Arbidol suspension - instructions for use for children

Arbidol for children is a fairly popular drug that effectively combats the consequences of viral and bacterial infection of the body. This remedy has a pronounced antiviral and immunostimulating effect on the human body. Long-term experience of its use in medical practice proves the high effectiveness of the drug in the fight against viruses of various types.

The wide spectrum of action of Arbidol allows it to be used to get rid of acute respiratory viral infections, acute respiratory infections, prevent the development of complications and speed up recovery. At what age can it be given to children, what are the dosage rules for this pharmaceutical, we will consider below.

Operating principle

Arbidol is an antiviral drug. According to the manufacturer, the following pathogens are sensitive to it:

• influenza A and B viruses;
• the coronavirus that causes severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS);
• herpesvirus;
• rhinovirus;
• rotavirus;
• adenovirus;
• RS virus;
• parainfluenza virus.

Arbidol prevents viruses from connecting to the cell membranes of healthy tissues. In experiments on mice, it was found that it causes the formation of interferon, which is responsible for immunity. According to the manufacturer, taking the drug reduces the duration and severity of a viral infection and prevents the addition of bacterial diseases.

Arbidol is not included in the list of medications recommended by the FDA for the treatment of influenza in the United States.

Clinical trials of the drug have not been completed, so it has not been studied how effective and safe the medicine is.

How does it affect the body? (Pharmacodynamics)

The drug, due to its main component, has an antiviral and immunostimulating effect on the body:

• suppresses influenza viruses forms A and B, as well as viruses of acute respiratory diseases. The virus multiplies in the body using its living cells. It contains a special protein called hemagglutinin. With its help, the virus adheres to the cell membrane. Once the virus has attached, the cell membrane envelops it on all sides, creating an endosome (vesicle) that penetrates into the cell. There, the virus calmly reaches the apparatus that synthesizes RNA and forces the cell to reproduce proteins and RNA for new viruses. The active component of the drug begins to act when the virus has attached to the cell and an endosome has formed around it. At this stage, it blocks the work of hemagglutinin, preventing the virus from entering the cell. This stops the spread of infection, new viral particles are not synthesized, and old ones die.
• stimulates the functioning of its own immune system: increases the number of T-lymphocytes, especially killer and helper cells.
• increases the activity of macrophages and the amount of synthesized interferons.
• shortens the duration of the disease by 1–2 days, reduces the number of viral bodies in the blood, and not only alleviates the symptoms of the disease.

Indications

In any form of release, Arbidol can be taken by children for the purpose of treatment and prevention of severe acute respiratory syndrome, ARVI, including influenza.

In addition, tablets and capsules can be taken for the treatment and prevention of secondary immunodeficiencies. They can be given to a child in combination with other medications for chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, and infections caused by herpes viruses and rotaviruses.

They can be given to children who have undergone surgery to boost immunity and prevent infections.

Contraindications

The use of Arbidol tablets and capsules is not permitted for all people without exception.

Contraindications to the use of the medicine:

• children under 2 years of age (Arbidol);
• age up to 12 years (Arbidol Maximum);
• sensitivity to the components included in the drug, which is individual in nature.

These contraindications are absolute; a list of relative contraindications should be noted that allow treatment of colds and flu with Arbidol, but only after obtaining consultation and permission from a doctor.

These include:

• kidney disease;
• liver pathologies;
• disorders of the heart and blood vessels.

Instructions for use

Arbidol should be given to the child before meals in the following single dosages

To prepare the suspension, add 30 ml of boiled water at room temperature to the contents of the bottle. Then the bottle must be closed and shaken well to obtain a homogeneous suspension. Then you need to add water to the mark.

Arbidol should be given according to the following schemes:

During therapy you need to remember the following:

1. The powder must be stored at temperatures up to 25 degrees for 24 months, and the finished suspension must be kept in the refrigerator at a temperature not exceeding 8 degrees for only 10 days.
2. The shelf life of capsules and tablets is 24 months.
3. Tablets in a dose of 50 mg should be stored in a dark, damp place at a temperature of +5-+30 degrees, and 100 mg tablets at a temperature of up to 25 degrees.
4. Capsules do not require any special storage conditions.
5. Arbidol can be taken in combination with other medications, including mucolytic and antipyretic drugs, antibiotics.
6. The suspension contains sucrose, which should be taken into account by diabetics and children prescribed a low-carbohydrate diet.
7. If you miss the next dose, you should take it as soon as possible and continue to take the medication as usual.

Release form and composition

This drug has several forms that are used directly for the treatment of children: Arbidol tablets, capsules, suspension (powder from which the drug is prepared by adding boiled water).

Treatment of children for diseases of viral etiology is most often carried out through the use of tablets. However, both capsules and dragees have an equal concentration of the active substance. It is up to the pediatrician to decide what form the little patient will take. It is also important to consider the child's ability to swallow capsules or tablets.

We recommend reading: Incubation period of ARVI

For babies who have recently reached two years of age, a suspension is best suited. To prepare it, you need to take a bottle of light yellow powder and dilute its contents with water, which is regulated by the instructions. The powder to create the suspension also contains umifenovir; in addition to it, there are silicon dioxide, povidone, starch and some other auxiliary components.

In order to understand the principles of the medicinal effects of Arbidol, one should consider the process of human infection. It begins from the moment the pathogen - a virus - enters the cells of the human body. This situation provokes the body’s active production of hemagglutin, a protein that facilitates the attachment of the virus to the cell surface, which, in turn, causes the development of inflammatory processes. If we are talking about infection with an acute respiratory or viral disease, then the organs of the respiratory system or the gastrointestinal tract may suffer.

The further situation develops under the influence of constantly multiplying viruses, which increases foci of inflammation, increasing intoxication of the body. Because of this, the patient begins to suffer from a number of catarrhal symptoms:

• lacrimation and redness of the conjunctiva of the eyes;
• constant sneezing accompanied by itching in the nose;
• cough and sore throat;
• increased body temperature;
• development of swelling of the nasal mucosa, which provokes nasal congestion and difficulty breathing.

Arbidol, which penetrates the body in time, prevents it from producing hemagglutin. This ensures protection of cellular structures from the effects of the pathogen and its negative impact on the baby’s condition. The virus loses its ability to reproduce, its movement into the cell stops. It can remain on the cell surface for up to four days, after which it dies.

That’s why timely initiation of children’s Arbidol is so important. The first hours after the onset of symptoms of the disease are the time when the infection is just developing in the body, which allows you to have the desired effect on it and protect the body from complete infection. Otherwise, when more than a day passes after the virus develops in the body, the use of this drug will not have therapeutic meaning.

Partly for this reason, Arbidol is approved for use to prevent children from contracting the flu and other viral respiratory infections. This medication is especially often prescribed to children, who are characterized by reduced immune defenses.

Timely initiation of drug therapy allows achieving the following effects:

• pathogen control;
• stimulation of the active functioning of the immune system;
• acceleration of redox processes;
• reduction of body intoxication;
• reducing the likelihood of developing dangerous complications.

Timely, and most importantly, regular use of this drug can reduce periods of exacerbation of chronic diseases.

Analogs

There are complete analogues of Arbidol on sale, such as Arpeflu, Afludol, they have similar indications, contraindications and adverse reactions.

Afludol and Arpeflu are available in tablets of 50 mg and 100 mg, which are suitable for children over 3 years of age. The differences between Arbidol and these medications are insignificant, so after consulting a doctor, you can take any of them.

In addition, its substitutes for the therapeutic group are available for sale:

• Kagocel;
• Anaferon;
• Ergoferon.
• Cytovir;
• Viferon;
• Cycloferon;
• Amiksin.

Features of the drug

The age of the child is important when taking medication. The antiviral drug is recommended for use in children starting from 2 years of age. Up to 3 years only as prescribed by a doctor.

Arbidol has low toxicity for the child's body and is very effective if taken in the first hours of the virus entering the body.

A child aged three years should be given Arbidol when he does not have an allergic reaction to the drug and there are no side effects from taking the drug. Otherwise, it is necessary to select an analogue of Arbidol.

What to choose Anaferon or Arbidol?

Anaferon for children is a homeopathic remedy; it is sold in drops and absorbable tablets. According to the manufacturer, it can be taken for the treatment and prevention of acute respiratory viral infections, viral infections, including those caused by herpes viruses, rotaviruses. In combination with other drugs, Anaferon for children can be taken to treat bacterial diseases. It can be given to children older than 1 month if they are not allergic to the composition of the medicine.

The effectiveness of homeopathic remedies has not yet been proven.

Arbidol powder: reviews of the drug

Alina Beloglazova, Moscow I first learned about Arbidol a couple of years ago when I got the flu. Then he really helped me out, I couldn’t go on sick leave, I urgently needed to finish the work. Having started taking this drug, she easily tolerated the disease, and after 3 days the symptoms disappeared completely. Now, as soon as someone in our family gets sick, including our little daughter, we immediately take Arbidol. Convenient powder form, pleasant to drink, quickly relieves symptoms. We have verified that with this powder we recover much faster and the illness is easier. Galina Yakovleva, Syzran As soon as one person gets sick, the whole family catches the virus. Of course, it is easier to prevent a disease than to treat everyone. As soon as one of our family begins to sneeze or complain of other flu symptoms, everyone immediately takes Arbidol for prevention, and most often the disease goes away. Our first aid kit always contains bags of tasty powder. Dmitry Pushkin, Moscow Few people in our country have not been treated with antiviral drugs at least once in their lives during a cold or flu. But no one ever thought about the fact that no serious trials were carried out with this drug; I’m actually surprised that the WHO included the drug quite recently, although it has been on sale for a long time. In fact, the effect of the medicine is very weak, it cannot relieve the symptoms, sometimes they decrease slightly. Recovery does not come faster. My whole family and I gave up Arbidol. And by the way, in Europe no one knows about this drug; perhaps it was simply not allowed for sale. Kristina Zaitseva, Bratsk At one time, it was “fashionable” among our friends to be treated with all sorts of antiviral drugs. And no one thought that in fact they didn’t really help. If I was sick without medication for 7 days, then with Arbidol I could be sick for 6 days. I always have severe symptoms in the first 2-3 days. In principle, everything was the same with this drug. It turns out that it is ineffective, but, let me tell you, it costs a lot. I stopped being treated with such means, I think that they are ineffective, of course, it is profitable for manufacturers to sell it, that’s why the advertising is strong. Tatyana Abrosova, Ulan-Ude During colds, I often take Arbidol powder. The convenient form allows you to drink something that tastes good, I don’t like pills, I have a gag reflex on them. Recovery with it happens faster, but I would like to drink and immediately become healthy, unfortunately, this is not the case. The price is normal. There were no side effects or allergic reactions. Alexander Anisimov, Izhevsk A couple of years ago I discovered a good drug, Arbidol, it is antiviral and copes well with the influenza virus. During an epidemic, I take it as a preventive measure, and most often I manage to avoid the disease. I can't say anything bad. The composition, of course, is completely chemical, but you can’t buy anything else from us. If only honey and lemon. Maria Fedorova, Berezovka The whole family uses Arbidol powder for the treatment and prevention of influenza. I have a very weak immune system, if someone sneezes next to me, I will definitely get sick, but I manage to cope with it, if I don’t constantly come into contact with infected people, I manage to avoid the flu. If I am in a closed space with sick people, I can get sick. The price could have been lower.

What to buy Ergoferon or Arbidol?

Ergoferon is a homeopathic remedy that is sold in drops and lozenges. According to the manufacturer, it can be taken for the treatment and prevention of acute respiratory and intestinal infections, inflammation of the meninges, mouse fever, tick-borne encephalitis, and herpes. It can also be taken in combination with other medications to treat infections caused by bacteria. Tablets are allowed for patients older than six months, and drops are available from 3 years of age.

The therapeutic effect of the homeopathic remedy has not been proven in clinical trials.

Comprehensive treatment for chronic diseases

Doctors advise young children to give Arbidol to children in the form of syrup. It is made from a powder that is sold in a 125 ml glass tube. The powder usually has a pleasant fruity taste.

Once diluted with water, you will see a white or cream-colored suspension. Each package has a measuring spoon, with which you will definitely not make a mistake with the dosage of the medication. Preparation of Arbidol baby syrup is necessary according to the following instructions:

1. You need to boil and cool the water to room temperature.
2. Then you need to add 30 ml of water to the bottle with the powder.
3. Cover with a lid and stir thoroughly until the mixture has a uniform consistency.
4. Then you need to add another 100 ml of water.
5. Shake well.

Medicine Tsifran - instructions for use

After completing the above steps, the suspension will be ready for use for the treatment of chronic diseases. Before taking the next dose of the medicine, the bottle of Arbidol syrup should be shaken well.

Viferon or Arbidol?

Viferon contains interferon as an active component. The medicine is available in gel, ointment, suppositories, which are inserted into the anus. According to the manufacturer, Viferon, regardless of the form of release, helps with ARVI and herpes. In addition, the gel is recommended for false croup, and suppositories for infections of newborns and chronic hepatitis.

Viferon should not be taken if you are hypersensitive to its composition, in which case it can cause allergies.

The effect of the medication has not been proven.

Cycloferon or Arbidol?

Cycloferon is part of the group of immunostimulants. Children over 4 years old can take the medicine in tablets and injections. According to the manufacturer, after the medication enters the body, interferon begins to be produced, which is responsible for increasing immunity. The medicine also suppresses autoimmune processes and inflammation, and has an analgesic effect.

Viruses are sensitive to it, including pathogens of influenza, HIV infection, and hepatitis.

Cycloferon is contraindicated in cases of intolerance to its composition and severe liver cirrhosis. Allergies may occur due to medication treatment.

The effect of Cycloferon has not been confirmed.

How the drug works

The drug contains umifenovir. It is able to block the hemagglutinin of the viral cell, thereby preventing it from connecting with a healthy cell. Studies have shown that Arbidol penetrates quite quickly into all organs and systems. After 1-1.5 hours, its maximum amount in the blood is observed. In children, the drug is absorbed faster and thus the therapeutic effect occurs earlier.

Children's Arbidol provides:

• antiviral effect;
• antioxidant;
• immunomodulatory;
• eliminates intoxication in the body;
• reduces the likelihood of complications after a viral infection;
• reduces the possibility of recurrence of existing diseases;

In cases where the medication is taken for the purpose of prevention in children, Arbidol reduces the likelihood of viral infection by 4 times.

Arbidol for children at 3 years of age reduces the duration of a viral infection, reduces symptoms, alleviates the course of the disease, and reduces the likelihood of exacerbation of chronic infectious diseases of the body.

Reviews

Parents' opinion

On the Internet you can find both positive and negative reviews about the antiviral agent. Parents like that the medication is available in several forms, which allows them to choose the most suitable one. They note that if you take Arbidol for prevention, you may not get sick and the signs of infection disappear faster with it.

Negative reviews are due to the fact that the medication can cause allergies. Parents don’t like the fact that even though the suspension itself tastes good, it leaves a bitter aftertaste. But not every baby can swallow capsules and tablets.

Doctor Komarovsky's opinion

A well-known pediatrician believes that Arbidol is a medication with unproven effectiveness.

Despite the fact that the antiviral drug can be purchased without a prescription, only a doctor should decide how to take Arbidol for a child.

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"ARBIDOL" (100 mg): price

The cost of the drug is determined by its release form, dosage, the size of the pharmaceutical chain's markup and the region of sales. So the price for Arbidol for children is:

• Europharm – 350 rubles;
• Dialogue – 331 rubles;
• IFC Pharmacy – 403 rubles;
• Maksavit – 314 rubles;
• Pharmacy – 322 rubles.

Tablets for children and adults in quantities of 10 pieces with a dosage of 50 milligrams can be purchased at the price

• WER.RU – 154 rubles;
• Europharm – 169 rubles;
• Dialogue – 167 rubles;
• IFC Pharmacy – 150 rubles;
• Maksavit – 154 rubles;
• Pharmacy – 165 rubles.

Capsules with a dosage of 100 milligrams will cost about 250 rubles for 10 pieces:

• WER.RU – 237 rubles;
• Europharm – 263 rubles;
• Dialogue – 257 rubles;
• IFC Pharmacy – 253 rubles;
• Maksavit – 231 rubles;
• Pharmacy – 244 rubles.

The medicine can be bought without a doctor's prescription.