Antiviral for a 2 year old child

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List of antiviral drugs for children 2 years old

Winter time is a generally recognized season for colds and illnesses. Adults fight colds and viral diseases by taking various drugs and medicines.

Table of contents:

But for children, taking powerful pills can be no less dangerous than not taking them. Therefore, let's evaluate the medications offered by pharmacists from the point of view of their suitability for use by young children, aged 2 years and a little older.

Mothers of babies would like the medicine to be effective, inexpensive and accessible. Let's try to find a drug that meets all these requirements and is suitable for children of the specified age. Of course, in this study we will focus on the opinion of doctors, but we will not forget about folk remedies, and we will also pay attention to the issues of disease prevention.

General information

Medicines for children can have a different spectrum of action. Young children should not make a diagnosis on their own, as this is fraught with consequences. Antiviral medications for children have their own clearly limited functions, that is, they must support the immune system, be safe, and also effectively fight viruses that cause the disease. Today, it is possible to identify only a few groups or categories into which existing antiviral drugs are divided:

  • homeopathic - as safe as possible, but their practical benefit can only be in the first days of illness. Not all doctors are confident in their proper and healing effect on the baby’s body. True, they can be taken up to 2 years and later, so they are a comprehensive answer to the question of safety and availability;
  • interferons - the essence of these drugs is a protein similar to the one that the body itself produces to fight viruses. These drugs are distinguished by their versatility and wide spectrum of action;
  • spectral antiviral drugs are a separate group, which is even more advanced pharmacologically. It will be discussed separately a little later;
  • anti-influenza and anti-herpetic - after all, it is known that influenza is the virus with the fastest mutation. As a result, new strains appear every year, for which improved drugs have to be created. The fight against influenza has become protracted, since this virus constantly adapts to new conditions and survives, despite all the efforts of pharmacologists and other research specialists.

Antiviral drugs act on a deeper level than, for example, symptomatic ones, that is, on the very cause of the disease. You need to learn to figure out which of them are suitable for children under 2 years of age and after, so as not to cause harm through negligence.

Contrary to advertising

Medicines for young children are heavily advertised on public television. But, as a rule, the price of such drugs is quite high. But if parents in this situation think about it, they will be able to understand that the best is not always expensive, and a cheap medicine can be so if there are no costs for expensive advertising.

In general, it’s time to admit that health is not a marketing ploy, although giant pharmaceutical companies instill exactly this idea. Let us return, however, to our topic. The following table clearly proves that effective medicines for children exist, and their price is quite reasonable.

As already mentioned, all these drugs are intended for children under 2 years of age. Antivirals should generally have no or minimal side effects.

Preventing the disease

The ideal option is antiviral drugs that will help prevent the disease. Now we will talk about prevention. A representative of this group of medications can be called Cytovir-3. The cost of the drug is also low, no more than rubles, the dosage form is syrup and tablets.

Since this medicine is completely justified, especially when used for prophylaxis, it is usually limited to it. But, of course, this is not the only remedy. Aflubin in drops or Viburkol in suppositories also belong to the homeopathic group, and accordingly, they can act both as a therapeutic agent and as a preventative.

ethnoscience

Antiviral drugs, of course, help young mothers. But for children under 2 years of age, traditional healing methods can also be recommended.

Be sure to give them plenty of warm liquids to drink. A good immune booster is any berry, boiled or ground with sugar, for example, viburnum, raspberry. Also, do not forget to add honey, nuts, and lemon to your children’s diet. Up to 2 years, you can use various herbal decoctions, as well as infusions of onions, honey and ginger. Rose hips and sage have also proven themselves to be excellent preventive antiviral agents.

In general, herbal teas will help reduce the risk of diseases in children and are a healthy habit instilled by parents since childhood. Doctors must evaluate your child before prescribing any of the drugs. The baby's mother can prevent the development of the disease or infection with it. Therefore, it is recommended that when cold weather sets in, you consult with competent specialists, and not with relatives or neighbors. Then it is quite possible to exclude the disease, or reduce its course and consequences to a minimum.

Our small educational program on the topic “Antiviral medications” can be considered complete. The conclusions are quite simple: for children under 2 years of age there are a number of restrictions on taking such drugs. It is advisable to take preventative measures to prevent illness. Be sure to monitor your child’s reaction to a particular drug or medication. Do not forget that the opinion of a specialist is much more significant than the opinion of friends. Use natural gifts to strengthen your immune system, because you can always have time to take a pill, and not everyone can think through a plan of action in advance.

Read also on the topic:

2 thoughts on “List of antiviral drugs for children 2 years old”

Traditional methods of treatment, drinking plenty of fluids, fruits, ventilation and all that is good, but it is better to initially protect your child’s immunity from the effects of various viruses. I give my son Influcid for prevention. In kindergarten, the child, whatever one may say, comes into contact with children who cough or are a little sick. And with Influcid, we have been avoiding all diseases for many years now.

It seems that it could be simpler - I bought antiviral drugs and am healthy. But it turns out to be a vicious circle - you started taking them and without them you can no longer cope with any infection. My friend tries to avoid them altogether and wears a Barrier Reef around her neck. Maybe it really makes sense to try these innovations.

Source: http://prostudnet.ru/lekarstva/perechen-protivovirusnyx-sredstv-dlya-detej-2-let.html

Antiviral drugs for children 2 years old

At the age of 2, children get colds and flu quite often. Children who have barely started attending kindergarten are susceptible to various diseases. And many parents complain that they barely have time to cure one thing for their baby before he falls ill with something else. The reason for this lies in the characteristics of children's immunity. In two-year-olds, it is not formed, which is why toddlers are so susceptible to virus attacks.

Modern antiviral drugs come to the aid of parents. And if adults don’t think much about which antiviral medicine to take at the first symptoms of an incipient disease, then for two-year-old children there are a large number of restrictions. Therefore, choosing a product to protect your child from viruses is a rather difficult task.

Children's medicines

Ideal children's medicines for influenza and acute respiratory viral infections in the understanding of doctors and in the understanding of parents are not always the same thing.

Moms and dads want to find a remedy that will help quickly and effectively relieve their baby from the unpleasant symptoms of a viral infection from the very first hours. Doctors understand that such drugs do not exist, because all antiviral drugs act not on the symptoms (cough, red throat, fever, aching sensation in the muscles), but on the cause of the disease - the virus that caused it.

However, different groups of antiviral medications act differently. There are medications that directly affect the causative agent of the disease. This is great from a medical point of view, but such pills have a negative effect on the entire body as a whole. Other antiviral drugs have an immunostimulating or immunomodulating effect; they force the baby’s immune system to produce antibodies to the virus. If we take into account that the baby’s immune defense is not yet fully formed, then frequent use of such drugs causes significant damage to it.

Interferons are antiviral drugs that “deliver” proteins into the baby’s body that are similar to those produced by the immune system when stimulated. Needless to say, this method of fighting viruses is also burdened with a lot of side effects.

Dr. Komarovsky talks about various antiviral drugs:

Homeopathic remedies with antiviral effects, according to parents, help only if they are taken in the first hours after the onset of symptoms of the disease. Most doctors are not at all sure of any effectiveness of homeopathic pills. In any case, it has not been clinically proven.

Dr. Komarovsky talks about homeopathic medicines in his program:

With all this, antiviral drugs have significant differences depending on the age of the patient. That is why it is so important to choose for a child 2 years and a little older exactly those medications that will best meet safety requirements - non-toxic and effective, approved for use in children of this age group.

How to choose?

Antiviral drugs in Russia, unlike other countries, are sold without a prescription. And the huge selection of different tablets, ointments, syrups, ampoules and rectal suppositories can baffle even very competent adults.

Ideally, a specific drug is recommended by a doctor who examined the child and assessed the degree and severity of his viral infection and made sure of the presence or absence of complications. If there is no opportunity to show the baby to a pediatrician (you are not at home, you cannot invite a specialist to call, you went on vacation or out of town), all responsibility for the effect of the chosen remedy falls on the shoulders of the parents.

When choosing, you should not judge the effectiveness of the drug by the price. Expensive ones are not always good, and cheap ones are not always useless.

It should be noted right away that the effectiveness of antiviral drugs is almost unproven. Therefore, the question of whether or not to give antiviral medications to a two-year-old child is quite controversial.

However, these drugs have proven themselves to be positive in the prevention of influenza and ARVI, and also quite quickly help alleviate the condition of the baby if you start taking them in the first 36 hours after the onset of the disease.

List of antiviral drugs for children 2 years old

Anaferon for children

Although these are homeopathic tablets, a 2-year-old child will not have to swallow or dissolve them. The product dissolves perfectly in ordinary boiled water. 1 tablet requires a tablespoon of liquid. If the baby has all the signs of an acute respiratory viral infection or flu, Anaferon should be given every half hour. After four such doses, the child should be given the dissolved tablet three more times at equal intervals. From the second day of illness, the medicine is taken 1 tablet three times a day.

The only contraindication for this drug is congenital galactosemia and lactose intolerance.

Oscillococcinum

These are homeopathic granules that can be placed under the child’s tongue a quarter of an hour before meals or dissolved in a small amount of boiled water. In the first three days after the onset of flu symptoms, you need to take three doses of the drug per day, then one dose until complete recovery.

There are no side effects indicated for the drug, but there is information about extremely rare cases of an allergic reaction.

Aflubin

Homeopathic drops "Aflubin" are excellent for treating the acute stage of ARVI and influenza, and for prevention during seasonal morbidity. If the disease has already begun, two-year-old children can be given 5 drops as a single dose several times a day. Typically, the number of techniques starts from three, and the maximum multiplicity is 8.

When the flu is in full swing, a two-year-old is prescribed the same dosage, but only three times a day. When taken prophylactically, the dosage is reduced by half, and the drug will only need to be given once a day.

Interferon

This antiviral drug for two-year-old children is available in the form of ointments, drops, and rectal suppositories. There is also a dry substance for preparing the solution. It is recommended to take it for prevention, diluting it with saline in a ratio of 2 ml. liquid per bottle of powder. You need to drip the resulting solution five drops into each nostril twice a day. If the virus has already affected the child, then a dose greater than the prophylactic dose is needed. Five drops are instilled every two hours. The course of treatment should not exceed three days.

Interferon suppositories are given rectally to a two-year-old child every 12 hours for 5 days. The ointment is suitable for the prevention of influenza and for treating wounds in the mouth with stomatitis. This drug has minor side effects and is contraindicated for children with heart disease, vascular disease, and pathologies of the nervous system.

Viferon

Doctors prescribe antiviral suppositories containing interferon to even the smallest patients, not only for acute respiratory viral infections, but also for herpetic infections and cytomegalovirus.

For children aged 2 years, rectal administration of suppositories is recommended in the morning and evening for 5-7 days. The dosage and course of treatment is calculated individually. "Viferon" suppositories are contraindicated for children with inflammation of the rectum.

Tamiflu

A drug that successfully resists influenza viruses type A and B, as well as the widest range of strains - “bird” and “swine” flu. The drug is available in capsules and in powder form for the preparation of a suspension. For a child aged two years, the suspension form is most preferable. It is enough to add a capsule with powder to any sweet drink (1 teaspoon) to mask the unpleasant bitter taste of the medicine as much as possible.

If a child weighs more than 15 kilograms, a single dose of the suspension for him is 2 ml. If the baby weighs up to 25 kilograms - 3 ml, if the child weighs more than 25 kilograms - 4 ml. suspensions. It is prohibited to store unused mixture. Tamiflu is prepared anew before each new use. This drug should be given with caution to children with kidney or liver disease.

Oxolinic ointment

"Oksolin", in fairness, it should be noted, is available in two types of ointment - nasal and external.

The antiviral agent has a small spectrum of action, but has proven itself well for the prevention of influenza and ARVI. For eye infections, a small amount is placed behind the eyelid. For a runny nose, inflammatory processes in the nasopharynx, or to prevent the flu, “Oxolinka” is applied three times a day to the mucous membranes of the nose. The ointment is used by mothers for children of different ages, but the instructions for use of the drug clearly say that the product can be used from 2 years of age. As side effects, rare cases of allergic dermatitis at the sites where the ointment is applied are described.

Orvirem

This antiviral drug is very popular among doctors and parents; it is ideal for two-year-old children because it is available in a convenient form - in syrup. When the flu has begun, it is effective only at the initial stage of the disease; if the viral infection is already advanced, Orvirem will be of little use. In addition, the syrup is well suited for the prevention of seasonal diseases. On the first day of illness, two-year-old children are recommended to take 2 teaspoons of the drug three times a day. From the second to the fourth day, the dose should be reduced by half. On the fourth day, only one dose is prescribed in the amount of 1 teaspoon of syrup.

The drug should not be taken by children with diabetes mellitus and liver and kidney diseases.

Tsitovir 3

This Russian antiviral drug is available in ready-made syrup, capsules and dry matter for preparing syrup.

For two-year-old children, only the first and last medication options are suitable: syrup and powder.

The drug contains ascorbic acid, which promotes a speedy recovery for the baby. You can take the syrup half an hour before meals. For two-year-olds, the dosage should not exceed 2 ml. syrup for one-time use. For the first 4 days from the onset of the disease, Cytovir 3 should be given three times a day. Medicine in syrup cannot be given to children with diabetes, they can only take capsules, but there is a strict age limit for this form of medicine - no younger than six years!

Grippferon

The interferon antiviral drug is available in the form of nasal drops and nasal spray. It is mainly used to prevent influenza and acute respiratory viral infections, but Grippferon can be given to a child in the first few hours after the onset of the illness; it will help minimize possible complications and alleviate the child’s condition. If the disease has already set in, you need to put 2 drops into your nose 4 times a day. Course - 5 days.

If the medicine is purchased for prophylaxis, 2 drops per day during the period of illness.

Genferon

These rectal antiviral suppositories can be used by children under two years of age only with the permission of the pediatrician. Moreover, with a minimum dosage - “Genferon-Lite”. In the acute stage of a viral illness, children are administered rectally 1 suppository once a day. The course of treatment is no more than 5 days. Contraindicated in children with diabetes mellitus and glomerulonephritis.

Prevention of influenza and ARVI

It is always better to prevent a disease than to treat it. Therefore, parents of two-year-olds should take care of the reliable protection of their child. At least twice a year, at the height of seasonal diseases, prevention should be carried out. Anti-flu medications are also used for this.

You shouldn’t start giving medications to children just “just in case”; it’s better to start preventing the disease when someone in the family or the child’s immediate circle has already fallen ill with a viral infection.

Preventive use of antiviral drugs should not be chaotic and arbitrary. Doctors recommend giving drugs in a dosage that will be exactly half as much as the dose for treating an already established disease.

For prophylaxis, drugs are given on a seven-day schedule. Monday - Tuesday - 1 daily dose of the drug, then a break for five days. Starting next Monday, repeat the course according to the same scheme. Usually a couple of weeks is enough, but if the infection is serious and the incidence increases sharply, the preventive course can be extended to 4 weeks.

When asked by parents, how often can children be given antiviral drugs, there is an answer - no more than twice a year. If the child sneezes more often, this is a reason to consult a doctor and not feed the baby medications with every sneeze.

General recommendations

It is important for parents of two-year-old children to know that frequent use of antiviral medications at such a young age can cause an imbalance in the child’s immune system. In other words, the more you treat him with antiviral pills, the more often he gets sick. It is better if the body’s natural defenses “remember” the viruses on their own and learn to recognize and resist them. To do this, you should not get carried away with medications.

Giving a child antiviral drugs when the temperature rises to several degrees is a sure way to destabilize the immune system.

This temperature is a physiological reaction to the body’s fight against viruses. It makes sense to talk about taking an antiviral drug only in cases where the temperature above 38.5 degrees cannot be reduced for three days, in case of intoxication, or in case of a severe viral infection.

Most antiviral drugs combine well with antibiotics, but only a doctor can prescribe antibacterial drugs if the baby has developed a bacterial complication of a viral infection. In addition, you can no longer buy antibiotics in pharmacies without a prescription, so you should not postpone a visit to the doctor.

Undoubtedly, antiviral drugs must be in the medicine cabinet of a family in which children are growing up. But check the expiration dates of your medications from time to time. An expired antiviral drug can seriously harm the baby.

Antiviral drugs are available in a wide variety of dosage forms. When choosing a product for a two-year-old child, remember that at this age convenient forms are considered ideal - syrups, suspensions, in some cases - dispersible tablets that can dissolve under the tongue.

Tablets are an undesirable form for a 2-year-old child; they are quite difficult to swallow, so such medicines are more suitable for children over 5 years of age. Manufacturers recommend capsules for teenagers over 12 years of age.

Folk antiviral remedies

Sometimes it is better to give preference to folk remedies for treating viral infections. If the disease is not severe, there are no obvious complications, you can alleviate the child’s condition without putting pressure on his immune system and without side effects.

The most popular natural “antiviruses” are known to everyone and are available to everyone:

Tea with rose hips and chamomile perfectly stimulates the immune system. Two-year-old children will also enjoy the most powerful plant “antivirus” - raspberries, viburnum, and currants grated with sugar. The juice of the familiar onion diluted with boiled water will help relieve nasal congestion, and garlic is an excellent means of preventing influenza and ARVI.

What does Komarovsky think about this?

The famous doctor Evgeny Komarovsky is not a supporter of antiviral therapy at all.

He recommends parents strengthen their child's immunity through exercise, walks, vitamins and good nutrition. Leave tablets and syrups as a last resort.

An independent decision to prescribe an antiviral drug, according to Komarovsky, is not the best thing parents can do for their children.

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Source: http://www.o-krohe.ru/protivovirusnye/dlya-detej-2-let/

Antiviral drugs for children: classification, application features and review of the best

Today, the pharmaceutical market is overflowing with antiviral drugs, which differ in their mechanism of action, effectiveness, targeting, route of administration and price.

A special place on pharmacy shelves is occupied by a number of antiviral drugs for children. These medications significantly alleviate the course of many diseases, therefore they are widely used for acute respiratory viral infections, intestinal infections, viral damage to the liver, skin and other organs.

Considering the above, we suggest you understand what antiviral drugs for children are, how they work and when their use is justified. We will also present to your attention an overview of the most effective antiviral drugs for children.

What is a virus and how does the patient’s body fight it?

A virus is a microorganism consisting of genetic material and a protein capsid, but does not have organelles that are responsible for metabolism, so it cannot reproduce outside the body.

To replicate, viruses need to invade a cell of the human body and use its organelles as if they were their own. Thus, the infectious agent multiplies, and the cell of the macroorganism dies.

The process of virus reproduction can be divided into several stages:

  • the virus secretes enzymes that melt the cell wall, after which its genetic material penetrates inside the cell, inserts itself into DNA or RNA strands and reprograms their operation. The affected cell of the human body works on the virus and ceases to perform its functions;
  • daughter viruses are synthesized;
  • Viral cells fill a human cell while it is still functioning, after which they are released from it and infect healthy cells.

A healthy immune system has mechanisms and substances that can resist viral damage to the body. Among these it is necessary to highlight the following:

  • Interferons are special proteins, the synthesis of which is activated from the onset of inflammation in the body. Interferon damages the enzyme systems of the virus, preventing its penetration into body cells;
  • macrophages and lymphocytes - search for viral cells, absorb and digest them;
  • cytotoxic lymphocytes are components of cellular immunity that are responsible for the destruction of body cells infected with the virus;
  • antibodies to the virus, which are synthesized by humoral immune cells, namely B-lymphocytes.

To help the body cope with infection, drugs have been created that affect one or another part of the immune system, namely vaccines, interferons and their inducers, as well as inhibitors of viral enzymes. We will consider the classification of antiviral drugs in more detail below.

Is the use of antiviral drugs justified in children?

The opinion of experts is that antiviral drugs, especially those containing interferon, should be prescribed strictly according to indications. These drugs affect the immune system and can cause its functioning to malfunction, and this, in turn, can become a starting point in the development of cancer and autoimmune diseases.

For example, if you have a cold, you need to look at the child’s condition. If the body temperature is low, he is active, eats and drinks normally, then you can do without antiviral drugs.

It is not recommended to use antiviral drugs containing interferons more often than once every six months. It is also strictly forbidden to self-medicate, because only a specialist can determine the indications for prescribing antiviral drugs, choosing an effective and safe option.

In cases where the child’s condition is serious and requires help, a pediatrician or infectious disease specialist may prescribe an antiviral drug according to age.

If we talk about how to take interferon drugs correctly, then there is a rule: the drug will be effective if it is prescribed in the first hours, since later it will not work.

The well-known television pediatrician Komarovsky believes that antiviral drugs should be prescribed only if the immune system is weak and cannot cope with a viral infection on its own.

What about prophylactic use of antiviral drugs? For prevention, it is better to use herbal or homeopathic preparations, which cause virtually no side effects and are safe for children. Although it is also impossible to say reliably that these products are highly effective, as their manufacturers claim.

Classification of antiviral drugs

Depending on which viruses antiviral drugs act on, they are divided into the following groups.

  1. Anti-influenza: Amantadine, Remantadine, Zanamivir, Oseltamivir and others. The listed drugs destroy viruses.
  2. Antiherpetic: Acyclovir, Valacyclovir, Zovirax and others, which prevent viruses from multiplying and thus stop the progression of the disease.
  3. Preparations with a wide spectrum of action: Anaferon, Viferon, Lavomax, Arbidol and others. The listed antiviral drugs can also be used for rotavirus infection, herpetic lesions of the skin,
  4. Antiretroviral. This group is used exclusively for the treatment and prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

In addition, all antiviral drugs can be divided into groups depending on the age group in which they can be used.

We present to your attention a list of antiviral drugs differentiated by age of children.

Antiviral drugs for newborns:

Antiviral drugs for children 6 months and older:

Antiviral drugs for children aged 1-2 years:

Antiviral drugs for children over 3 years of age:

Antiviral drugs for children over 4-7 years of age:

Top 7: the most effective antiviral drugs

Viferon

Viferon is a combined immunomodulator with antioxidant properties. Its active components act detrimentally on viruses by increasing the activity of T-lymphocytes and accelerating the maturation of B-lymphocytes.

Ingredients: human recombinant alpha-2 interferon, vitamins E and C.

The use of Viferon during antibiotic therapy, hormone therapy and chemotherapy increases the effectiveness and reduces the duration of treatment.

  • rectal suppositories 150 thousand IU, 500 thousand IU, 1 million IU, 3 million IU;
  • ointment 40 thousand IU;
  • gel 36 thousand IU.

Indications: Viferon is prescribed for acute respiratory viral infections, pneumonia, meningitis, sepsis, intrauterine infections, viral hepatitis, as well as as part of complex therapy for diseases caused by enteroviruses.

Viferon in the form of an ointment is used for skin lesions of the herpes virus and papilloma virus.

  • for full-term newborns - 1 suppository (150 thousand IU) twice a day;
  • premature newborns - 1 suppository (150 thousand IU) three times a day, every 8 hours.

The duration of treatment should not exceed 5 days. For acute respiratory viral infections, pneumonia, sepsis and other diseases, a repeat course is carried out no earlier than after 5 days.

Side effects: allergic skin reactions in the form of itching, urticaria, dermatitis.

  • hypersensitivity to the ingredients of the drug;
  • diseases of autoimmune origin.

Average cost in Russia:

  • suppositories Viferon 150 thousand IU, 10 pcs.: 250 rubles;
  • suppositories Viferon 500 thousand IU, 10 pcs.: 350 rubles;
  • suppositories Viferon 1 million IU, 10 pcs.: 500 rubles;
  • suppositories Viferon 3 million IU, 10 pcs.: 900 rubles;
  • Viferon ointment 40 thousand IU, 12 g: 160 rubles;
  • Viferon gel 36 thousand IU, 12 g: 160 rubles.

Anaferon

Anaferon is one of the inexpensive and effective homeopathic antiviral drugs, the main ingredient of which is purified antibodies to human interferon gamma.

Indications: the drug is widely used for acute respiratory viral infections, influenza, and herpetic skin lesions. Anaferon is also prescribed for prophylactic purposes.

  • for a cold, the drug is dissolved under the tongue until completely dissolved according to the following scheme: on the 1st day, take 1 tablet every 30 minutes for two hours and three more times, 1 tablet at equal intervals, and from the 2nd day - 1 tablet three times a day. For babies over 6 months old, the tablet can be dissolved in a spoonful of milk or water;
  • Prevention of viral diseases consists of taking 1 tablet once a day for 12 weeks.

Side effects: very rarely, an allergy to the components of the drug is possible.

  • allergy to the components of the drug;
  • age less than 6 months.

Average cost in Russia:

  • Anaferon for children 20 tablets – 200 rubles.

Nazoferon

Nazoferon belongs to the interferons and consists of recombinant human alpha-2b interferon. The drug has a detrimental effect on viruses, increases the capabilities of the immune system and reduces the severity of the inflammatory process in the upper respiratory tract.

Release form: nasal drops and spray 1 ml/100 thousand IU.

  • treatment of ARVI, influenza, frequent colds;
  • prevention of ARVI in contact persons during an epidemic.
  • for children under one year of age and newborns, instill 1 drop into each nostril 5 times a day;
  • children 1-3 years old are prescribed 2 doses of nasal spray 3-4 times a day;
  • children 4-14 years old - 2 doses in each nostril 4 to 5 times a day.

For preventive purposes, 1 dose of the drug is prescribed twice a day for a week.

Side effects: individual intolerance to the drug.

Contraindications: history of allergy to the drug.

Average cost in Russia:

  • Nazoferon drops 5 ml – 380 rubles;
  • Nazoferon spray 5 ml – 430 rubles.

Arbidol

Arbidol belongs to the broad-spectrum antiviral drugs, since it blocks the penetration of influenza viruses, coronavirus, and rotavirus into the cell of the human body.

The active ingredient of the drug is umifenovir, which has antiviral and immunomodulatory effects.

Release form: capsules of 50 and 100 mg.

  • therapy and prevention of ARVI, influenza A and B;
  • Chronical bronchitis;
  • recurrent herpes infection;
  • therapy for rotavirus infection in children;
  • treatment of secondary immunodeficiencies.
  • children 3-6 years old are prescribed 50 mg orally 4 times a day;
  • children 6-12 years old – 100 mg 4 times a day;
  • childrenlet - 200 mg 4 times a day.

The course of treatment is 5 days.

Side effects: allergy to the drug.

Contraindications: individual intolerance to the components of the drug.

Average cost in Russia:

  • capsules Arbidol 50 mg, 20 pcs. – 260 rubles;
  • capsules Arbidol 100 mg, 20 pcs. – 460 rubles.

Oseltamivir

Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) is an effective antiviral drug that is used in the treatment and prevention of influenza A and B.

Timely use of Oseltamivir can speed up recovery, reduce the intensity of flu symptoms and prevent complications. This drug is effective in terms of prevention in case of contact with patients with influenza A and B, and it does not affect the immune system.

  • capsules of 30, 45 and 75 mg Oseltamivir;
  • Oseltamivir suspension 1ml/12.
  • treatment of influenza A and B;
  • prevention of influenza A and B in contact persons.

You should know that the drug is not effective for colds, so it is prescribed only if there is reliable data on the etiology of the disease.

Scheme and doses in children depending on body weight:

  • less than 15 kg – 30 mg 2 times a day;
  • 15-23 kg – 45 mg 2 times a day;
  • 23-40 kg – 60 mg 2 times a day;
  • more than 40 kg – 75 mg 2 times a day.

For children under 12 years of age, only the suspension is used.

The course of treatment is 5 days.

For prophylactic purposes, the drug is prescribed in the indicated doses 1 time per day for 10 days, and during an epidemic of influenza A and B - for 1.5 months.

  • from the gastrointestinal tract: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea;
  • from the central nervous system: headaches, sleep disturbances, general weakness, convulsive syndrome and others;
  • from the respiratory system: cough, runny nose;
  • from the skin: skin manifestations of allergies and others.
  • individual intolerance to the components of the drug;
  • age under 12 months;
  • severe renal failure.

Average cost in Russia:

  • capsules Oseltamivir 75 mg, 10 pcs. – 700 rubles.

Groprinosin

Groprinosin, the active ingredient of which is inosine pranobex, has direct antiviral and immunomodulatory effects.

Release form: tablets 500 mg.

Indications: the drug is prescribed for ARVI, viral bronchitis, measles, mumps, herpesvirus infections, viral hepatitis.

Regimen and dose in children:

  • for colds, mononucleosis, cytomegalovirus and herpetic infections, the daily dose of the drug is 50 mg per 1 kg of body weight, which is divided into 3-4 doses. The course of treatment is 7-14 days;
  • for cough (bronchitis, tracheitis, laryngitis), the daily dose is 50 mg per 1 kg of weight in 3-4 doses. Course of treatment – ​​days;
  • for measles, the daily dose is 100 mg per 1 kg of weight in 3-4 doses. The course of treatment is 7-14 days.

Side effects: temporary increase in uric acid, nausea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, bowel dysfunction, allergy to the drug.

  • hypersensitivity to the components of the drug;
  • severe renal dysfunction.

Average cost in Russia:

  • tablets Groprinosin 500 mg, 50 pcs. – 980 rubles.

Remantadine

Remantadine is active against influenza A and B and prevents their reproduction in the body by inhibiting replication.

Release form: tablets 50 mg.

Indications: treatment of acute infection caused by influenza viruses in children over seven years of age.

  • children from 7 to 10 years old are prescribed 50 mg orally twice a day;
  • childrenlet – 50 mg three times a day.

The course of treatment is 5 days.

Side effects: skin manifestations of allergies to the components of the drug, diarrhea, nausea, decreased attention, drowsiness, general weakness, and others.

  • allergy to the components of the drug;
  • impairment of kidney and liver function;
  • increased secretion of thyroid hormones.

Average cost in Russia:

  • Remantadine tablets 50 mg, 20 pcs. – 150 rubles.

Only a doctor knows what antiviral drugs can be given to children, so at the first sign of a viral infection in your child, do not run to the pharmacy to look for medicine, but consult a specialist. Self-medication can not only be ineffective, but also dangerous for your child’s health!

I have been working as a general practitioner for more than 5 years and am happy to share with you my knowledge from the field of medicine.

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One comment on the article “Antiviral drugs for children: classification, application features and review of the best”

That's right, these drugs can be taken no more than once every six months. And our pediatricians prescribe them for almost every child’s sneeze. As a result, I don’t give them to my son at all; the immune system must work on its own.

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Effective antiviral drugs for children

Every year, with the onset of cold weather, caring parents have another reason for concern - how to protect their child from the seasonal epidemic of acute respiratory infections, acute respiratory viral infections or influenza? And if your child has already caught the virus, how can you help the child’s body cope with the virus faster and avoid serious complications? You will learn further about the most effective antiviral drugs for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and older children.

Should children be given antiviral drugs?

The shelves of modern pharmacies are overflowing with remedies for the treatment of colds, among which there are supposedly very effective antiviral drugs - both inexpensive and exorbitantly priced. But how do you know if they will help, and is it worth giving such pills to children at all? Will such outside interference harm the child’s immunity? To answer these important questions, you first need to understand what a virus is, how it behaves when it enters the body, how the immune system reacts to the invasion, and how antiviral drugs can help it.

This is interesting: A virus is a non-cellular microscopic life form, a collection of nucleic acids enclosed in a protein shell. This is an infectious parasite that does not have its own metabolism and can only multiply in the cells of the victim body, which is accompanied by their death.

When we become infected with a virus, the following processes occur:

The DNA or RNA of the virus penetrates cells with the help of special enzymes, is integrated into their genome and forces them to “work for themselves” instead of performing physiological functions;

Replication begins - the synthesis of new viral particles;

Particles are produced and accumulate in the cytoplasm of diseased cells until their vital resources are exhausted;

Cell death occurs, cell membranes rupture and the virus comes out;

New viral particles penetrate neighboring healthy cells, and the infection progresses.

The human immune system can counter this with the following types of “weapons”:

Interferon is a protective protein produced by the cells of our body in the presence of an inflammatory process and elevated body temperature. It prevents the pathogen from penetrating inside the cells;

A nonspecific immune response is the first phase of the reaction to a virus invading the body. Immunocompetent cells (macrophages and lymphocytes) attack and devour viral particles;

A specific immune response is the second phase of the fight against infection. It can be cellular and humoral. Cytotoxic lymphocytes are responsible for the cellular destruction of virus-infected cells. For humoral - B-lymphocytes, which recognize the virus and kill it with the help of antibodies created specifically to fight it - immunoglobulin proteins.

Based on this, science has developed antiviral drugs with three principles of action:

Vaccines – “introduce” the body to viruses and allow you to respond to their possible invasion in the future with an immediate specific immune response, that is, defeat the infection at the first stage and not get sick at all;

Interferon and its inducers - replenish interferon reserves in the patient’s body or stimulate their own cells to produce it, that is, they briefly enhance the nonspecific immune response;

Etiotropic agents - block the activity of viruses at the stage of penetration into cells, replication or exit (by inhibiting enzymes and blocking ion channels). This group includes artificially created chemicals taken strictly as prescribed by a doctor.

Based on their composition, effective antiviral drugs for children can be divided into the following categories:

Interferons – Viferon, Grippferon, Lokferon;

Inducers of endogenous interferons - Cycloferon, Kagocel, Lavomax;

Neuraminidase inhibitors – Tamiflu (oseltamivir), Relenza (zanamivir);

M2 channel blockers – Remantadine, Amantadine;

A specific hemagglutinin inhibitor is umifenovir (Arbidol, Immusstat);

Homeopathic medicines – Oscillococcinum, Aflubin, Influcid;

Plant extracts – Echinacea, Immunal, Immunorm, Immunoflazid, Imupret.

This is important: Only neuraminidase inhibitors and M2 channel blockers have proven clinical effectiveness. The effect of other antiviral drugs is either not proven at all or is difficult in the human body and is observed only in a laboratory test tube.

As for interferon, its most important role in the formation of nonspecific immunity is beyond doubt, but how effective are antiviral drugs for children in the form of dry interferon lyophilisate, nasal drops, sprays and rectal suppositories?

We answer: donor or recombinant protein will be fully absorbed by the body only when administered parenterally (that is, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract). However, it will really help to overcome the virus only during the first hours after it enters the body. Further, interferon is useless, since the first phase of the immune response has ended, the pathogen has been identified or identified for the first time, and the second phase - specific - has begun, in which immunoglobulin antibodies work.

This is important: You should not lower the temperature if it does not exceed 38.5 degrees. By giving a child with a cold an antipyretic and then an antiviral drug, you first “prohibit” his body from producing interferon, and then try to replace this protein or artificially stimulate its synthesis.

The effectiveness of immunostimulating antiviral drugs for children raises even more questions. Normal immunity does not need stimulation, it does not need to be “raised”, it stands in its place. Hyperactivation of immunocompetent cells threatens the development of unpredictable complications: cancer and autoimmune diseases. In the first case, healthy cells mutate and multiply abnormally quickly, and in the second, lymphocytes and macrophages attack the tissues of their own body.

This is important If a child has a family history of cancer or autoimmune diseases (leukemia, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis), he should never be given immunostimulants without a doctor’s prescription!

Herbal and homeopathic antiviral drugs for children, although they have an immunostimulating effect according to the manufacturers, are less potentially dangerous than, for example, inducers of endogenous interferons. However, this statement is not based on the naturalness of homeopathic pills and herbal extracts for boosting immunity, but on their almost complete uselessness. Reviews about such antiviral drugs for children range from “it helped well” to “a waste of money,” but there are almost no complaints about complications and side effects.

So, is it necessary to give a child antiviral drugs during seasonal epidemics of influenza and ARVI? If your child is often sick and misses kindergarten, it makes sense to purchase interferon at the pharmacy to strengthen local immunity as soon as you learn about an outbreak of colds among his classmates. An older child who is already going to school can be given Remantadine as a preventative measure. There is no point in discussing the effectiveness of homeopathic and herbal antiviral drugs for children in terms of preventing and treating colds - everything is very subjective.

As for the situation when the child is already sick, you need to run not to the pharmacy for pills, but to the doctor for an appointment, especially if we are talking about a baby. No parent can distinguish a bacterial infection from a viral infection by eye, based on symptoms. The general concept of “cold” hides many potentially dangerous diseases of various etiologies that require laboratory diagnosis and a targeted approach to treatment. And buying more and more new pills: antiviral drugs, immunostimulants and even antibiotics in the hope that the child’s long-standing cold will finally go away is not only wasteful, but also criminal in relation to his health.

Antiviral drugs for children under 1 year of age

Name and analogues

Indications and dosage

Contraindications and side effects

Approximate price (RUB)

Affinity purified antibodies to human interferon gamma

For the prevention of acute respiratory viral infections

Children over 1 month: 1 tablet per day, for treatment: during the first two hours from the onset of symptoms, 1 tablet every 30 minutes, then 1 tablet 3 times a day

Lactose intolerance (auxiliary component of the drug)

No side effects identified

(drops, sublingual tablets)

Homeopathic: gentian, aconite, bryonia dioica, iron phosphate, lactic acid

Children under one year: 1/4 tablet or 1 drop

Children 1-12 years old: 1/2 tablet or 5 drops

Adolescents and adults: 1 tablet or 10 drops. The frequency of administration for the first 2 days of illness is 8 times a day, then 3 times.

Individual intolerance to the components of the drug

Possible increased salivation

Homeopathic: chamomilla, belladonna, dulcamara, plantago, pulsatilla, calcium harmonicum

For ARVI and painful teething

Children up to 6 months: 1 suppository 2 times a day;

Children from 6 months with a body temperature above 37.5°C, 1 suppository 4 times a day; at body temperature above 38°C, 1 suppository up to 6 times a day. When body temperature normalizes, 1 suppository 1-2 times a day for another 3-4 days

Individual intolerance to the components of the drug

Possible temporary exacerbation of symptoms of the disease, allergic reactions

Interferon alpha-2b recombinant, suppositories

ME,ME,

For viral and bacterial infections

Children under 7 years of age , including newborns and premature infants, 1 suppository ME 3 times a day every 8 hours for 5 days;

Children over 7 years old : 1 suppository ME 2 times a day every 12 hours for 5 days

Individual intolerance to interferons, autoimmune diseases, severe allergies

Allergic reactions such as skin itching and rash are possible

Analogs: Proteflazid, Flavozid

Extract of turf pike and ground reed grass

For ARVI and influenza twice a day for 2 weeks

Children under one year: 0.5 ml;

Children 1-2 years old: 1 ml;

Children 2-4 years old: 1.5 ml;

Children 4-6 years old: 3 ml;

Children 6-9 years old: 5 ml;

Children 9-12 years old: 6 ml

Individual intolerance to the components of the drug, stomach and duodenal ulcers, autoimmune diseases

Possible vomiting, headache, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, fever

Analogues: Lokferon, Inferon

Human leukocyte interferon

For ARVI and influenza, the solution is used intranasally.

Children up to 1 month: 3 drops on the flagella, insert into the nostrils for 10 minutes 4-6 times a day, Children under 1 year: 1 drop in each nasal passage 4-6 times a day;

Children over 1 year: 3-5 drops no more than 6 times a day

Leukocyte donor interferon is more dangerous than recombinant (artificial) in terms of allergies, side effects and unwanted interactions

Possible skin rash, headache, nausea, drowsiness, fever

(nasal drops and spray)

Interferon alpha-2b human recombinant

For ARVI and influenza

Children under 1 year: 1 drop in each nostril 5 times a day;

Children 1-3 years old: 2 drops or 1 injection 4 times a day;

Children 3-14 years old: 3 drops or 2 injections 5 times a day

Individual intolerance to interferons, autoimmune diseases, severe allergies

Possible allergic reactions in the form of skin itching, rash, sneezing, watery eyes

For rhinitis of viral etiology and for the prevention of influenza

For children of any age, lubricate the nasal passages 2-3 times a day

Individual intolerance to oxolin

Possible burning sensation in the nose and rhinorrhea

(tubes with granules)

Homeopathic: anas barbarielium, hepatic et cordis extractum

For ARVI and influenza of mild to moderate severity

For children under 1 year of age, dissolve the contents of one tube in water and give 2-3 times a day

Children over 1 year old should be allowed to dissolve 1 dose of granules 2-3 times at intervals of 6 hours

Individual intolerance to the components of the drug or lactose

In rare cases, allergic reactions are possible; no other side effects have been reported.

(solution and nasal spray)

For the prevention and treatment of respiratory viral infections 1 time per day

Children under 1 year: 1 drop of solution in each nasal passage;

Children 1-6 years old: 1 spray into any nostril;

Children 7-14 years old: 1 spray in each nostril

Individual intolerance to thymogen, autoimmune diseases.

Allergic reactions are possible; when the dosage is exceeded tenfold, a flu-like syndrome sometimes develops

Affinity purified antibodies to human interferon gamma, affinity purified antibodies to histamine, affinity purified antibodies to CD4

For the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections

For children from 6 months, the drug is given every 30 minutes for the first 2 hours, then 3 more times during the first 24 hours at regular intervals. From the second day onwards, 1 tablet 3 times a day. For the prevention of viral infectious diseases - 1 tablet per day

Individual intolerance to the components of the drug

Possible allergic reactions

Antiviral drugs for children from 1 year to 2 years

Name and analogues

Indications and dosage

Contraindications and side effects

Approximate price (RUB)

Analogues: Immunorm, Estifan, Echinacin Liquidum, Echinacea Hexal

Echinacea purpurea juice

To strengthen the immune system during uncomplicated acute viral infections

Children over 1 year:

1 ml of solution 3 times a day.

Attention: tablets are intended for children over 4 years of age

Systemic and autoimmune diseases, allergies to plants of the Asteraceae family

Possible skin rash, dizziness, bronchospasm, shortness of breath, anaphylactic shock

Alcohol-water solution or dry extract of marshmallow root, horsetail herb, yarrow and dandelion, chamomile flowers, walnut leaves, oak bark

For the prevention and treatment of respiratory viral infections, acute and chronic diseases of the upper respiratory tract

Children from 1 to 2 years old : 5 drops 3 times a day for 1-3 weeks

Individual intolerance to the components of the drug

In rare cases, allergic reactions may develop

For the prevention and treatment of influenza type A

Children over 1 year: on day 1, 10 ml (2 teaspoons) of syrup 3 times a day; on days 2 and 3, 10 ml 2 times a day; on day 4, 10 ml once a day.

Attention: rimantadine tablets are approved for children over 7 years old

Individual intolerance to rimantadine, liver and kidney diseases, epilepsy

Possible skin rash, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, flatulence, dizziness, insomnia

For the treatment and prevention of influenza viruses type A and B

Children from 1-2 years: 1 dose (12 mg/ml) of a suspension prepared from powder or opened capsule 2 times a day;

course of treatment 10 days

Attention: can be used from 6 months for special indications

End-stage renal failure, hypersensitivity to oseltamivir

Possible nausea, vomiting, headache, insomnia, convulsions, increased nervous excitability, depression

(syrup, capsules, powder)

Sodium alpha glutamyl tryptophan (thymogen), ascorbic acid (vitamin C), bendazole hydrochloride (dibazole)

For the purpose of prevention and as part of complex therapy of influenza and ARVI

Children over 1 year: 2 ml of syrup 3 times a day for 4 days in a row.

Attention: capsules are intended for children over 6 years of age

Thrombophlebitis, severe hypotension, diabetes mellitus, gastric ulcer, urolithiasis

Possible urticaria and short-term decrease in blood pressure

Antiviral drugs for children over 3 years of age

Name and analogues

Indications and dosage

Contraindications and side effects

As part of complex therapy for herpes virus, chickenpox, lichen, cytomegalovirus

Children 3-6 years old: 1/2 tablet. 3 times a day.

Children 6-12 years old: 1 tablet. 3 times a day for 5-21 days.

Ointment is allowed from 1 year

Individual lactose intolerance, hypersensitivity to the components of the drug

In rare cases, allergic reactions are possible

(tablets, capsules powder)

Analogs: Arpeflu, Arpetolide, Arpetol, Immusstat

Umifenovir (methylphenylthiomethyl-dimethylaminomethyl-hydroxybromindole carboxylic acid ethyl ester)

For the prevention and treatment of acute respiratory viral infections and influenza, as part of complex therapy for rotavirus intestinal infections.

Children 3-6 years old: 50 mg 1-3 times a day;

children 6-12 years old: 100 mg 1-3 times a day;

children over 12 years old: 200 mg 1-3 times a day

Individual intolerance to umifenovir

In rare cases, allergic reactions are possible

Sea buckthorn leaf extract

For the prevention and treatment of acute respiratory viral infections, influenza A and B, adenoviral and cytomegalovirus infections, herpes, lichen, chickenpox

Children 3-12 years old: 1 tablet 2-3 times a day;

Children over 12 years old: 1 tablet 3-4 times a day.

Ointment – ​​from 1 month

Hypersensitivity to the active component of the drug

In rare cases, allergic reactions are possible

Inosine pranobex (a compound of inosine with 1-dimethylamino-2-propanol-4-acetylaminobenzoate in a ratio of one to three)

For the prevention and treatment of ARVI, influenza, herpes, lichen, measles, chickenpox, papillomas, mononucleosis, cytomegaly, molluscum contagiosum

Children over 3 years old: 1/2 tablet (50 mg) for every 5 kg of weight per day in 3-4 doses

Urolithiasis, gout, arrhythmia, severe renal failure, body weight less than 15 kg

Possible nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, itching, polyuria, insomnia, headache, weakness

Homeopathic: aconite, Bryonia dioecious, phosphorus, ipecacuanha, sable leaf, Gelsemium evergreen

For the prevention and treatment of ARVI and influenza

Children 3-6 years old: 1 tablet. or 10 drops every 2 hours until improvement occurs, then 1/2 tablet. or 10 drops 3 times a day;

Children 6-12 years old: 1 tablet. or 10 drops every hour (but no more than 8 times a day), then 3 times a day;

Children over 12 years old: 1 tablet. every hour (but no more than 12 times a day), then 2 tablets. 3 times a day until recovery

Individual intolerance to the components of the drug

Allergic reactions such as skin itching and urticaria are very rarely observed.

Kagocel (copolymer of gossypol with carboxymethylcellulose)

For the treatment and prevention of ARVI, influenza, herpes virus

Children 3-6 years old: the first 2 days, 1 tablet. 2 times a day, then 1 tablet. per day for 2 more days;

Children over 6 years old: the first 2 days, 1 tablet. 3 times a day, then 1 tablet. 2 times a day 2 days

Individual lactose intolerance, hypersensitivity to the active component of the drug

Local and general allergic reactions are possible

Amur velvet and Laval velvet leaf extract

For the treatment of herpes viruses, hepatitis, measles, lichen, chickenpox.

Children 3-6 years old: 0.05-0.1 g 2-3 times a day.

Children over 6 years old: 0.1 g 2-3 times a day, course of treatment 7-21 days

Acute liver failure, hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, cholestasis

In rare cases, allergic reactions are possible

Homeopathic: vincetoxicum hirundinaria, sulfur

In the complex therapy of colds and flu

Children over 3 years: 1 tablet every 15 minutes for 2 hours in a row, then 3 times a day for 2-3 weeks

Individual intolerance to lactose or drug components

Possible allergic reactions

Antiviral drugs for children from 4-7 years old

Name and analogues

Indications and dosage

Contraindications and side effects

Approximate price (RUB)

Analogues: Lavomax, Tilaksin, Tiloram

For ARVI and influenza

Children over 7 years old: 60 mg (1 tablet) 1 time per day for 3 days in a row. Course dose of mg (3 tablets), in case of complicated infection – 240 mg (4 tablets)

Hypersensitivity to tilorone

Dyspeptic disorders, chills, allergic reactions are possible

Vitaglutam (pentanedioic acid imidazolylethanamide)

For ARVI and influenza

Children over 7 years old: 1 capsule (60 mg) 1 time per day for 5-7 days from the onset of symptoms of the disease

Individual intolerance to vitaglutam

Possible allergic reactions

(tablets, suppositories, lyophilisate)

As part of complex therapy of acute and chronic diseases caused by bacteria, viruses and fungi

Children over 6 years old: orally, parenterally, intranasally or rectally. Doses, method and regimen of use are determined by the doctor depending on the diagnosis.

Hypersensitivity to polyoxidonium

Allergic reactions and pain at the injection site are possible if the parenteral route of treatment is chosen

(powder with included inhaler)

For the treatment and prevention of influenza types A and B

Children over 5 years old: 2 inhalations (5 mg) 2 times a day for 5 days from the first symptoms

Individual intolerance to zanamivir, history of bronchospasm

Possible local and general allergic reactions, suffocation

(tablets, dragees, syrup)

For the prevention and treatment of ARVI and influenza

Children over 7 years old: 5 mg of rimantadine per kg of body weight once a day. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 150 mg

Acute and chronic diseases of the liver and kidneys, thyrotoxicosis, hypersensitivity to rimantadine

Possible nausea, allergic reactions, dry mouth, headache, insomnia

Sodium salt of double-stranded ribonucleic acid of Saccharomyces serevisiae

For the treatment and prevention of influenza, ARVI and herpes

Children over 7 years old: intramuscularly, 8 mg of lyophilisate per 1 ml of 0.5% procaine solution, administered once, then 2 days later if fever persists, maximum 2-4 injections per course

Severe liver and kidney diseases, individual intolerance

Possible short-term increase in temperature after injection

(tablets, solution, liniment)

For the treatment of influenza, ARVI and herpes

Children 4-6 years old: 1 tablet 1 time per day;

Children 7-11 years old: 2 tablets 1 time per day;

Children over 12 years old: 3 tablets once a day

Liver cirrhosis, individual intolerance

Possible allergic reactions

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What antiviral drugs should not be given to children?

There are a number of effective antiviral drugs that are not recommended for children, either due to insufficient knowledge of the effect on the growing body, or due to the high likelihood of developing unwanted side effects.

This category includes:

Adapromine – A-Propyl-1-adamantyl-ethylamine hydrochloride, has antiviral activity against influenza viruses type A/H/3N2 and B;

Amantadine (Midantan, Neo Midantan, Gludantan, PC-merz) – Adamantan-1-amine, has antiviral and antiparkinsonian effects;

Yodantipyrine – 1-phenyl-2,3-dimethyl-4-iodopyrazolone, produces anti-inflammatory, immunostimulating and interferonogenic effects, approved for use in children over 14 years of age;

Neovir is sodium oxodihydroacridinyl acetate, used as an immunostimulating agent as part of combination therapy for a wide range of diseases of viral etiology;

Ribavirin (Trivorin) – 1-[(2R,3R,4S,5R)-3,4-dihydroxy-5-hydroxymethyloxolan-2-yl]-1H-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxamide, used for the treatment viral hepatitis;

Triazavirin is the sodium salt of 2-methylthio-6-nitro-1,2,4-triazolo[5,1-c]-1,2,4-triazin-7-one dihydrate, prescribed for influenza exclusively to patients over 18 years of age.

However, among the antiviral drugs approved for children, which you see in the tables above, there are medications for which incriminating information has appeared in recent years. We are talking about scientific research conducted in a double-blind environment.

A large group of patients with the same diagnosis is taken and divided into subgroups according to the number of drugs tested + one subgroup for placebo. During the entire experiment, neither the patients themselves, nor even the doctors who give them the pills, know which drug is which and which is a dummy. At the end of the study, data about this is disclosed, and an analysis is made of the effectiveness and side effects of the drugs being tested.

So, most of the modern antiviral drugs for children have not been tested in this way. And among the tested drugs, there were those that did not show any effectiveness or even demonstrated harmful effects on the body of the tested people. Why is this happening?

Because pharmaceuticals are a huge business with billions in profits. And viral infections are the cause of epidemics. Some antiviral drugs in developed countries are lobbied at the government level and purchased in tons with public money every time the world is overwhelmed by another epidemic of “bird” or “swine” flu.

Does this mean you should ignore your pediatrician's recommendation when prescribing an antiviral drug for your child? Of course not, but you will be much safer if you know all the incriminating information currently available about some of these drugs. Fortunately, there are very few of them.

Amiksin

This drug was banned in the United States at the stage of testing on animals in the 80s of the last century. The experimental mice exhibited retinal dissection, liver lipidosis, and other serious pathologies. Antiviral drugs based on tilorone are also not used in the countries of the European Union.

Open sources contain the results of testing this substance in humans: in a small group of 14 patients, tilorone caused retinopathy and keratopathy in two. True, destructive changes in the eye tissues were reversible and did not lead to fatal consequences for vision.

The fairest conclusion from this would be the following: tiloron today has not been studied well enough (as, in fact, human immunity) to confidently judge the safety and effectiveness of Amiksin and its analogues.

Arbidol

The active ingredient of this drug, umifenovir, was invented in Russia. Foreign researchers were actively interested in the new product and conducted research: in 2004 in China, in a group of 230 ARVI patients, the effectiveness of umifenovir was not confirmed (it lost out to Tamiflu and Ingaverin in all respects). Domestic testing, which took place in 2008, showed that Arbidol stops the development of a viral infection in the human body at the first stage of the disease worse than Viferon (suppositories with recombinant alpha-interferon).

However, in 2010, Arbidol was included by the Government of the Russian Federation in the list of vital and essential drugs, first as an immunostimulant. And then, when in 2013 the WHO recognized umifenovir as a direct-acting antiviral substance and assigned it the international code J05AX13, Arbidol acquired the status of an effective antiviral drug in our country.

A large-scale trial of Arbidol, despite the presence of very serious sponsors, has not yet been carried out for unknown reasons. In recent years, events around this medicine have acquired the character of an action-packed epic: protests from independent doctors, accusations in the state lobby, reviews from some patients about the undoubted effectiveness of Arbidol, and from others about its complete uselessness... Time passes, and the discussion continues.

Yodantipyrine

Previously, this substance was used as a radioisotope label during instrumental studies of human body fluids. And now it is being actively promoted to the Russian market as an antiviral drug.

The first report on the antiviral activity of Yodantipirin and other pyrazolone compounds at the preclinical stage was published by Professor Saratikov (head of the Department of Pharmacology of Siberian State Medical University, Tomsk).

The management of the Central Clinical Hospital of Ufa states that successful trials of Yodantipirin against hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome were conducted there. However, the drug has not undergone full clinical trials either in Russia or abroad, and it is not certified as an antiviral agent.

Kagocel

The active ingredient of this drug is the sodium salt of the copolymer of gossypol with carboxymethylcellulose. Gossypol itself is a yellow pigment, a toxic polyphenol derived from cotton plants. The contraceptive properties of gossypol have been studied around the world for a long time; it was found that this substance stops spermatogenesis. In particular, China had high hopes for it, planning to develop a male oral contraceptive based on it. But to achieve a reversible contraceptive effect, you need 1 mg of gossypol per day, and the result is visible only after a very long period of use - from 2 to 18 months. The revolution in male contraception did not take place. The possibilities of gossypol in oncology are now being actively studied, since this polyphenol has a powerful antitumor effect.

It is wrong to fear harm from Kagocel simply because it is related to a toxic substance. There is no free gossypol in Kagocel; it is a sodium salt that has completely different physical and chemical properties than polyphenol. But in fairness, it must be said that this antiviral drug is not used either in Western Europe or in the USA; it is not included in the official WHO list of drugs. And although in Russia Kagocel is actively recommended for influenza and ARVI for both adults and children, there is no evidence of the safety of this medicine for preschool and school-age children, and no clinical studies have yet been conducted in this age category.

Tamiflu and Relenza

First of all, it should be understood that oseltamivir and zanamivir are effective only against influenza viruses type A and B; they are useless against other acute respiratory viral infections. These two substances are inhibitors of the enzyme with which influenza virus particles try to dissolve cell membranes and enter the human body. Science has proven that Tamiflu and Relenza are indeed useful during a flu epidemic, but only if you start taking the medicine for prevention or at the first sign of a cold.

Relenza and Tamiflu, in addition to the very high price, have another significant drawback: their side effects can develop into a flu-like syndrome, which makes diagnosis difficult. In other words, the doctor does not understand whether the patient’s headache, nausea and fever are caused by the flu itself, or by the anti-flu pills. But this is not the most unpleasant thing.

Since 2004, information began to appear in medical sources about neuropsychiatric disorders among patients taking Tamiflu: anxiety, insomnia, nightmares, convulsions, psychosis, and suicidal tendencies. For example, in Japan, 54 deaths were reported, 16 of which were in the age group. Moreover, 15 out of 16 young people who took Tamiflu committed suicide, 1 was hit by a car. In all other cases, death occurred from kidney failure, which, however, could have developed due to severe influenza. We should also not forget that 54 people is statistically insignificant, given the size of the Japanese population and the widespread use of this antiviral drug.

In 2014, the results of almost fifty studies of Tamiflu and Relenza were published, in which a total of about 24 thousand people around the world took part.

Tamiflu slightly reduces the risk of human-to-human transmission of influenza when used prophylactically;

Symptoms of the disease in adults are observed for 6 days instead of 7 days without treatment; in children this period is not shortened at all;

The drug does not prevent the development of influenza complications;

Oseltamivir and zanamivir are considered quite toxic to the body; nausea and vomiting often occur in both adults and children;

Long-term use of these drugs for preventive purposes is fraught with the development of neuropsychiatric disorders and deterioration of kidney function.

Based on the data obtained, an international group of evidence-based medicine experts called on the governments of the world's leading countries to stop mass purchases of Tamiflu and Relenza. By the way, in 2009, in connection with the swine flu epidemic, the UK and the USA purchased about 40 million packages of these drugs. This is perhaps the most striking example of government lobbying in the entire history of the pharmaceutical industry.

Can antibiotics be taken with antiviral drugs?

Antibiotics have either a bactericidal effect (destroy bacteria and microbes) or a bacteriostatic effect (prevent them from multiplying). And antiviral drugs for children and adults are designed to fight a non-cellular form of life - a virus, which has a completely different structure and principles of pathogenic effects on the human body. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses, but some antivirals may be useful against bacterial infections. We are talking about drugs that enhance nonspecific immunity, because it helps us fight “uninvited guests” of any type, be it a virus, bacteria or even fungus. But they are called accordingly: immunostimulating, and not just antiviral.

This is interesting: How to distinguish a viral infection from a bacterial one? In the first case, the disease debuts with a sharp rise in temperature and aches throughout the body. Respiratory symptoms appear after 2-3 days. And in the second case, the disease first manifests itself as pain when swallowing, and the temperature may not rise at all.

Since some antibiotics lead to a decrease in immunity, destroying healthy cells along with bacteria, the body, weakened by long-term antibacterial therapy, can become an easy target for the virus. The opposite statement is also true: a person with a viral infection is more vulnerable to pathogenic bacteria, which can provoke a serious complication of ARVI: bronchitis, pneumonia.

From here we come to the conclusion: it is possible and even necessary to take antibiotics and antiviral drugs at the same time, but only in the case of the development of a so-called “superinfection,” when a viral disease is complicated by an inflammatory process of a bacterial nature, and vice versa. Parallel therapy is always justified, for example, in the case of HIV, because in conditions of immunodeficiency, people are affected by tuberculosis, sepsis and other opportunistic infections, which lead to death.

When jointly prescribing antibiotics and antiviral drugs to children, pediatricians focus on the nature and dynamics of pathogenesis, the immune status of the little patient, the data of his medical record, and also necessarily take into account the phenomenon of drug antagonism. Not all antibacterial agents combine well with antiviral drugs, but there are also drugs that have long been successfully used in the complex treatment of complicated and mixed infections.

One thing you can know for sure: if the doctor diagnosed your child with tonsillitis (tonsillitis) and at the same time prescribed an antiviral drug (not an immunostimulant!), he is either incompetent or has a financial interest in the well-being of the local pharmacy. And if a doctor diagnoses a child with “uncomplicated ARVI” and at the same time prescribes an antibiotic, then he is simply a criminal, because such therapy will not help recovery, but will only kill beneficial microflora and reduce the effectiveness of this antibiotic in the future, when it may actually be vital.

Author of the article: Polyakova Elena Anatolyevna, pediatrician, especially for the site ayzdorov.ru

Influenza is a type A, C, and B virus that belongs to the orthomyxovirus family. Type A viruses can infect both humans and some animals, while type C and B viruses pose a danger exclusively to the human body. Viruses are prone to antigenic polymorphism, especially type A virus.

Each of us has had the flu, as a rule, it happens to everyone once a year. And during this period, patients have questions about whether they can do something or not. Below we have answered common questions about the flu for you.

Most citizens of our country, both children and adults, have at least once taken sick leave due to ARVI, which is given at the first signs of hyperthermia. Each therapist prescribes a complex of 2 to 6 drugs that will definitely lead to recovery. But few people noticed that every doctor has a list of prescriptions.

The collection of cones is carried out in May-June; green pine cones that have not yet opened are needed. The diameter of the cones should not be more than four centimeters. After collection, the raw materials are thoroughly washed under running water, each cone is divided into four parts and filled into a glass container (you can use a liter jar).

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