Antifungal preparations of a wide spectrum of action

To combat viruses and colds in medicine, anti-influenza drugs that suppress vital activity and the spread of pathogens are used. When choosing a remedy, it is necessary to give preference to the one whose effectiveness is proved by scientific research.

Influenza virus: what is the danger?

One of the main tasks of medical science is the development of medicines to combat the influenza virus. This infectious disease in the absence of adequate and timely therapy can significantly damage the body and provoke complications. Those most at risk are those with a weak immune system. At risk are children and the elderly. During the period of the disease, meningitis, inflammation or pulmonary edema, bronchitis, pneumonia may develop. For those who suffer from chronic pathologies, the influenza virus strikes a weak spot, and the illness worsens, which can lead to death.

The virus constantly mutates, new strains appear, and it is difficult for the human body to cope with an unfamiliar "enemy." Pandemics ("Spaniard", Asian, Hong Kong, pig type) take the lives of many people, and therefore drugs for the treatment of influenza are constantly improving to achieve the most effective effect.

Anti-influenza means: mechanism of action

In the treatment of influenza it is important not only to remove the symptoms of the manifestation of the disease, but also to eradicate the virus from the body. Anti-influenza drugs are aimed at suppressing the pathogen, protecting the cell from penetrating the virus and further spreading. There are drugs suitable for the treatment of influenza, and those that are used exclusively for prevention.

By the mechanism of action, the means are distinguished:

• Inhibiting the process of compounding (synthesis) of early proteins;
• Suppressing the synthesis of DNA and RNA-type nucleic acids;
• Inhibiting the "assembly" of protein and nucleic acid (formation of a virion);
• Increase the ability of the cells to resist viruses.

Classification

Drugs with proven efficacy against viruses are divided into two groups: M2-channel blockers (prescribed for treatment of influenza A) and enzyme inhibitors from the virus envelope-neuraminidase (affect influenza A and B). There is also a group of interferon - human and synthetic.

Depending on the type of disease, antiviral drugs are classified into the following categories:

1. Anti-influenza medicines (Amantadine, Arbidol, Rimantadine, Tamiflu).
2. Antiherpetic drugs (Valaciclovir, Gerpevir).
3. Anti-cytomegalovirus (Foscarnet, Ganciclovir).
4. Drugs used in the immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C ("Phosphonoformate", "Zidovudine").
5. Antiviral (anti-influenza) preparations of a wide spectrum of action ("Interferon", "Amiksin").

Interferons - drugs with a wide spectrum of action

Interferon is a protein (protein) from the form of cytokines, which is produced by the immune system when in contact with "foreign" microorganisms. There are three types of interferon: alpha (α), beta (β) and gamma (γ). Each of them has certain properties and affects specific diseases. Anti-influenza drugs of a wide spectrum of action effectively fight not only with viral, but also with bacterial infections. It is established that human and synthetic interferon create a protective barrier in the path of pathology and cause immune cells (especially macrophages) to work.

Interferon preparations can be in different forms: injections (intravenous and intramuscular), ointments for external use, drops, tablets, suppositories. Natural interferon can cause side effects due to someone else's protein in the composition, so the most popular synthetic anti-influenza drugs of a new generation. You can find the right remedy with the help of a doctor.

What antiviral drugs are suitable for children?

The organism of the child is more susceptible to infection with the virus, because, unlike adults, his immune system is not yet strong enough to give a worthy rebuff to pathogenic microorganisms. The disease quickly overcomes a small person and is able to give complications to the organs of the upper respiratory tract. Among modern medicines, there are anti-influenza drugs for children that are allowed to use from birth. This can be homeopathic ("Viburkol") and funds from the group of interferons. Among the latter, candles are especially respected by parents : "Viferon", "Anaferon", "Kipferon". These are anti-influenza drugs, the reviews about which are more positive.

Antifungal drugs of synthetic origin - "Tamiflu", "Arbidol", "Rimantadine" - are effective only if they are given in the first hours of manifestation of the disease. Even if the drug is given on time, it may still not be relief. This is due to the capabilities of the active substance: influenza type A can not be treated with a remedy for type B. It is worthwhile to refrain from buying pharmaceutical medicines that have not been clinically tested: Panavir, Cycloferon, and others.

Therefore, before the arrival of a pediatrician, it is better for a child to give a copious drink that removes symptoms and antiviral drugs (anti-influenza, anti-herpetic). It should be only means with proven effectiveness, and they must be given strictly according to the instructions.

Anti-influenza drugs and pregnancy

During pregnancy , the woman's immune system is weakened and easily "passes" pathogenic microorganisms. Most drugs are not allowed in the first trimester, so as not to harm the developing fetus, but the flu virus carries a danger to the baby and the future mother. Allowed anti-influenza drugs for pregnant women and during lactation: "Viferon", "Tamiflu", "Ocillococcinum". Before the beginning of treatment, it is mandatory to consult a gynecologist, who is pregnant and knows the features of the organism of the future mother.

Prevention is the best way to protect against a viral infection. Therefore, the future mother should take care of her health and improve her immunity. In the period of outbreaks of epidemics, it is necessary to limit visits to public places and not to contact the infected person. To reduce the risk of the disease, you can use the funds on the basis of interferon, which will select the attending physician.

Creation of new generation drugs

Scientists are constantly in search of a new life-saving vaccine and drugs that can fight the mutated influenza virus. Unfortunately, not all new generation anti-influenza drugs that went on sale have time to undergo research on effectiveness. There is a danger of high toxic effects on body cells and side effects.

Drugs for the treatment of influenza and colds with clinically proven efficacy can be used without fear. Positive research results for the agents "Ingavirin", "Derinat", "Tamiflu", "Amiksin", "Kagotsel", "Relenza".

How to choose an anti-influenza remedy?

Popular advertised remedies do not help everyone get rid of the ailment in a matter of days. First of all, recovery depends on the state of the human immune system, and if there is a place for exhaustion, then the positive result of drug therapy will have to wait a long time. It is also important how quickly they started taking anti-influenza drugs. The list of recommended medications is large enough, but those that act only on infected cells and do not cause toxicological damage to the entire body are considered effective.

Pharmacy counters are full of various antiviral medicines, but the choice must be approached consciously, after consulting with the attending physician. It is difficult to determine a suitable preparation independently and to schedule a treatment regimen. It is also necessary to take into account the contraindications and possible side effects that are present in the group of neuraminidase inhibitors.

Viferon: brief information

"Viferon" refers to synthetic interferons (α-2b) and has vitamins C, E. It is a complex means of a wide range of actions used in the treatment of colds, flu, gynecological pathologies and various infections. Quite often, "Viferon" is prescribed as a prophylaxis and strengthening of immunity. Issue in the form of ointments, gel and suppositories.

Depending on the age, doctors select the necessary concentration of the drug. Exceed the recommended dosage is prohibited! The product is absolutely safe for pregnant and lactating women. In pediatrics, anti-influenza drugs for children are prescribed, if there are certain indications. Candles with the least amount of active substance (150,000 IU) are successfully used to treat infants. For older children and adolescents, the concentration of Viferon may be greater.

The drug was tested and virtually no side effects. In rare cases, an allergic reaction is possible that does not require treatment.

"Ingavirin"

New generation anti-influenza drugs have been replenished with another development of scientists called "Ingavirin." The antiviral and anti-inflammatory effect extends to influenza A, B, respiratory infections, parainfluenza. In one capsule of the drug contains 90 mg of active ingredient vitaglutam. Immunostimulating effect contributes to the production of interferon.

The conducted studies showed a low toxicity of the drug and a positive result of anti-influenza therapy already a day after the beginning of taking "Ingavirin". Side effects in the form of an allergic rash occurred rarely. Despite the good results of the experiments, the drug is not allowed to use women in the state, during lactation and children under 18 years of age.

"Amiksin"

Synthetic inducer of all types of interferon, the drug in the form of tablets "Amiksin" ("Tiloron") has proved itself only from the positive side. Antiviral properties extend to colds, influenza, hepatitis (B, C, A), herpes and cytomegalovirus infection.

The interferon inductor is recommended to be taken as a prophylaxis during epidemics. The course of treatment and dosage is determined by the attending physician. Contraindications are individual intolerance of components, age to 7 years, pregnancy and lactation.

"Lipoferon"

Emerging on pharmacy counters, new anti-influenza drugs are generally well tolerated by both children and the adult generation. "Lipoferon" is a liposome based on the recombinant interferon group α (alpha), which contains antioxidant vitamins E and C. The advantage of interferon in liposomes is the preservation of biological activity during ingestion in the gastrointestinal tract. Successful were the medical studies of the drug, proving the effectiveness and absence of side effects.

Like many anti-influenza drugs, "Lipoferon" is released in the form of a powder with a different concentration of interferon. Pediatrics allow the use of funds if the child is 3 years old. During pregnancy, lactation and with allergic intolerance of the constituent components, it is forbidden to take it.

Should I take anti-influenza drugs?

The opinions of doctors were divided about the need to prescribe antiviral (anti-influenza) drugs to patients. There are doubts about their effectiveness and in people who have experienced these funds. Immunologists, pediatricians, and therapists recommend not taking self-medication and taking only the anti-flu medications prescribed by the doctor. The list of medicines of this kind presented on a free-of-charge sale is really great, but the greatest preference is still given to interferon inducers with the least contraindications and side effects.

For greater effectiveness of drug therapy and prevention, it is necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle and do not forget about the traditional recipes of traditional medicine for strengthening immunity in children and adults.