Viruses are constantly present in the environment, and their carriers are millions of people around the planet.
Most people do not attach particular importance to the emerging disease caused by viruses, in the hope that the immune system will cope on its own. Yes, the human immune system has the power to defeat them, but it’s too late when another, more serious infection appears in the weakened body and complications arise. In addition, lifelong immunity is produced only to a small number of viruses, the rest, for example, the herpes virus, constantly mutate, and the body has to defeat them again and again.
When choosing medications, consider the following features:
release form;
the presence of contraindications;
patient age;
the price of the medicine.
For example, it is more convenient for children to use drops or candles, and a neutral or pleasant taste of the drug is also preferable. Do not forget about the age of the patient - the dosage of the drug may depend on this. Antiviral drugs do not have to be expensive; you can buy good pills or syrup without harming your wallet.
Classification
All anti-virus products can be divided into 3 categories:
Vaccines are special substances that are most often in the form of vaccinations and are used to prevent serious viral diseases. Each vaccine is effective against one specific disease.
Immunostimulants and immunomodulators . Such drugs strengthen the human immune system through the production of interferon. They are not expensive, but effective for adults in the winter, when immunity is weakened.
Antiviral drugs . These medications have a directed effect on a specific disease or virus, and can have an extensive effect on the body. They work by stimulating the production of various enzymes.
As for antiviral drugs, these drugs are divided into groups, and 4 of them are the most effective in the fight against colds.
Antiviral agents containing antihistamines and immunomodulators (Anaferon, Arbidol). They have a chemical effect on the replication of the virus and contribute to the production of their own interferon.
Means containing interferon (Grippferon, Alpharona). Interferon is a natural protein structure due to which the cells of the body become immune to viral cells.
Inductors of interferons (Kagocel, Lavomax). They activate processes in the body that awaken cells to their own production of interferon.
Neuraminidase Inhibitors (Tamiflu, Relenza). Drugs inhibit neuraminidases (specific proteins of the virus), which stops its further progression.
The use of antiviral drugs
The use of this group of drugs is justified after laboratory diagnostics and establishing the exact type of virus that caused the infectious disease. Today, several basic drugs are used to treat various viral infections:
Influenza, SARS - Amizon, Amiksin. In severe forms of the disease - Tamiflu (this drug had a pronounced effect in influenza caused by the A / H1N1 virus), Rimantadine.
Herpes virus infection and herpes zoster - Acyclovir, Herpevir.
Viral hepatitis (B, C) - Amiksin, Laferon, Ribavirin. A combination of these drugs is usually used.
HIV infection - Zidovudine, Lamivudine, Etravirine.
Cytomegalovirus infection and human papillomavirus (HPV) - Acyclovir, Cycloferon.
Antiviral drugs have an effect only on viruses in the replication stage. In the case of incorporation of viral DNA or RNA into the cell genome, but without the formation of new particles, the preparations do not have an effect. In relation to SARS and influenza, they have an effect only the first 48-72 hours from the onset of the disease (period of active replication).
During the use of such drugs, it is very important to observe the dosage, frequency of administration and the duration of the course of treatment. There are also antiviral agents for children in appropriate age-related dosages.
Mechanism of action
Antiviral drugs are isolated from anti-infective drugs in a separate group. This is due to the fact that no other antibacterial drugs (including the well-known antibiotics) can have an effective effect on the development of viruses. Such invulnerability of the virus is associated with their small and structural features. For comparison, let's try to compare, say, the sizes of our planet and an apple. So, the planet in our example is a medium-sized microbe, and the usual apple for us is a virus.
Viruses consist of nucleic acids - sources of information of self-reproduction and the capsules surrounding them. In the host organism, under favorable conditions, they can multiply very quickly, including by “embedding” their information in the cells of a sick organism, which themselves begin to reproduce these pathogenic forms. The usual protective forces of human immunity (blood cells) are often powerless in front of them. The number of pathogenic viruses found is more than 500.
The first drug with antiviral properties was obtained back in 1946, it was called Thiosemicarbazone. As a main component, it was part of Faringosept, and for many years it was used in clinical medicine to combat inflammatory diseases of the throat. Idoxuridine, which is used against the herpes virus, was then discovered.
Since the beginning of the 80s of the last century, active work began on the creation of drugs that stimulate the body's ability to synthesize interferon. Scientific work continues in our time.
5 most effective antiviral drugs
Having studied all the market offers, based on the opinions of doctors and patients, we compiled a rating from the TOP 10 most effective antiviral drugs for 2019.
Amixin
The antiviral drug Amiksin is successfully used not only for the treatment of influenza and SARS, but also as a prophylactic for these ailments. Doctors recommend taking this medicine in a course of 6 tablets, but you should consult a specialist before using it.
Amiksin's effectiveness is high, and its cost in pharmacies depends on the dosage of the active substance. The average price of the drug is 500 rubles. Amiksin is well combined with other medicines to treat bacterial and viral infections, including antibiotics. On the part of the digestive system, side effects in the form of dispersion are possible, and experts also note such phenomena as chills and an allergic reaction.
The medicine gives a good effect in the treatment of viral infection, characterized by an acute course.
Kagocel
One of the best-selling drugs on the Russian market. Designed in the late 1980s. in Soviet Union. One of the main active ingredients obtained from cotton and is a copolymer of gossypol. Another component is cellulose glycolic acid. The combination of these components leads to increased release of interferon by immune cells.
It should be noted that pure gossypol is known as a drug that adversely affects male spermatogenesis. And although the developers claim that this substance in its pure form contains an insignificant amount in the drug, this circumstance makes one wary.
Amizon
The drug belongs to the group of inducers of endogenous interferons, after getting into the bloodstream it stimulates the production of the corresponding protective protein. This allows Amizon to indirectly hinder the spread of influenza viruses and SARS, and the sooner treatment is started, the more successful the result. The drug has no direct analogues in the pharmaceutical market, it has a minimal frequency of side effects - only about 6%, which is very good compared to other antiviral drugs from the group of interferon inducers.
The disadvantages of Amizon include the inability to use in childhood, as well as during gestation and breastfeeding. These limitations are explained by the relative novelty of the drug and the insufficient study of its effects on the body. Of the side effects, bitterness and burning in the mouth, salivation and swelling of the mucosa are occasionally recorded.
Anaferon
The drug is available in the form of lozenges - for children and adults, as well as drops for oral administration - for use by children.
Pharmacological action: the drug is based on antibodies to human interferon, that is, molecules similar to viral. The body “thinks” that a virus has entered the bloodstream and activates the immune response. It increases the production of various lymphocytes and increases the functional reserve of those that "go" directly to the focus of inflammation. Also, the drug is an interferonogen, increasing the formation of its own “early” interferons (alpha and beta), as well as gamma-interferons.
Price: Anaferon tablets for children and adults - about 210 r for 20 tablets, Anaferon in drops - 260 r
Remantadine
This is a well-known drug that has established itself among buyers. Remantadine is able to effectively fight many viral diseases and even recently diagnosed swine flu. For children, this remedy can be prescribed from the age of 1 year.
Like any medicine, rimantadine has its side effects and contraindications. This drug may cause:
dry mouth
dizziness;
apathy
nausea;
tachycardia of the heart.
It is most effective to take this drug at the initial stage of the disease, as this is a general antiviral drug. It may not cope with some mutating viruses. In this case, it is advisable to choose another remedy as prescribed by the doctor.
Most people do not attach particular importance to the emerging disease caused by viruses, in the hope that the immune system will cope on its own. Yes, the human immune system has the power to defeat them, but it’s too late when another, more serious infection appears in the weakened body and complications arise. In addition, lifelong immunity is produced only to a small number of viruses, the rest, for example, the herpes virus, constantly mutate, and the body has to defeat them again and again.
When choosing medications, consider the following features:
release form;
the presence of contraindications;
patient age;
the price of the medicine.
For example, it is more convenient for children to use drops or candles, and a neutral or pleasant taste of the drug is also preferable. Do not forget about the age of the patient - the dosage of the drug may depend on this. Antiviral drugs do not have to be expensive; you can buy good pills or syrup without harming your wallet.
Classification
All anti-virus products can be divided into 3 categories:
Vaccines are special substances that are most often in the form of vaccinations and are used to prevent serious viral diseases. Each vaccine is effective against one specific disease.
Immunostimulants and immunomodulators . Such drugs strengthen the human immune system through the production of interferon. They are not expensive, but effective for adults in the winter, when immunity is weakened.
Antiviral drugs . These medications have a directed effect on a specific disease or virus, and can have an extensive effect on the body. They work by stimulating the production of various enzymes.
As for antiviral drugs, these drugs are divided into groups, and 4 of them are the most effective in the fight against colds.
Antiviral agents containing antihistamines and immunomodulators (Anaferon, Arbidol). They have a chemical effect on the replication of the virus and contribute to the production of their own interferon.
Means containing interferon (Grippferon, Alpharona). Interferon is a natural protein structure due to which the cells of the body become immune to viral cells.
Inductors of interferons (Kagocel, Lavomax). They activate processes in the body that awaken cells to their own production of interferon.
Neuraminidase Inhibitors (Tamiflu, Relenza). Drugs inhibit neuraminidases (specific proteins of the virus), which stops its further progression.
The use of antiviral drugs
The use of this group of drugs is justified after laboratory diagnostics and establishing the exact type of virus that caused the infectious disease. Today, several basic drugs are used to treat various viral infections:
Influenza, SARS - Amizon, Amiksin. In severe forms of the disease - Tamiflu (this drug had a pronounced effect in influenza caused by the A / H1N1 virus), Rimantadine.
Herpes virus infection and herpes zoster - Acyclovir, Herpevir.
Viral hepatitis (B, C) - Amiksin, Laferon, Ribavirin. A combination of these drugs is usually used.
HIV infection - Zidovudine, Lamivudine, Etravirine.
Cytomegalovirus infection and human papillomavirus (HPV) - Acyclovir, Cycloferon.
Antiviral drugs have an effect only on viruses in the replication stage. In the case of incorporation of viral DNA or RNA into the cell genome, but without the formation of new particles, the preparations do not have an effect. In relation to SARS and influenza, they have an effect only the first 48-72 hours from the onset of the disease (period of active replication).
During the use of such drugs, it is very important to observe the dosage, frequency of administration and the duration of the course of treatment. There are also antiviral agents for children in appropriate age-related dosages.
Mechanism of action
Antiviral drugs are isolated from anti-infective drugs in a separate group. This is due to the fact that no other antibacterial drugs (including the well-known antibiotics) can have an effective effect on the development of viruses. Such invulnerability of the virus is associated with their small and structural features. For comparison, let's try to compare, say, the sizes of our planet and an apple. So, the planet in our example is a medium-sized microbe, and the usual apple for us is a virus.
Viruses consist of nucleic acids - sources of information of self-reproduction and the capsules surrounding them. In the host organism, under favorable conditions, they can multiply very quickly, including by “embedding” their information in the cells of a sick organism, which themselves begin to reproduce these pathogenic forms. The usual protective forces of human immunity (blood cells) are often powerless in front of them. The number of pathogenic viruses found is more than 500.
The first drug with antiviral properties was obtained back in 1946, it was called Thiosemicarbazone. As a main component, it was part of Faringosept, and for many years it was used in clinical medicine to combat inflammatory diseases of the throat. Idoxuridine, which is used against the herpes virus, was then discovered.
Since the beginning of the 80s of the last century, active work began on the creation of drugs that stimulate the body's ability to synthesize interferon. Scientific work continues in our time.
5 most effective antiviral drugs
Having studied all the market offers, based on the opinions of doctors and patients, we compiled a rating from the TOP 10 most effective antiviral drugs for 2019.
Amixin
The antiviral drug Amiksin is successfully used not only for the treatment of influenza and SARS, but also as a prophylactic for these ailments. Doctors recommend taking this medicine in a course of 6 tablets, but you should consult a specialist before using it.
Amiksin's effectiveness is high, and its cost in pharmacies depends on the dosage of the active substance. The average price of the drug is 500 rubles. Amiksin is well combined with other medicines to treat bacterial and viral infections, including antibiotics. On the part of the digestive system, side effects in the form of dispersion are possible, and experts also note such phenomena as chills and an allergic reaction.
The medicine gives a good effect in the treatment of viral infection, characterized by an acute course.
Kagocel
One of the best-selling drugs on the Russian market. Designed in the late 1980s. in Soviet Union. One of the main active ingredients obtained from cotton and is a copolymer of gossypol. Another component is cellulose glycolic acid. The combination of these components leads to increased release of interferon by immune cells.
It should be noted that pure gossypol is known as a drug that adversely affects male spermatogenesis. And although the developers claim that this substance in its pure form contains an insignificant amount in the drug, this circumstance makes one wary.
Amizon
The drug belongs to the group of inducers of endogenous interferons, after getting into the bloodstream it stimulates the production of the corresponding protective protein. This allows Amizon to indirectly hinder the spread of influenza viruses and SARS, and the sooner treatment is started, the more successful the result. The drug has no direct analogues in the pharmaceutical market, it has a minimal frequency of side effects - only about 6%, which is very good compared to other antiviral drugs from the group of interferon inducers.
The disadvantages of Amizon include the inability to use in childhood, as well as during gestation and breastfeeding. These limitations are explained by the relative novelty of the drug and the insufficient study of its effects on the body. Of the side effects, bitterness and burning in the mouth, salivation and swelling of the mucosa are occasionally recorded.
Anaferon
The drug is available in the form of lozenges - for children and adults, as well as drops for oral administration - for use by children.
Pharmacological action: the drug is based on antibodies to human interferon, that is, molecules similar to viral. The body “thinks” that a virus has entered the bloodstream and activates the immune response. It increases the production of various lymphocytes and increases the functional reserve of those that "go" directly to the focus of inflammation. Also, the drug is an interferonogen, increasing the formation of its own “early” interferons (alpha and beta), as well as gamma-interferons.
Price: Anaferon tablets for children and adults - about 210 r for 20 tablets, Anaferon in drops - 260 r
Remantadine
This is a well-known drug that has established itself among buyers. Remantadine is able to effectively fight many viral diseases and even recently diagnosed swine flu. For children, this remedy can be prescribed from the age of 1 year.
Like any medicine, rimantadine has its side effects and contraindications. This drug may cause:
dry mouth
dizziness;
apathy
nausea;
tachycardia of the heart.
It is most effective to take this drug at the initial stage of the disease, as this is a general antiviral drug. It may not cope with some mutating viruses. In this case, it is advisable to choose another remedy as prescribed by the doctor.
Comments
Post a Comment