powders for preparing a solution;
  • syrups;
  • herbal preparations;
  • gels;
  • rectal suppositories and more.

For whom

On our website you can choose an inexpensive antiviral drug for adults and children. Such funds are prescribed:

  • adult men and women;
  • children of different ages.

During pregnancy, medications for flu and colds should be taken under the supervision of a doctor.

Contraindications

Many cold medications have contraindications. As a rule, this information is indicated in the instructions included with the medicine. Most often, medications cannot be used in the following cases:

  • individual intolerance to the active drug;
  • diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
  • various pathologies of the liver and kidneys.

Certificates

Some certificates of goods presented in our catalog.

BEFORE USING THE DRUGS, YOU SHOULD READ THE INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE OR CONSULT WITH A SPECIALIST.

Bibliography:

  1. [i] Vasilyeva, Alexandra Flu, ARVI and other colds / A. Vasilyeva. - M.: Nevsky Prospekt, 2004. - 160 p.
  2. Influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections / - M.: GEOTAR-Media, 2012. - 320 p.